DeerRun Walking Pad Review | Simple or Sophisticated?

Dimensions/Storability

As a category, walking pads excel at storability with their compact size and lightweight design. The DeerRun Walking Pad fits right in, weighing 43 lbs. I don’t have a problem lifting 43 lbs, but lifting the DeerRun WalkingPad is a bit awkward, especially considering my 5’4” height. Most exercisers will have a much easier time rolling it around than carrying it.

The DeerRun Walking Pad is easy to roll around on its two transport wheels when lifting the rear of the deck.

It is 49” x 20.5” x 4.5” as I measured it to the nearest half inch. It’s very easy to store, fitting under a bed or in a corner.

DeerRun demos this treadmill propped upright on the ends of its footrails with the motor hood at the top. It’s not the most secure position for this treadmill, but upright storage in this orientation protects the motor from lubricant sliding into it and keeps it off the transport wheels. Be cautious and consider securing the treadmill when it is propped upright.

The DeerRun Walking Pad has a removable cord to prevent damage when storing and moving the treadmill.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The DeerRun Walking Pad comes with a remote control to adjust the speed and start/stop the treadmill.

At first glance, the DeerRun Walking Pad is very simple. It has a remote control. The screen shows your necessary metrics, and you can get right to walking. Yet, advertised in stickers on the machine, you’ll find the PitPat app. DeerRun describes this app as an “online competition platform.”

While I prefer the simplicity of using the remote to bring the treadmill up to the desired speed and using the built-in LED screen to check my metrics every so often, I realize that some exercisers need something a little more. And let me tell you, PitPat does the most.

The feature I used the most was the “Go Walk” button, which replaced the remote when I misplaced it. And since there is no easy way to keep the treadmill and remote together, you will probably appreciate this feature, too.

PitPat also has tons of training options, from joining competitions, taking classes, and setting up a target run. Unfortunately, I found myself restricted on what I was able to do with the app for two reasons.

DeerRun advertises the PitPat app, which could be a fun way for some walkers to improve their exercise experience.

First, the app requires a subscription or paid entry into the competitions and events. This app has a gambling element, where you pay money to participate in the hope of coming out on top and walking away with prize money. The more people who join the challenge, the higher the stakes and the larger the payout. I’m not a huge fan of this setup and advise caution here.

Second, the app requests phone permissions that I wasn’t willing to give. I couldn’t fathom why I needed to allow the PitPat app to access phone calls when I only wanted to take a treadmill class. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but if you are careful with your app permissions like I am, this might stand in your way, too.

So, if you don’t want the PitPat app, don’t worry. You don’t have to use it. The remote it comes with works just fine for controlling the treadmill speed. The LED screen on the motor hood is bright and shows metrics, including Wi-Fi status, Bluetooth, speed, time, distance, and calories.

Console

The LED console on the motor hood is bright with large numbers.

The display is a decent size, so it is pretty read when looking down at it. The numbers are about 1.75” tall and brightly lit so that you can see them even in low lighting.

The beeping is the only true downside to the treadmill’s console and features. You cannot turn the beeping off. This problem is common to many under-desk treadmills and walking pads we review. If you are looking for an affordable walking pad that does not beep, check out our Best Amazon Walking Pads list for options!

Overall, I’m pleased with the simple performance of the DeerRun’s console and connectivity with the PitPat app. I prefer to use the treadmill for easy walking while working or faster interval walks. However, if you want a more competitive and guided workout, the PitPat app has more advanced features to check out.

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Build Quality

The DeerRun Walking Pad’s build quality was one of the key features that allowed it to stand out from the other treadmills in its price range. The materials feel higher quality than others, even if they are mostly plastic.

I also like the broad range of colors the Q1 comes in. We received the Gray and White colorway, but I think I would have to go with the patterned light green one if I were shopping for myself. They have also been known to do fun, themed walking pads. At the time of writing this review, a Christmas edition is available.

Frame

It’s a small treadmill, but the DeerRun frame feels sturdy for its size.

The steel frame on the DeerRun Walking Pad is quite impressive. It supports a maximum user weight of 300 lbs, which is nice for a treadmill of this size.

I noticed while researching this treadmill that DeerRun’s target audience for its treadmills is women. While it might appeal to a more petite audience due to its small size, I think it accommodates a decent range of people. However, anyone with a really long stride, wide step width, or balance issues should be cautious.

