Did you know that you can use most under-desk bikes as arm bikes to give your upper limbs a good workout? You bet you can! An arm bike machine for home helps you boost blood circulation, work out your upper body, lose your bat wings, and sculpt your arms.
Not only that. If you need to do physical therapy exercises for your arms and hands, a hand bike is your best option.
Our Top Arm Exercise Bikes: A Quick Overview
This review focuses on the top arm bikes ideal for home fitness. For those with limited time, here’s a preview of our top-rated options:
2.CozyLifeUnion Pedal Eerciser
3.MagneTrainer-ER Exercise Bike
To get the full picture of what each bike offers, including its strengths and weaknesses, keep reading!
8 Best Arm Bike Reviews
1. DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle
Best Pick
The DeskCycle 2 Pedal Exerciser is an under-desk peddler that doubles as an arm bike for toning your upper body. It fits under most desks and can be placed on top of a table or desk.
Features & Specs
The DeskCycle 2 is an upgrade of a previous version and can now store up to 160 hours of data over the previous model’s modest 16-hour memory.
Your workouts can be as varied as the 8 levels of magnetic resistance that this leg/arm bike is designed for, namely:
- Level 1 – 2: Ideal for warming up or cooling down your body
- Level 3 – 4: Designed for light exercising
- Level 5 – 6: Endurance training. Ideal for upper body workouts
- Level 7 – 8: Muscular toning: Ideal for leg workouts
This hand cycle bike comes with a 3-lb flywheel that works quietly and smoothly, allowing you to work out while you listen to music or watch a movie.
The pedals are wide enough to accommodate your feet or hands, and you can customize the fit with adjustable Velcro straps.
The DeskCycle 2 allows for bidirectional pedaling, which is not always a feature in all bikes. What’s great about this feature is that it recruits different muscles groups during your workout routines.
The LCD display provides the usual data tracking, including your time, distance covered, calories burned, and speed.
What we liked
- Lightweight and portable
- Boasts of 8 levels of magnetic resistance for fitness, strength training, and muscle toning
- Gentle on the knees and joints, making it the perfect exerciser for the elderly or those going through rehabilitation
- This cardio/arm/pedal exerciser comes with a display and resistance adjustment knob
- You can use it either sitting down or standing up
What we didn’t like
- Not ideal for use on uncarpeted floors
2. CozyLifeUnion Arm Exercise Cycle
CozyLifeUnion pedal exerciser is the perfect pick for anyone looking for an affordable exercise bike for arms.
Features & Specs
It features a simple, foldable frame design that takes up very little space and can be stowed inside a small closet.
It accommodate people of different heights and can be adjusted to its lowest height of 29.3″ and maximum of 34.6″.
For a great arm training experience, the manufacturer has included wide handlebars with firm gripping surface. For lower body toning, you get smooth working pedals with anti-slip surface and adjustable straps for the perfect fit.
Best of all, this hand cycle offers multi-level resistance, so don’t worry if you’re a beginner or more advanced. It will have the resistance you need.
A simple LCD monitor keeps tab on distance covered, calories burned, speed, and time.
This slim, lightweight and affordable arm bike is all you need to exercise your arms.
What we liked
- Ideal for people with knee problems and can be used comfortably while seated
- Ideal for use while seating on bed or couch
- Lightweight and affordable
- Has resistance levels for intense workouts
What we didn’t like
- Poor instructions on how to assemble and use
3. MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike
The MagneTrainer-ER mini exercise bike is one of the best arm exercise bike products on the market. This hand cycle will give you the outcome you desire when you use it for at least 30 minutes each day. Here are some reasons why this arm bike should be on your short list.
Features & Specs
Durable design: The MagneTrainer-ER arm cycling exercise machine is made of steel and high-quality plastic. It will last long without losing its stability and efficiency.
Resistance settings: This physical therapy trainer boasts of twice the range of resistance offered by other arm cycling bikes (1 – 8 resistance levels). If you want intense routines to get your arms toned, then you want this pedal exerciser
Wide pedals: Another reason to consider this cardio arm bike is that it has wide pedals. They are molded to provide a firm grip surface and adjustable straps for your arms – and your feet, too.
Flywheel: For smooth pedaling motion, this cycle machine for arms is equipped with a 39-lb flywheel. The wheel works smoothly and quietly, making this arm bicycle ideal for apartments or offices.
LCD display: To help you track your progress, time, steps and more, the MagneTrainer-ER trainer arm comes with a digital display.
There you have it – 5 reasons why the MagneTrainer-ER bike is the best exercise bike for arms.
