With advancing technology, I like to see fitness brands embrace that and create equipment outside the norm. The Echelon Stride-6s is probably one of the most unique treadmills we’ve tested, and we’ve tested ones that fold in half and others with 32” touchscreens attached to them.
The Stride-6s might not look like an awe-inspiring treadmill, but its collapsible console and upright storing ability are features we rarely see on treadmills made for running. But how easy is it to fold and move? What is the subscription training content like, and do you need to subscribe to use the Stride-6s? It’s made for running, but can you run on it? I have answered all of this and more below.
Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill Review: Bottom Line
- Star Rating
- PriceMSRP: $1899
- ManufacturerEchelon
- TypeFolding
- Workout Experience8
- Specs / Features8
- Dimensions / Storability9
- On-Board Workouts & Apps7
- Build Quality7
While it isn’t as seamless to fold, unfold, move, and store upright as you’d think (it requires some strength to do all of this). For a treadmill with a 60” long deck to support all stride lengths and a 3.0 CHP motor to support running, we didn’t want it to be extremely lightweight because the Stride-6s probably wouldn’t handle running if it were lighter and easier to store and move.
This treadmill is appealing because of its unique folding and storing capabilities, which allow folks with limited space to run inside. However, that is a small aspect. A big reason to buy the Echelon Stride-6s is if you’re interested in subscription training content and want to stream from dozens of third-party apps directly from your treadmill.
Subscription training content has benefits; it adds accountability and can help encourage you to use your treadmill more often. Echelon’s premier membership has undergone updates that make it stand out a bit. It’s still being beta-tested, and you need it to purchase the treadmill, so keep reading to find out everything you should expect.
- Quiet and compact
- It folds flat
- Stores upright
- Streams trainer-led workouts, third-party apps, and games with a subscription
- 3.0 HP motor for running
- The deck supports all strides while still being compact
- 12.4 mph max speed and 12% incline
- Roller adjustment dials on handles are convenient
- No assembly required
- A subscription must be purchased with it
- The trainer-led workouts aren’t quite to the same level as competitors
- The console is a little shaky
- It can be moved and stored, but it is heavy for some people to fold and move
Echelon Stride 6s Video Review
Close To 200 Treadmills Tested
We’ve been testing treadmills of all sizes and types for well over a decade. As we approach almost 200 treadmills tested, we rely heavily on our direct experience testing treadmills in order to assess the next one. To compile these reviews, we run each treadmill through a series of tests to determine performance, noise, power, deck cushioning, usability, and stability.
We also thoroughly use the subscription training content if the treadmill has it. We are fitness trainers who know what goes into leading group fitness classes. We’ve also tested our fair share of training subscriptions, including all of the popular ones. If you’re looking for the most thorough review, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
ToggleEchelon Stride-6s Treadmill vs. Similar Treadmills
Here is a quick overview of how the Echelon Stride-6s compares to similar treadmills.
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Price (MSRP) | $1,899 | $2,499 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This treadmill offers trainer-led workouts, folds flat, stores upright, and is compact yet spacious for running. | The NordicTrack 1250 has a streamlined design with high-tech features and iFIT training capabilities like other Commercial Series treadmills at a lower price point. | A well-priced running treadmill that folds up and offers standard workout programs and Netflix streaming without an additional subscription fee. | A compact, budget-friendly running treadmill with a foldable deck, simple design, and connectivity options. | Thanks to the double folding design, it is one of the most compact treadmills for running. |
Awards Earned | |||||
Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Product | Echelon Stride-6s | NordicTrack 1250 | Sole F80 | Horizon 7.0 AT | WalkingPad X25 |
Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Specs / Features | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Dimensions / Storability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
On-Board Workouts & Apps | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
Build Quality | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Overall Score | 73 | 72 | 82 | 68 | 74 |
# of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 2 | 100's | 8 | 1 |
Paid Programming - Cost | $39/month - Echelon Premier Membership | iFIT - $39/month | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | Netflix, Max, Spotify, Prime Video, YouTube TV, and more | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | N/A | N/A |
Display | 10” HD Touchscreen & LED Display | 10″ HD touchscreen | 10.1" touchscreen | 7.25″ LCD screen, 4 LED windows | OLED Screen |
Dimensions (In Use) | 64.8” L x 28.8” W x 57” H | 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 64.7” H | 82.5"L x 38"W x 66"H | 76″ L x 35″ W x 67″ H | 60.8” L x 30.4” W x 40.3” H |
Deck Size | 20.5” x 60” | 20″ x 60″ | 22" x 60" | 20″ x 60″ | 19.5” x 52” |
Folding? | |||||
Treadmill Weight | 182.35 lbs | 281.6 lbs (in box) | 274 lbs | 277 lbs | 104 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 400 lbs | 350 lbs | 325 lbs | 300 lbs |
Motor Size | 3.0 Brushless DC | 3.0 CHP | 3.5 HP | 3.0 HP | 1.5 HP Brushless |
Max Speed | 12.4 mph | 12 mph | 12 mph | 12 mph | 10 mph |
Incline/Decline | 0 to 12 levels | -3% to 12% | 15 incline levels | 0% to 15% | N/A |
Warranty | 10-years frame, 5-years motor, 1-year comprehensive | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year deck, 3-year parts, 3-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 1-year |
Additional Features | Echelon’s patented Auto-Fold, Echelon Worlds, no assembly required | ActivePulse, AutoAdjust, soft cushioning | Screen mirroring, Sole+ app, wireless charging pad | Bluetooth, Quick Dial controls, Gymkit Technology | Speed dial, removable device rack, two transport wheels |
Dimensions/Storability
The Echelon Stride-6s is probably one of the most storable and compact treadmills we’ve tested for running. Unfolded, it is 64.8” L x 28.8” W x 57” H, so it takes up less space than other treadmills with the same deck length. I would factor those dimensions, plus a few extra feet of floor space, to ensure you have enough room to use the Stride-6s.
When the treadmill is folded, the deck is only 8.5” high. When the console collapses, it is 12” tall. So, if you have a tall bed, you could roll it underneath to store it. It isn’t a very light treadmill, though. It weighs around 182 lbs.

