In this guide, you will not only find a selection of the best treadmills around but also get to know them better. It is indeed essential to understand the specificities of this type of equipment so as not to regret not having chosen an indoor rower or even an exercise bike. We also give you all the essential elements to compare the different products for yourself.
And if you want to save more time, do not hesitate to take a priority look at our favorite treadmill, the ISE Madrid / SY-1001.
Our list of best folding treadmills
Here are the different models of folding treadmills that we have selected for you, to help you buy a good deal that will give you satisfaction. To lose weight while running, you really need to have a device that allows you to go at the speed of your choice and not just take the cheapest.
ISE Madrid / SY-1001
Here is an ISE treadmill for beginners or for walking enthusiasts. It allows you to run slowly or walk at a speed ranging from 1 to 10 km / h. It is also a space-saving device that is easy to set up and store. It accepts a maximum weight of 120 kg.
Concretely, this treadmill measures 1.25 m high (at screen level), 1.21 m long, and 0.54 m wide. It weighs 27 kg. It is sold pre-assembled, i.e. there are just two screws to tighten. For storage, it is possible to fold it in half and lock it. You can slide it flat under a sofa or stand behind a door or in a cupboard. To move it, it has a few wheels that make everything easier.
In terms of the race itself, we benefit from a 34 × 102 cm carpet and a 750-watt motor. The running canvas is comfortable, as it is designed in 5 different layers to provide good cushioning. When switching on, we press a button, then a 3-second countdown allows us to prepare well and not be taken by surprise. For safety, a contact switch is included, to be kept on your person, allowing the mat to stop automatically if you fall. The LCD screen keeps track of speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
Pros
✓ Easy to fold
✓ Speed from 1 to 10 km / h
✓ Good cushioning on the belt
✓ Lubricating oil offered
✓ 3 pre-set programs
Cons
✓ Not for long strides
Newgen medical NC5442
This model is also for beginners and for people looking for a mat for running and walking. Indeed we can freely choose these two modes. It supports a maximum weight of 150 kg, which is a lot compared to the competition.
The Newgen medical treadmill NC5442 is a really simple, sturdy, and lightweight device. Everything tends towards ease of handling. So it is delivered already assembled, you just have to unfold it and press a fixing button. It weighs only 22 kg and is 125 cm long, 60 cm wide, and 120 cm high. When it is folded up, it measures only 125x60x25 cm, which allows it to be stored behind a piece of furniture or any other easily accessible place. The non-slip mat measures 36 × 96 cm, which is perfect for walking. On the other hand, running, it’s a model for those who take short strides and therefore rather for beginners and those who were still resistant to the sport a little while ago.
The start-up screen is also simple while providing good visibility into time, speed, distance, and calories burned. There is an emergency stop cord right at the bottom of this screen, to be pulled in the event of a fall. You can choose between three training programs and a manual mode. The available speed goes up to 10 km/h. An automatic shutdown is expected after 30 minutes, even if you are running. It can just serve as a reminder to have a drink before resuming if you want to run longer.
Pros
✓ 3 programs or manual mode
✓ Non-slip mat
✓ Automatic shut-off included
✓ Large screen
✓ Running and walking
Cons
✓ Frame a bit far from the mat
✓ Not for long strides
Sportstech F10
This German product is a treadmill and walking machine for people who are just starting out or rather for people who are starting to run again. In fact, compared to the cheaper models presented above, we have a longer treadmill (101 cm in all) and the possibility of modifying the incline manually and up to 18 °. Suffice to say that real beginners are not fans of uphill races …
It is powerful (7 HP!) Treadmill with 12 included programs and a manual mode. You can run and walk, flat or uphill. It is possible to go up to 10 km / h. The settings are made with a large multimedia console and its backlit LCD screen. On this console, it is possible to position a tablet or a smartphone and even up to two cups. In addition, it can be connected to the Kinomap system which works with Smart-TV and therefore has the television as a screen
As for the device itself, it is a 27 kg model with transport wheels. It measures 124x62x134cm and when folded in half it measures only 55x62x134cm. Folding is quick thanks to a hydraulic device. The maximum accepted weight is 120 kg. The running surface is 34 × 101 cm and it is delimited by side safety strips. A self-lubrication system simplifies the maintenance of the device.