Since the DeerRun Q1 is a walking pad, it does not have uprights, allowing it to fit easily beneath a desk. The footrails are generous for a treadmill this size. Most walking pad side rails are not meant to be stood upon, but I found it reasonably easy to step onto this treadmill’s textured, plastic rails. However, I do so with the support of a standing desk for balance.

The footrails are a decent size for a walking pad, and I can stand on them when supported by a standing desk.

Motor

The 2.5 HP motor found on the DeerRun Walking Pad is suitable for training a couple of hours daily. It is fairly quiet, which is a huge plus for using this treadmill in an office setting or in a home where you might disrupt what others are doing if you use a louder machine.

I’m always concerned that a small treadmill might have an inappropriate speed limit. The DeerRun Walking Pad’s speed limit is 3.8 mph, and the motor seems perfectly capable of handling this speed. However, is this maximum speed practical for most users? We have to look closer at the deck to find out.

Deck

With a reported deck size of 15.4” x 39.4” and 16” x 40” as I measured it, this DeerRun treadmill is pretty small. For reference, a standard home fitness treadmill’s belt is 20” to 22” wide and 60” long. While some more compact models are as short as 55”, we typically don’t recommend much shorter for running.

I like the DeerRun walking pad for a nice, easy stroll—not a jog.

The DeerRun treadmill is only designed for walking, but does that mean there is enough room? The answer is maybe. I am 5’4” with decent balance, and I use this DeerRun treadmill at a standing desk. I’ve walked on it for hours without issue. Yet, I don’t think I represent everyone’s experience. This treadmill is too small for many people.

DeerRun is not an aberration at this price point. Most treadmills under $300 are this small or smaller. If you need something larger, I recommend the LifeSpan under-desk treadmills or the InMovement UnSit Under-Desk Treadmill, but keep in mind that they are much more expensive. I also like the Horizon T101 if you don’t need an under-desk treadmill and want to keep things as affordable as possible.

The deck size is doable, but I recommend having a vertical support, like a standing desk. If you have problems with balance or walk with a wider or longer step, the DeerRun Walking Pad will be difficult—and maybe dangerous—to use in the middle of a room with no support. Be careful.

Fortunately, the step-up height to the deck is only about 3.5”, making it easy to step up and down from the deck.

Warranty

DeerRun provides a 2-year warranty on the Q1 Classic Pro. The warranty only covers manufacturing defects and does not cover damages due to misuse or regular wear and tear. This type of warranty is pretty standard for this product, but the length is longer. Most comparable treadmills only have a 1-year warranty.

To keep your treadmill running properly, maintain it as described in the user manual. The belt requires lubrication after every 6 months or 100 hours of use. You should also wipe down the treadmill and clean around it regularly. If you are using it on a carpet, consider placing a mat beneath the treadmill to prevent fibers from being sucked into the motor.

Should You Buy the DeerRun Walking Pad?

The DeerRun Walking Pad, also known as the DeerRun Q1 Classic Pro, suits walkers who need an under-desk treadmill or fitness treadmill at a low cost. As long as you can handle walking on the small deck, this treadmill is bound to fit right into your space. It comes in a variety of colors and is easy to store beneath a bed at about 5 inches tall.

The two main drawbacks for me were the beeping that occurred with every speed adjustment and the PitPat app’s quirks. The beeps did not bother my coworkers and were quieter than other beeping walking pads. I also use the remote control instead of the app or just limit myself to the features I find useful. If you do the same, you won’t have trouble overcoming these cons.

Overall, the DeerRun Walking Pad packs about as much quality and performance capabilities as you could expect from a treadmill that sometimes goes on sale for less than $200. It’s not a running treadmill, but it has plenty of other strengths.

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DeerRun Walking Pad Q&A / FAQ

How fast does a DeerRun walking pad go?

The DeerRun Walking Pad (Q1 Classic Pro) can go 3.8 mph. DeerRun also makes running treadmills that can go up to 8 mph.

Can I use my DeerRun walking pad on carpet?

Yes, you can use the DeerRun walking pad on carpet. Short pile carpet is best. We recommend using a treadmill mat under the walking pad when on high pile carpet to prevent the carpet from rubbing the belt and fibers from being sucked into the motor.

Can the DeerRun treadmill be stored upright?

Yes, DeerRun treadmills can be stored upright, resting on the rear end of the treadmill. The motor hood side should be on top.

How much weight can the DeerRun walking pad hold?

The DeerRun Walking Pad (Q1 Classic Pro) supports up to 300 lbs. DeerRun treadmill models typically have a 300-lb weight capacity.

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