It might not be the easiest to store it under a bed.
With its low deck height, though, it doesn’t require a very high ceiling to use it. It is only 14” at the top of the deck when fully inclined. I would add this to your height in inches plus 6-12” to determine if you have a tall enough ceiling to use it.
To fold the console down, you have to tilt the screen back and then press the two buttons under the side handles. This folds the console against the uprights that extend up on either side of the deck. From there, you press the lever on the left side of the deck to fold the console and uprights flat against the deck.
To unfold, just hold onto the console and lift it up. You then pull the handles down to unfold the console and push the screen towards you.

It isn’t too complicated to fold and unfold, but the uprights and console weigh more than I thought they would.
The treadmill was also a little harder to move and store upright than expected. Fortunately, there is a bar under the back of the deck to hold when you’re wheeling it around. When it is folded, you can lift the back of the deck to engage the front wheels.

I have to use some muscle to get the treadmill upright.
For those familiar with strength training, I have to kind of snatch the deck to get it upright since I’m short.
I would keep this in mind. I lift weights regularly and also fold, unfold, and move treadmills regularly, and I struggle with this one a little bit. I think it would probably be easier to maneuver for a person in good shape and someone larger and stronger than me (I’m only 5’1”). However, I don’t think it is practical for some people to fold, unfold, and move this treadmill.
Even though I can do all these things, I wouldn’t want to do them every day if this treadmill were in my home.
But, these features make the Echelon convenient if you want to run in your home but don’t have a lot of room. It also has two-directional wheels, so you can push it side to side when upright. I wish the wheels were a little larger for this feature, but all in all, storing it upright is nice if you need to shove it against the wall or store it in a large closet.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
Any time a treadmill has a touchscreen, you should anticipate that it has some kind of training subscription. Most often, the subscription requires a separate fee on top of the treadmill’s cost.
The Echelon Stride-6s requires an Echelon Premier membership to purchase with it. It is $39 per month. Here is what you can expect.
Echelon Premier Membership – FitOS
The Echelon Premier membership is the subscription membership that includes all of the features available on the Stride’s touchscreen. We’ve used Echelon’s training content in the past, but it has gone through more recent updates.

FitOS, the new software available on the Stride-6s, has many features that I’m about to discuss.
When we first turned on the Stride, it wouldn’t download the software update for us to use FitOS and the new features. I chatted with Echelon’s chat support on their website and was given steps to fix the issue, fortunately.
I talked with a person after the AI assistant referred me to someone. If you have this issue, I would reach out and ask to speak with someone through the chat support on Echelon’s website.
FitOS is still in beta testing, so some of the features might undergo changes or differ from what I’m talking about below. The following features are what we had access to with a Premier membership on our Echelon Stride-6s.
Echelon Connect
The main screen, when the treadmill first turns on, gives you the option to access the different features. When you click “Echelon Connect,” you’re taken to Echelon’s library of live and on-demand trainer-led workouts.
This is where Echelon started and how the brand was established as an affordable Peloton competitor. The classes are filmed indoors in a variety of disciplines.

