Best Treadmills For Seniors 2023

Sydney Kaiser

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Last Updated: May 1, 2023

Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is important in all stages of life, especially as we age. One convenient way to keep up with your health is by using a treadmill. Treadmills provide numerous benefits for seniors like maintaining strength, keeping the heart strong and healthy, and improving balance.

If you’re a senior and any of this sounds like your goals, then you’ve come to the right place! Our experts have put together this list of best treadmills for seniors to help guide you in finding the perfect one for you. We’ve compiled this list with key factors in mind. Things like cushioning, running surface size, console readability, and weight limit need to be taken into account to ensure you take home a treadmill that you can safely use and rely on in your wellness journey. Out of all the treadmills we’ve tested and reviewed, the treadmills on this list are the best for older folks looking for a solid treadmill that checks these boxes and more.

Whether you’re a senior who needs a bit more balance assistance, a seasoned runner hoping to log miles, have limited space, or if you’re on a budget, we’ve got you covered. Below I’ll tell you everything you need to know about each of these treadmills, why we recommend them, and what to look for when buying a treadmill for a senior.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Treadmill Review Guru, our reviewers are fitness professionals who know treadmills. We know exactly what you should take into consideration when searching for a home treadmill. It’s based on our own experiences using a wide variety of treadmills that helps us determine which treadmills we name as “best” and for what reason. All of the treadmills on this list below are recommended because they’re appropriate and safe for seniors. We’ve also given each one an award after careful consideration in the hope of helping older folks find the best one to fit their individual needs.

Here Are The Best Treadmills For Seniors For 2023

• Best Overall Treadmill For Seniors– LifeSpan TR2000e
• Best Portable Treadmill$1000– Sole F63 Treadmill
• Best Home Treadmill– NordicTrack Commercial 1750
• Best Affordable Treadmill– Horizon T101 Treadmill
• Safest Treadmill For Seniors– Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill
• Best Fold Up Treadmill For Seniors– Xterra TRX4500
• Best Lightweight Treadmill– Echelon Stride Treadmill
• Best Small Treadmill For Seniors– ProForm Carbon T14
• Best Treadmill For Overweight Seniors– Sole F85 Treadmill

See the Pro’s and Con’s, features, specs, and why each exercise bike made our best list below.

Sneak Peek of Best Exercise Bikes:

Best Treadmill For Seniors – Our Experts Top Picks

1. Best Overall Treadmill For Seniors – LifeSpan TR2000e Treadmill

When initially coming up with this list, there was one treadmill that my colleagues and I knew would take the top spot hands down. That’s the LifeSpan TR2000e. There’s a multitude of reasons why we’ve named it our best overall treadmill for seniors. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

First off, it has an electric folding mechanism. You simply press a button and the deck folds and unfolds automatically. No lifting, pulling, or physical activity is required to use this feature. Plus, it saves space. Next, it has four wheels that move in all directions making moving it more accessible than other treadmills. There’s no tilting involved and we love how easy it is to push.

The TR2000e also has an 8” step-up height which we’ve found to be on the shorter end for treadmills of this size. The deck is 56” long and 20” wide so you’ll have plenty of space to walk and lightly jog. The 2.5 HP DC motor is the optimal size for this kind of use, too. Additionally, we’re highly impressed with all of its other features that will especially resonate with golden-agers, like its soft shock-absorbing cushioning, simple-to-use console, and balance-aiding handles.

Read more here about the treadmill we’re constantly recommending to seniors; the LifeSpan TR2000e Electric Folding Treadmill.

2. Best Portable Treadmill – Sole F63 Treadmill

Another favorite treadmill of ours that’s excellent for older, wiser individuals is the Sole F63 Treadmill. The deck folds up to save space and it has 4 wheels for easy moving. That’s why we’ve proudly named the Sole F63 the best portable treadmill. Many folding treadmills require being tipped back in order to move, which requires a bit of physical exertion. The Sole F63 glides forward and backward when pushed so you’re able to reposition it as often as you need to which is a commendable aspect for a treadmill of this size.

Keep in mind that folding up the deck requires some bending and lifting, but we love that you just have to pull the yellow handle to unfold it. The Sole F63 comes out at a very affordable price point considering all of its monumental features. Walking, jogging, and light running are all possible with the 3.0 HP motor and large 20” x 60” deck. Most users will appreciate the low 8” step-up height as well.