What we liked
- Bidirectional pedaling allows for more intense, low impact workouts
- Has a wide anti-slip base to maintain stability
- Knob makes it easy to adjust resistance levels
- Lightweight and easy to move around
What we didn’t like
- Short warranty
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Exercise Bike SF-B0418
For over 15 years, Sunny Health & Fitness has been manufacturing top-rated fitness equipment. Their products include folding portable treadmills, rowers, twist steppers, bikes with screens, pedal exercise machines, and many more.
One of these machines is the SF-B0418, which is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dual-action exercise cycle that is durable and affordable.
Features & Specs
It is made of sturdy, high-quality steel covered with hard plastic for user comfort. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like touching cold metal when exercising.
This hand cycle machine for home features a compact design that makes it easy to move around. You can carry it from one room to another without too much effort.
The BR0418 offers 8 levels of tension, allowing you to use the equipment for warm ups as well as intense strength training.
You get wide, anti-slip pedals, with adjustable straps to keep your hands and feet secure.
What we liked
- Has a handle that makes it easy to carry
- LCD monitor with large numbers to check time, steps, calories burned, and more
- Uses magnetic resistance which is quieter than air resistance
- Can be placed under a desk so you can exercise while in a seated position
What we didn’t like
- Some users find the resistance too weak
5. Exerpeutic Activcycle Motorized Mini Exercise Bike
The Exerpeutic Activcycle motorized mini exercise bike is a unique fitness equipment designed for hand exercises. It helps people:
- Boost blood circulation
- Work out while in a seated position
- Improve balance and movement
- Strengthen and tone the arms
- Save space
Features & Specs
It measures 16″ x 16″ x 13″, making the ActivCycle motorized pedal exerciser a perfect space-saver. You can hide it under your desk in the office, and no one will know it’s there. At home, you can let it sit on the table or on a shelf in plain view because it looks so pretty. Since you’ll be using it sitting down when working out your legs, it will be perfect for low-impact exercises.
It is made of 18% elastane and 83% polyamide, both high-quality materials.
This arm exercise machine for home has wide pedals and adjustable straps to accommodate big hands and keep you safe while exercising. There’s an auto-timer that turns the machine off after 15 minutes of continuous use.
Did you know that the Exerpeutic ActivCycle pedal exerciser stands out from the rest because of a unique feature? Unlike other bikes on this list, this exercise cycle for arms is not human-powered – a motor operates it.
So why is that good? A motor-operated arm bike is designed for people are to weak to push the pedals. It is a therapeutic device for rehabilitating weak muscles.
One session lasts around 15 minutes then the unit automatically switches off. Within that period, you get to choose the speed that best suits your needs. Also, if you want to work out beyond the 15-minute window, no problem! You can just switch it back on and keep going.
What we liked
- Comes with a free nonskid mat
- This cardio hand bike is integrated with a digital monitor
- Auto timer keeps the motor from overheating for your safety
- Has a built-in handle for portability
What we didn’t like
- Does not allow reverse pedaling
6. Ancheer Pedal Exerciser
The Ancheer pedal exerciser is one of the best arm bike models for home use. Like the others, you can use it sitting down to work out your legs, too.
Features & Specs
We like that its alloy steel frame is compact, making it easy to place it on a desk or coffee table during your arm workout routine. Its size also allows you to use it under a desk. It has wide pedals with straps to fit hands of different sizes.
The clutches are made of quality hard plastic with a firm-grip surface to prevent slipping. The pedals move smoothly and quietly, so it won’t bother you or others while watching TV, reading, playing games, or having a conversation.
This arm exerciser offers adjustable magnetic resistance and has a knob for adjusting the tension. You can view your workout stats, such as time and number of steps, via the LCD window. You can also use an app to record your progress.
What we like
- Triangular frame keeps it from wobbling
- Rubber pads hold the pedal exerciser in place on any type of floor
- Compact design and handle for portability and ease of storing
What we didn’t like
- Monitor does not show resistance level
7. Todo Pedal Exerciser
Another exerciser for arms to consider is the Todo pedal exerciser. It’s one of the best options for anyone on a budget. Made of durable, high quality material, this exerciser helps in improving mobility of the shoulders, arms, and hands. It is the right pick for someone who spends the day typing or doing a job where the hands are immobile most of the time.
Just like the Ancheer pedal exerciser, this hand equipment works quietly. You can use it at the office without disturbing your colleagues or at home while seated watching TV.
Features & Specs
Want to challenge yourself? The Todo can be used for intense hand exercises by turning up the level of intensity via the knob and by cycling in reverse. Very few arm bikes have bi-pedaling feature, which allows you to pedal clockwise and anticlockwise, engaging more muscle groups.
You can view your progress on the small, multi-functional LCD screen, which displays calories burned, distance, and time. The ergonomically-designed clutches have an anti-slip surface and adjustable straps for a customized fit. The pedals can accommodate up to four shoe sizes.