Pros
✓ 12 training programs
✓ Self-lubrication system
✓ WiFi compatible
✓ Tablet and cup holder
✓ 34 × 101 cm mat
Cons
✓ Belt not easy to use
ISE Genève / SY-T2702
ISE presents this treadmill and walking machine as a semi-pro model. We prefer to tell you right away that we do not agree with this name at all and that it is its main flaw. It is a great mat that is easy to use and get started. It offers 12 training programs and it really allows you to maintain your shape according to everyone’s expectations but also desires depending on the day. On the other hand in terms of speed, to run, we can only go to the maximum at 12 km / h. For beginners, this offers significant room for improvement. But for athletes, there is the risk of being quickly limited and therefore frustrated.
In detail, when you are on the mat you have in front of you a complete LCD screen from which you choose a program, a countdown mode (there are 3 of them), and a speed. Then we can follow, the duration of his training, the distance covered, the speed, the calories burned, and even his pulse. There is also a space to put a cup or a bottle of water and something to put your smartphone. The treadmill itself, the running part measures 40 × 100 cm and consists of 5 layers for a good cushioning system protecting the joints. On the other hand, there is no inclination, we run strictly flat.
The device measures a total of 66 cm wide, 127 cm long, and 120 cm high. It folds in half quite easily. It weighs 32 kg and is equipped with transport wheels for storage. The max. allowed is 120 kg.
Pros
✓ Walking and running
✓ Maximum 12.8 km / h
✓ Transport wheels
✓ Smartphone and cup holder
✓ 12 programs included
Cons
✓ Unclear notice
✓ Not for confirmed athlete
Proform Performance 400i
This Proform Performance treadmill is a real pleasure to use for running enthusiasts, that is, for those who are used to running and even for those who like to vary their workouts. There are indeed 18 pre-recorded programs, some suitable even for great beginners who want to get started with seriousness and comfort. The maximum speed is 18 km / h and there is even an incline of up to 10 °.
On the other hand, you should know that to offer such modularity and real comfort of use, this treadmill is bulkier than the less expensive models. You need to have a little room to set it up and store it even if it is foldable. Thus it is 151 cm high, 188 cm long, and 91 cm wide. When folded, it measures 101x167x91 cm. It weighs 79 kg (yes, it is heavy, but there are wheels to move it). The strictly for running mat measures 51 × 140 cm. This is why it even allows you to take quite long strides.
It is equipped with an engine with a power of 2.5 HP, rising to 3.5 HP during peak performance. It is possible to connect the treadmill via Bluetooth with your smartphone or tablet in order to follow the coaching of the iFIT program (sold separately). There is a tablet holder at the right height for running without lowering your head, as well as two speakers to listen to the music of your choice.
Pros
✓ For long stride
✓ Incline from 0 to 10 °
✓ Speed from 0 to 18 km / h
✓ 18 programs included
✓ Compatible iFit with Bluetooth
Cons
✓ Be 2 for the assembly
✓ Quite bulky
Sportstech F37
It is the second Sportstech model of our selection and if we find certain elements in common (specific to the brand such as access to Kinomap).
This is a treadmill for athletes. Indeed the power is really high and it allows to run quickly and for a long time, flat or uphill. Thus the maximum speed is 20 km/h and the maximum incline is 15 °. For that, the power is still 7 CV!
Everything is regulated thanks to the intelligent and practical console. From there, we have access to the twelve programs. You can install your smartphone, tablet, or MP3 to listen to music through the integrated speakers. There is also the display of the pulse thanks to a heart rate monitor installed both on one of the handles and in the pulse belt included. Finally, the set is compatible thanks to Bluetooth with the Kinomap application (which still requires have Smart TV).
Once in place, this rug measures 83cm wide, 171cm long, and 138cm high. It weighs 77 kg. Its flaw is that when it is folded it remains quite bulky since it measures 83x112x149 cm. On the other hand, there is a hydraulic system to fold it quickly and well and wheels to transport it from one point to another. Its strength allows it to support a maximum weight of 150 kg. The tread consists of 5 layers. It measures 50 × 130 cm which is very wide and long enough to accommodate several types of strides.