On the Stride, you get access to treadmill and mat workouts.
There are a significant number of live classes available every day, and the list of workouts is consistently growing. There are thousands of workouts and several instructors to choose from. The instructors are engaging and motivating, but the production quality isn’t at the same level as Peloton and iFIT.

There are outdoor-filmed workouts, but these don’t feature an instructor.
Instead, a camera moves through different locations. This feature is like Explore the World in JRNY, which is the subscription training content on Bowflex equipment. Echelon’s membership seems more comparable to JRNY as a whole, but JRNY is about half the monthly price.
Echelon used to incorporate curated playlists into the classes. Most of the classes now seem to use a feed.fm feature that plays the music in the background of each workout. I liked it when the music was a part of the workout. This feature makes the music feel a little lackluster and doesn’t provide as much energy to each workout.
Each instructor has a different personality, so letting them choose the playlist was a good feature I’d like to see implemented again. Plus, Echelon partnered with Pitbull a few years ago and had classes featuring his music, which I enjoyed taking.
You can search for different workouts and filter the genre of music you want to listen to in the workout, but I couldn’t search specifically for the Mr. Worldwide workouts I was looking for. I’m probably alone in my disappointment with this, though.
Besides the music, Echelon’s classes are good if you want guidance in your workouts. The treadmill doesn’t automatically adjust with the instructor’s cues, but they give good directions so you know what to adjust the treadmill to throughout the class. There is also a leaderboard to compete against other members and metrics tracking at the bottom of the screen.
Echelon Worlds
Echelon Worlds is a new feature available in FitOS. It is a gaming feature that lets you race against other members or the computer. You can select different time—or distance-based competitions to compete in. It takes you to virtual tracks with different landscapes for your avatar to run through.
You can customize your avatar, which is fun. Some of Echelon’s equipment might auto-adjust in this feature, but the Stride-6s doesn’t automatically adjust the speed and incline. It would be nice if the incline adjusted to match the terrain of the virtual “world” you’re running in.

The more workouts you do in Training Mode and Game Mode, the more virtual courses you unlock, which is a good incentive to keep going.
Currently, general instrumental music plays in the background of this feature. It would be nice to be able to use Spotify on the screen during this feature and the trainer-led workouts.
Streaming Apps
Echelon now includes streaming apps that you can log into and stream from the Stride-6s-10. These are only accessible when you subscribe to Echelon’s Premier membership. This has become common for training subscriptions.
Currently, there are several (the most I’ve seen on a treadmill) apps to choose from. I’ve counted around 29 different apps.
These include streaming apps like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, Hulu, Spotify, and YouTube TV, as well as news apps like BBC News and Google News. There are also game apps like NYT Games and 234 Player Games and social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Echelon offers pretty much any app you want.
Once you log into an app, you can press start at the bottom of the screen (you’ll also probably need to press “start” on the treadmill) to begin your workout.
I wish some of the apps were integrated into Echelon’s other training features, like the trainer-led workouts and Echelon Worlds. Specifically, Spotify, so I can listen to music of my choosing, like I mentioned. Hint, hint, Echelon.
Echelon FreeStyle
Echelon FreeStyle is the standard manual mode to start a workout and do your own thing. The screen is dark and displays your general workout metrics. It seems that once you’re using this feature, you can’t go back and stream from one of the apps without exiting your workout.
Since FitOS is still being beta-tested, there are some occasional bugs and some aspects we’d like to see improved, in addition to my other suggestions. My main critique is the navigation. It is hard to end a workout because there isn’t a button that says “End Workout” in most of the training features.
There were times I was looking for a tiny home screen icon (about the size of the tip of my finger) to press to return to the home screen. I think streamlining some of the user interfaces would be helpful in a future software update.
Onboard Workouts
Echelon’s membership is required to purchase with the Stride-6s. You can purchase it for one month and then cancel if you want to use the Stride without the membership. This is annoying. Yes, subscription training content is popular, but it should be optional to use on equipment.
You can use the FreeStyle workout mode to track your metrics without a subscription. You can’t access any other features without a Premier membership.
Console
The console is standard but functional, especially considering it collapses flat. It has everything you need. Starting with the touchscreen, it is 10”. It isn’t the largest screen on treadmills, but it’s large enough to see all the content.