What we like
- Supports up to 400 lbs
- Has bi-pedaling function
- Compact design
- Finger grips ensure your hands don’t slip during exercising
- Rubber feet help keep the machine stable
What we didn’t like
- Not Bluetooth-enabled
8. PooBoo Under Desk Stationary Arm Peddler
Our last pick is the PooBoo under-desk trainer that you can use while in a seated position. This cardio leg/arm bike is designed to help improve your hand grip and upper body coordination. It will also help you tone your arms and burn calories.
For your lower body, this cycle machine will also be useful in rehabilitating your legs, boost blood circulation, and regain strength of the muscles.
Features & Specs
This exerciser is made of high-quality steel and durable plastic, has a wide base for user stability, and wide pedals to accommodate not only your hands but also your feet. The pedals come with adjustable straps to keep your feet in place when working out.
The PooBoo physical therapy machine comes with a digital monitor to help you track your progress.
What we liked
- The foldable design and carry handle make it movable and easy to store
- Adjustable resistance provides workouts from light to intense
- Suitable for people recovering from injury
- Effective for exercising the upper body and lower body
What we didn’t like
- Heavier than most exercise peddlers
Choosing an Arm Bike Machine
Before you buy an arm cardio exerciser, you have to be sure that it will work for you. You need to consider some important factors to ensure that you choose the best arm bike for your needs and health goals.
Important Features to Consider
When we were coming up with this list, we realized that different people will have different needs. So while these arm bikes have many common features, they also have something unique to cater to a particular group of people.
What I’m saying is that as you shortlist your choicest arm bikes, make sure that you factor in your unique need along with the following features.
Type of Exerciser
Most people are familiar with one type of exerciser, but there are also other exercise bikes that can tone your arms. For example, the Fitdesk 3.0 is a full-on upright bike and comes with resistance bands and rollers that you can use for your arm exercises.
Then there are others like the Sunny recumbent bike that has both arm and leg pedals and finally the options we’ve reviewed above. The pedal exercisers above share a similar design. These bikes feature a user-friendly design and can be used at the office or at home. These bikes are great for arm strength training to tone flabby arms and muscle rehabilitation after a strain or surgery.
Design and Weight
Once you’ve decided on the type of machine you want, you can then proceed to assess the design and other details. We recommend you pick a machine with a triangular base because it is more stable than other designs. The bike’s appearance is also important. If you’re looking for a unit to use at your office, go for a sleek unit like the DeskCycle mini exercise machine.
Next, you want to check on the weight. Some recumbent options are pretty heavy and not portable. The options above weigh 13 pounds and below and have built-in handle for you to carry them with ease.
Resistance
Choose one with several resistance levels to go by. You can easily share an arm bike with at least 8 resistance levels because beginners or senior members in the family can start with the lower levels. Those who want more resistance have the option to choose stronger resistance.
Arm Cycle Benefits
Working out your upper body using an exercise bike has various benefits. Here are just a few:
- Ideal for total body workout and helps build upper body strength.
- Most bikes feature an ankle-friendly design. You can work out without hurting or straining your ankles.
- Helps boost blood circulation
- Great for physical therapy and weight loss
- Best for rehabilitating arms, shoulders, and knees
Final Thoughts
If you want an arm exerciser that offers low-impact arm exercise, then you should go for a good hand cycle or arm bike. While deciding on the best arm bike machine to buy can be overwhelming, this reviews list has streamlined the process for you.
We’ve vetted the most reliable models that will give you the most value for your money. These bikes are straightforward to use and portable enough for carrying around wherever you go. Yes, with this list, you’ll have no excuse for not exercising, we’ve made sure of that!
Exercise your way to good health! Cheers!
FAQs
1. What muscles do hand bikes work?
A good arm bike will help recruit your upper body and core. This means pedaling with your arms will target your biceps, triceps, deltoids, and forearms. Also, the best arm pedal exerciser should allow for low-impact exercises to protect your joints.
2. Is arm bike a good workout?
Yes, working out with a hand cycle will give you a good upper-body workout. An arm exercise machine will target your deltoids, triceps, and biceps. You can also use it for leg muscle and knee rehabilitation.
3. Do arm bike tone arms
Yes, an arm cycle can tone your arms. According to experts, you can burn up to 9 calories per minute while pedaling with your arms. If you exercise for about 30 minutes, that’s about 270 calories and if done 4 days a week that’s about 1100 calories.
4. What is an arm cycle?
The easiest way to describe an arm cycle is that it is a bicycle for the arms. This compact fitness equipment is perfect for working out your arms and shoulders. It can burn calories just like a regular bike.
Written by Alisha Wishart – TheHealthPot.com
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Writer and Contributor
Alisha, is a Mother, Wife and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). She understands how demanding everyday life can be and takes great pride in working with individuals and groups to help them achieve their desired fitness goals. Read more about Alisha here.