Pros
✓ 7 HP power
✓ Up to 20 km / h
✓ 15 ° tilt
✓ 12 programs included
✓ Connected with Bluetooth, USB, and MP3
Cons
✓ Quite bulky even when folded
How to choose the right folding treadmill?
While there are a variety of foldable treadmills on the market, there are some that are more sophisticated than others. To be sure to find the one that suits you, you will have to choose to take into account certain parameters:
Characteristics
Take the time to see if your foldable treadmill offers interesting features that may make your workouts easier or more comfortable. Foldable treadmills with a workout console are preferred because they allow effective monitoring of the user’s overall performance as they work out. The tread on your treadmill should also be roomy enough for your movements to be balanced.
A high-performance foldable treadmill should also have a cushioning system sophisticated enough to keep you from feeling too much shock from your strides. There are other parameters to take into account when choosing your foldable treadmill, for example:
- The connectivity option to vary the pleasures
- The incline option for more difficult training sessions
- The speed for a training adapted to your needs
- The presence of cup holders or tablet holders
- The lubrication system (manual or automatic)
- Engine design and power
- The sound level for the well-being of those around you
Size
Examine the floor plan of your apartment, choose the space where you should place your foldable treadmill when you get home. Then, take stock of the maximum measurements available to accommodate your foldable mat. This will not only keep you from being cluttered but also avoid the adoption of a foldable mat that is too small or too large for optimal comfort during your workouts.
Price
Presetting a budget before delving into the foldable treadmill offers available on the market is an essential step in not breaking the bank. Foldable treadmills come in different designs, brands, and all come with tempting options. Setting a budget will allow you to narrow your search and choose the best deal based on your preferences.
Your needs
Since you don’t buy a foldable treadmill for decoration, it is essential to take stock of your needs before making any purchase decision. Whether you are a beginner or an expert athlete, training needs may differ in each case. First, you need to estimate your training schedule, in order to define the use that will be made of your treadmill (intensive or occasional exercises).
For infrequent workouts, a minimalist and flexible design treadmill would work well. If you are an advanced athlete and need to maintain a regular frequency of training, a mid-range treadmill can handle this pace. Finally, for experts, athletes preparing for a competition or those looking for thrills, it is more towards high-end foldable treadmills that you should turn to. Most of the treadmills have all the features that a professional athlete needs to feel in good shape.
Folding mode
Not all foldable treadmills offer the same fold mode. Indeed, you can fall on folding mats manually or automatically. Generally, treadmills with an automatic fold mode cost slightly more than manually foldable ones. The choice here will have to be made at the same time according to your budget but according to your tastes or your mobility.
Foldable treadmills: What are the advantages?
No matter how powerful they are, foldable treadmills have some common advantages that make them compelling fitness equipment:
- The practical side: What home fitness enthusiast doesn’t dream of having a treadmill that can fold and unfold easily? Foldable treadmills are fitness devices that offer this functionality sometimes in automatic mode, sometimes manually. Depending on the model, foldable treadmills can be fitted with travel casters so you don’t have to carry all the weight every time!
- The variety of models: Folding mode does not apply exclusively to one type of treadmill in particular. The possibility of choosing a basic or sophisticated folding mat is a factor highly appreciated by home fitness enthusiasts.
- Space-saving: Opting for a foldable treadmill means enjoying a high-performance fitness device without weighing down your living space. A foldable treadmill can easily be stored under a bed or in a closet. So you have the choice between making it disappear completely from your decor when not in use and leaving it folded in the middle of your living room.
How much does a foldable treadmill cost?
Foldable treadmills are available in several purses. For a minimum of comfort and performance, you should plan on around 300 euros. This price range is especially valid for athletes who are looking for a foldable treadmill for non-strenuous use. Otherwise, it is possible to find mechanical folding mats for less than 300 euros with very basic functions.
From 300 euros up to 700 euros on average, you can get a comfortable and powerful folding treadmill. In this price range, you’ll be dealing more with mid-range, high-performance foldable treadmills. They will be able to withstand regular training and a speed of up to 18 km / h depending on the model. If your hobby is more extreme racing and strong emotions, count at least 1000 euros and more to treat yourself to a high-end racing machine. Although their prices often seem very expensive to some, investing in a high-end treadmill pays off in the long run because they are specially designed to last.