Considering the Echelon Stride-6s is a little more budget-friendly than treadmills we’ve seen with larger screens.
The console tilts forward and backward to accommodate the folding feature and to help users of different heights better view the screen. I’m 5’1” and can reach and see the screen well.
One thing I noticed is that the screen and treadmill aren’t integrated together as much as I hoped. Sometimes, when I start a workout on the screen, I must press the start/stop button on the treadmill to get the belt moving. Other times, the belt starts when I start a workout on the screen.
The adjustment buttons and LED windows on the Stride are easy to use and see, and the numbered buttons are helpful. The LED windows display your speed, incline, and distance.

On this treadmill, I prefer using the roller dials on the side handles.
These are nice to adjust the speed on the right. There is also a button that will change the color of the dial from green to blue. Blue is for adjusting the speed by 0.1, and green is for adjusting to whole speed levels when using the dial.
The left dial adjusts the incline and speaker volume. When blue, it adjusts the incline by 1%, and when green, it adjusts the volume of the speakers. In some features, the speakers could only be adjusted on the touchscreen, though.
The speakers had enough volume; I could hear everything fairly well. They aren’t as crisp and clear as Peloton and NordicTrack equipment, but they suffice for listening to the content on the screen.
Keep in mind that you can’t connect your phone or tablet to stream content from your device through the treadmill’s speakers or screen mirror content to the screen. You’re tied into Echelon’s membership. You can connect Bluetooth headphones to listen to the content on the screen, though.
Compatible heart rate trackers like Garmin watches connect to display your heart rate on the Stride’s screen. Echelon also sells an armband for heart rate tracking that is sold separately. My Apple watch doesn’t connect to display my heart rate, but I can’t connect to most treadmills. This is a problem with Apple, unfortunately.
The fan has adjustable vents, but the air output is a bit weak. If you need to cool off, you are better off using your own fan.

I like the console’s cup holders and storage.
The cup holders snugly fit my 40-oz HydroJug and hold it in place. There is also storage for your phone or smaller items in the middle of the console below the screen. You could maybe set a tablet or book in the storage tray to view content of your own choosing.
All in all, though, the console is functional, and it encourages you to use the touchscreen.
Build Quality
Whenever a treadmill is said to be made for running, we expect it to be not only solid when we run on it but also durable enough to handle miles of use. The Echelon Stride-6s surprised us in our testing and was more stable than anticipated with its storable design.

It handles up to 300 lbs, which is a standard amount of weight.
In comparison, the Peloton Tread handles this, but it doesn’t fold. If you need a treadmill with a larger limit, treadmills from brands like Sole, NordicTrack, and Horizon handle more weight. However, these treadmills are larger, heavier, and less storable than the Stride.
Frame
The frame and uprights seem to be steel. The deck feels really stable, and the high-quality materials contribute to the overall treadmill weight. The console and touchscreen aren’t the most still and sturdy that I’ve used, but considering they fold down, it seems to be part of the treadmill’s design.
The handles are secure to hold onto, and everything stays put that I place on the console.
Motor
The Stride has a 3.0 CHP brushless DC motor, which is commonly found on home treadmills. It’s not meant for all-day training, like commercial treadmills found in public gyms, but it should handle light to moderate running.

This motor is typically the smallest size that we recommend for running.
Considering the Echelon is a compact treadmill, we weren’t expecting it to be very high-powered. Its motor is comparable to other compact treadmills for running. I would recommend 3-7 miles of use per day for light to moderate use. It might handle a little more than this, but this isn’t a treadmill I’d plan to log over 10 miles per day consistently on.
It has good training variables. It goes up to 12.4 mph and has 12 levels of incline. When brands put “incline levels,” this can feel pretty vague. We measured the deck grade and found it to incline up to 12.8% for reference. 12.4 mph might seem random, but it is 20 kph.
One aspect that surprised us about the motor is how quiet it is. Its decibels ranged from 47 dB up to 66 dB. These are around the equivalent of a bathroom exhaust fan or microwave, up to a printer or window fan on high when the treadmill is at higher speeds.

The incline was practically silent.
I often look down at the deck to see if it’s adjusting. This treadmill is a good option if you’re looking for something quiet. Don’t get me wrong, all treadmills make noise, but this one is quiet enough for an upper-level floor or even an apartment (if your lease allows for it).
The Echelon isn’t the fastest treadmill to adjust its speed and incline. It isn’t my first pick if I want to do interval training, but it adjusts at a decent rate that is appropriate for most people. