Merax JK1603E Folding Electric Treadmill is one of the cheapest treadmills you’ll find on the market at an unbelievably low price. Frankly, as this treadmill is generally below $250, it’s natural to wonder if the treadmill is a good deal or if it will break down after a month of use. Well, Treadmill Guru has you covered with our in-depth review of the Merax JK1603E Folding Electric Treadmill.
First things first, the Merax JK1603E treadmill has all the basic features that are required for a treadmill workout. It is equipped with a small motor which provides the user with a speed range that goes from 0.62-6.2 MPH, though we aren’t sure you should go for the higher speeds, as the Merax JK1603E isn’t designed for that kind of higher intensity workout. It offers three manually levels of incline that you can reach by changing the position of the stabilizing feet.
The Merax JK1603E treadmill also has a built-in LCD screen where you can keep track of your workout progress. This display will show your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and general heart rate when you hold onto the pulse grips. It is also equipped with a safety emergency stop key clip that will turn off the treadmill in case of an accident or an emergency as long as you have it appropriately attached to you as you workout.
It has 3 built-in programs for low intensity to high-intensity cardio workout, 2 of them are predefined, and 1 program can be customized based on your needs. Its dimensions are 58” L x 25 W” x 43.7” H and when it’s folded, the length decreases to 25” making it a compact-sized treadmill, ideal for a small home or apartment. The bottom of the treadmill is equipped with transportation wheels, which provide ease in moving it around.
However, the Merax JK1603E treadmill is meant for those looking to walk and maybe jog. Many customers have mentioned that the deck cracked down the middle, and others have dealt with incredibly squeaky belts as they exercise. So, if you are looking to walk, the Merax JK1603E may be right for you, but for others looking for more intense exercise, this treadmill may not be the right one for you.
- This treadmill has a folding design and can easily be folded and stored after a workout.
- Although the motor is a low-powered 500W motor, it is also a low noise motor. That way, if you enjoy watching TV or listening to something during your workout, this treadmill motor shouldn’t interrupt.
- Offers heart rate monitoring option through dual hand grip sensors.
- Ensures your safety with safety emergency stop key that you can attach to your workout clothes.
- A lightweight treadmill that is only70 lb, which comes with transportation wheels, making it easier to move it around.
- Merax JK1603E treadmill is equipped with 3 pre-defined workout programs.
- This treadmill comes with a built-in LCD display.
- Incredibly low-priced treadmill.
- Merax JK1603E treadmill motor is low-powered, which doesn’t provide enough power to go faster than a jog.
- The treadmill has a small running area of dimensions 14” width and 44” length, which may create a problem for taller people.
- You have to email the manufacturer for warranty information.
- Only rated for users up to 220 lbs.
- Many plastic parts that can become damaged during the shipping process.
- Quiet Motor
This running machine is equipped with a quiet 500-watt motor. It is a little unusual to have the power information in watts, and generally, you want a treadmill that measures power in horsepower (HP) or even better, continuous horsepower(CHP). However, the Merax JK1603E motor makes very less noise, and you can easily enjoy watching TV while you’re working out.
- Folding Treadmill
This treadmill can easily be folded up, making it a space saver and an ideal choice for people with a small home or apartment. All you need to do is lift up the light deck and use the spring-loaded pin to secure the deck in place.
- 3 Built-in Programs
It comes with 2 predefined programs and 1 custom program which can be customized from the control panel provided on the treadmill. The 2-predefined programs alternate between high and low-intensity recovery periods to help improve your aerobic capacity and continue to burn calories even after your workout has been finished.
- Speed Range
The Merax JK1603E treadmill has a speed range that goes from 0.62-6.2 MPH. This range can provide users with workouts that are just walking up to a quick jogging pace. However, this lightweight treadmill has not really been designed for faster jogging, so we recommend caution if you use the higher speeds.
- 3 Level Manual Inclination
In spite of such a low price, Merax JK1603E provides users with the ability to manually adjust their incline range. There are three different positions you can choose from to add difficulty to your treadmill workouts.
- Safety feature
On the Merax JK1603E treadmill, you will find it is equipped with a safety emergency stop key which you need to attach to your clothes and maintain its connection to the machine. The treadmill automatically shuts off whenever the key is disconnected from the machine, enabling you to workout safely without any fear of the treadmill belt rotating if you become imbalanced and fall.
- Heart Rate Monitoring
You can easily monitor your heart rate by using the dual hand pulse grip sensors provided on the handlebars. These grips provide you with an approximate heart rate, but if you want a more accurate reading, you will need to rely on a secondary heart rate monitoring device.
- Built-in LCD Console
The Merax JK1603E treadmill is equipped with compact-sized LCD, which helps you to monitor your exercise progress in terms of heart rate, distance, time, and speed.
- Multilayer Running Belt
There are multiple layers to the Merax JK1603E treadmill belt, making it more durable and quieter than a monofilament belt. The layers are a PVC topcoat, polyester mesh mid-layer, PVC coating, and polyester mesh backing. This belt can provide you with a springy surface as you workout.
- Light Weight
The Merax JK1603E treadmill weights about 70 lb, which is quite light as compared to other treadmills and can easily be moved around by a single person thanks to the weight and built-in wheels.
- Weight Capacity
On this treadmill, the max user weight is 220 lbs. For those who are heavier users, you will likely need to go up in price to find a sturdier treadmill than the Merax JK1603E treadmill.
- Motor: 500W
- Incline: 3 positions
- Speed: 0.62-6.2 MPH
- Dimensions: 53″ L x 25″ W x 43.7″ H
- Folding: Yes
- Running Area: 14″ W x 44″ L
- Max. User Weight: 220 lbs
- Treadmill Weight: 70 lbs
Benefits
There are several benefits to having a Merax JK1603E treadmill. For one thing, as this treadmill is generally priced under $250, you can bring home cardio workouts for an incredibly low price. It is also a light treadmill that is very compact, which should suit smaller users who weigh less than 220 lbs. According to most consumer reviews, the Merax JK1603E treadmill is a comfortable size for those who are 5’5” or shorter, as the treadmill’s dimensions are very compact.
Also, if you are only looking to walk and maybe jog occasionally, the speed range and lightweight build of this treadmill shouldn’t be a problem. Seniors who are looking to walk safely can definitely benefit from having this machine at home.
Final Verdict: MERAX JK1603E Treadmill
If you’re looking to start working out, not necessarily looking for hardcore or intense workouts, and if you are on a tight budget, the Merax JK1603E treadmill may be the right treadmill for you.
This machine comes with all the necessary basic features needed for a walking workout and the occasional jog. It is a compact-sized treadmill and can easily fold up. The Merax JK1603E treadmill is also equipped with roller wheels, making it an ideal choice for people who have small homes or apartment. But, if you weigh more than 220 lbs, are taller than 5’6”, or want a running treadmill, then this treadmill is not the right machine for you.
What We Like?
- Folding Design.
- Quiet motor.
- Available at an affordable price
- Heart rate monitoring.
- Safety emergency stop key
- Light weight & easily movable.
- Comfortable treadmill belt
- Compact size
What We Don’t Like?
- Small deck area
- Short warranty
- Not for runners
Conclusion
As a basic treadmill, the Merax JK1603E Folding Electric treadmill is a decent option for those looking for an easily accessible treadmill. It can be folded up and tucked away easily and is perfect for walking workouts. But if you need a more intense treadmill for high-energy workouts, then the Merax JK1603E is not for you.