We associate Sole treadmills as being hearty, workhorse machines that last, and the F63 is no exception. It has a simple LCD console and large adjustment buttons that make controlling this treadmill convenient.

Head over to our full written review to see more details about the Sole F63 Treadmill.

3. Best Home Treadmill – NordicTrack Commercial 1750

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is just a great all-around treadmill. We consider it the best home treadmill because of its versatility and wide range of thoughtful features. One aspect that we love is the deck’s cushioning. In our testing, we’ve discovered that NordicTrack’s treadmills are comfortable to walk and run on. They have some of the softest cushioning that significantly lessens the impact on the joints which comes with using a treadmill.

In addition to being comfortable to use, it has a massive 22” wide and 60” long deck that accommodates all kinds of use. Seniors who love to walk or run will get a lot of use out of the 1750. It has a slim profile and streamlined design that’s functional and practical. We really like the textured side handles that keep your hands from slipping, as well as the singular horizontal handle in front that’s accessible to grab when needed.

The NordicTrack 1750 has a sufficiently sized 14” touch screen that is extremely adjustable, making it easy to see. Plus, there are quick-touch adjustment buttons on either side of the screen so you can control the treadmill with a swift touch of a button. The screen comes with a free 30-day trial to the fitness platform, iFit which offers professional guidance in fitness and overall health. iFit has numerous classes led by instructors that you can take with a subscription. iFit isn’t required to use the treadmill, however.

Learn more about the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill, here.

4. Best Affordable Treadmill – Horizon T101 Treadmill

The Horizon T101 is the most affordable treadmill on this list. We consider it an excellent bang for your buck because of its sturdy construction that is backed up with a lifetime warranty. Another aspect that makes it feel so solid is that it can accommodate up to 300 lbs. When we use it, we are impressed with how it feels underfoot. The built-in cushioning within the deck feels surprisingly comfortable for a treadmill well under $1000. The cushioning is definitely efficient in lessening the impact on your joints.

While it’s not built for heavy training, it can handle walking and light jogging. The 2.5 CHP motor responds well to this level of use. The deck is pretty spacious at 20” x 55” and low to the ground with an 8” step-up. This makes it beneficial for stepping on and off a treadmill of this size. To save space, the deck does fold up and can be moved with the attached transportation wheels. It does require a bit of effort to do this, however.

Instead of a single screen, the T101 has three LED displays that show your incline level, speed level, time, estimated calories burned, distance, and heart rate. The console has large buttons for selecting onboard workouts and even changing your resistance and incline to specific levels, quickly. Overall, the console is really intuitive to use and well within reach. I also appreciate the front horizontal handle that has built-in pulse grips to take your heart rate when you grasp them.

Check out more details about the Horizon T101 Treadmill in our full review.

5. Safest Treadmill For Seniors – Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill has long handles that extend on either side of the deck, making it ideal for users who need a bit more stability when they’re walking on a treadmill. There are also two different front handles that extend above and below the console. They’re slim enough to grip for support when needed. This is a big reason why we’ve given the Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill the title of being the safest treadmill for seniors.

If you’re newer to using treadmills, recovering from an injury, or at a higher risk of falling, then this is a nice treadmill to check out. It sits very low to the ground and is best used for walking only. This is because of its design and the smaller 2.5 peak HP motor and 5 mph max speed.

There are adjustable leveling feet to keep the Recovery Walking Treadmill from rocking while you’re using it. It also has front wheels for transporting. The console is minimal, yet displays metrics you need to know like your calories, distance, time, and speed. There isn’t an incline function on this treadmill, but it supports users up to 295 lbs.

6. Best Fold-Up Treadmill For Seniors – Xterra TRX4500 Treadmill

The Xterra TRX4500 has a lot of impressive qualities, and it folds up. Having a treadmill with a foldable deck can help save a lot of space when it’s not being used. The Lift Assist and Safe Drop features allow you to fold and unfold the deck safely. With a pull of a handle, the deck will slowly release from a folded position, leaving you to just step to the side and watch the deck softly land on the ground. Folding does require bending down, but the Lift Assist aids you in folding up the deck by absorbing a lot of the deck’s weight. This makes lifting the deck to fold it much easier and lighter.

Keep in mind that this folding mechanism isn’t going to work for everyone, especially if you have mobility issues and muscle weakness. Nonetheless, it is handy, particularly for a treadmill with a large footprint like the TRX4500. The folding deck on the Xterra is also similar to other foldable treadmills on this list. With a 20” by 60” running surface and 3.25 HP motor, you’ll be able to get a lot of use out of the TRX4500.

Walkers, joggers, and runners can log miles and step on and off the TRX4500 conveniently because the deck is only 8” high. The 15 levels of incline will let you vary your workouts, too. There are lots of adjustment buttons for you to have full control of the speed and incline in front of you surrounding the display and under your fingers on each of the side handles.

Read the full Xterra TRX4500 Treadmill Review Here.

7. Best Lightweight Treadmill – Echelon Stride

The Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill is an excellent choice if you’re short on space but want a treadmill for walking and jogging. We consider it the best lightweight treadmill because it only weighs 156 lbs, but can handle up to 300 lbs. It is also the only treadmill on this list that has a foldable console. This means that the Echelon Stride folds flat instead of folding the deck up.

The Echelon is the most compact on this list, but we can only give each treadmill one award. There are a few treadmills on this list that could claim multiple award titles. We like that the Echelon Stride inclines up to 12% and has sufficient cushioning for shock absorption. The belt is 20” wide and 55” long. Most sized users should be able to enjoy walking and jogging. However, the 1.75 HP motor isn’t intended for heavy use.

The console is small but clearly displays your workout metrics. We love its readability and functionality. There are preset speed and incline settings to make adjusting the treadmill efficient, as well as buttons on both of the side handles for quick adjusting, too.

Check out more about the Echelon Stride, here.

8. Best Small Treadmill For Seniors – ProForm Carbon T14

The ProForm Carbon T14 is another compact treadmill with impressive capabilities. It inclines up to 12%, holds up to 300 lbs, and moves up to 10 mph. We consider it a small treadmill because the deck is 55” long and can be folded up. This deck length is perfect for walking and jogging and it’s 20” wide, so you should have plenty of room.

The leveling feet are adjustable to plant the treadmill on the floor and prevent any rocking. It also has a steel frame, uprights, and a steel cross to make it feel sturdy and secure while in use. The front horizontal handle extends across the front of the deck to provide stability when you need it.

The 14” touchscreen is centered and large enough to see its content clearly. The ProForm Carbon T14 does come with a free 30-day trial of iFit, which offers trainer-led classes. The T14 can be used with or without the subscription, but iFit does have a lot of value in that it provides a complete training experience for your body and mind. You can take guided walks, meditation, yoga classes, and more when you subscribe.

Read the full ProForm Carbon T14 Treadmill Review Here.

9.Best Treadmill For Overweight Seniors – Sole F85 Treadmill

The Sole F85 Treadmill is very hearty and extremely sturdy. It has a large 400 lb weight capacity. This is typically the highest weight capacity that we see on treadmills, so the Sole F85 is great for larger users. Plus, you’ll have plenty of room on the 22” x 60” deck.

If you’re looking to run a lot of miles, you’re in luck. The Sole F85 has an impressive 4.0 HP motor that’s designed to be used in homes. It also can handle heavy use because of its hearty construction. While you’re getting in workouts, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to making adjustments. From under your grips on the side handles, to below the screen in front of you, there are numerous places you can adjust this treadmill for a better speed and incline.

If you do want some entertainment while you’re using the Sole F85, the 10” touch screen has preloaded apps to stream Netflix as well as some news sources. There are 7 preloaded apps that are ready for you to log into and start watching. If you prefer not to be distracted, you can simply step on and go. Plus, stepping on and off is nice with the low 8” step-up height.

At our full written review, you can learn more about the Sole F85 Treadmill.

What To Consider When Buying A Treadmill For A Senior

Now that you’ve learned more about each of the treadmills that we recommend for seniors, it’s important to know what you should consider when determining which one is best for you.

Safety

Before purchasing and using a treadmill, it’s important to know how to properly use it. This is something that we recommend for everyone. When used incorrectly, treadmills can be dangerous. We strongly encourage you to clip the end of the safety key to your clothing while you’re using a treadmill. This way if you lose your balance or fall, the belt will immediately stop. This is a safety feature on every treadmill.

It’s also important to know your limitations. If you require a bit more stability, especially when using a treadmill, then don’t get one with short or non-existent side handles. If you aren’t able to lift objects over 10 lbs, then a treadmill that folds up manually might be out of the question. Unless you’re able to store it unfolded at all times.

If you’re new to using a treadmill, recovering from an injury, or have physical ailments, consult your doctor to be sure a treadmill is right for you. You can read our full treadmill safety guide here.

Cushioning

Many treadmills have what is called cushioning in the deck that helps protect your joints. Some have more than others, which results in some treadmill decks feeling softer than others. Running and even walking places some level of impact on your joints. The shock that you get when your feet come in contact with the ground, can be minimized with cushioning. In our reviews, we test the level of cushioning in every treadmill and compare it to others we’ve tested. We also describe how the cushioning feels in our reviews so you know before you buy the treadmill. NordicTrack has some of the softest cushioning we’ve run on which is optimal for those looking for a friendlier option for your joints.

Running Surface

For standard use and most users, a 60” long deck is plenty for walking all the way up to running. 55” long decks are great for walking, and jogging for most users. Users with longer running strides might not find this length to be spacious enough for running.

For seniors, we encourage looking into running surfaces that are at least 20” wide. We’ve found that this width of the deck provides enough room so you don’t have to worry about space which can make it harder to balance. A wide and large surface will give you plenty of room to move comfortably.

Step-up Height

The step-up height or deck height is the height of the deck from the floor when it is at a flat, 0% grade. It might not seem like much, but stepping on and off a treadmill deck can require some effort, especially if the treadmill has a high step-up height. We’ve tested treadmills that have deck heights that are a foot high, which makes tripping more likely. A lower step-up height can make a big difference.

Console

Of course, you want to be able to read what your treadmill has to say. The console will display what speed and incline level you’re at, as well as plenty of other information. Some treadmills have very small consoles that aren’t backlit, making them hard to read. Alternatively, there are also plenty of treadmills nowadays that have large “TV-like” screens attached to them.

Sometimes these types of screens function like televisions, but commonly they include their own programming that involves a subscription. Often, if you can navigate a tablet, you should be able to navigate one of these screens with ease. However, if you prefer a lower-tech option there are plenty of LCD consoles on a wide variety of treadmills. These kinds of consoles are usually easy to use.

Other General Factors

Other important factors to consider when choosing the right treadmill for you are the motor size, and weight capacity. For instance, if you’re a runner, you should look for a treadmill with a 3.0-4.0 HP motor size. If you’re planning on heavy use, I would recommend looking for one over 3.5 HP. You should also choose an appropriate weight capacity and be sure to not get a treadmill where you exceed it. Both of these factors can inhibit how your treadmill performs and how long it lasts.

We also always recommend ensuring you have enough space for your treadmill, and this includes an appropriate ceiling height. Folding treadmills can save a lot of space, but you should be sure you can lift the belt to fold it, otherwise, a treadmill that folds electronically might be a better option. The same is with portability. Most treadmills have wheels, but some require being tilted in order to move, while others can simply be pushed. If you need a treadmill that is portable and space-saving it’s best to be sure you get one that you can maneuver yourself. It’s also important to look into the warranty package included with the treadmill. Most brands offer nice warranties to cover the frame, parts, and labor. A treadmill is a big purchase, and a warranty can help if you come across problems with it down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are manual treadmills good for seniors?

Manual treadmills are treadmills without motors that have decks that are controlled by your legs. So, instead of the treadmill belt moving after being plugged in and turned on, you can simply step on a manual treadmill and start walking and running. The belt goes as fast as your legs do. Learn more about these two kinds of treadmills, here.

We don’t recommend manual treadmills, especially curved-belt manual treadmills to seniors because they can be hard to use. They’re better for runners who want to train at high speeds usually over 15 mph. We don’t recommend manual treadmills for walking because they are not good for “zoning out”. They require concentration and have a bit of a learning curve when you first start using them.

Is a treadmill or elliptical better for seniors?

Treadmills and ellipticals can be suitable for seniors depending on the machine and the user. If you have joint problems and pain, an elliptical might be a better option because the movement is low impact. If you have balance problems, a treadmill might be the better solution because ellipticals can be harder to get on and off of. It is always a good idea to look into each machine and how it operates to help determine if it aligns with your abilities.

Are treadmills good for arthritis?

Physical activity that is low to no impact doesn’t place stress on the joints but instead can help lubricate them. This helps with arthritis. Movement such as walking is typically encouraged for people with arthritis because it is low-impact. Using a treadmill is a great way to get in walking.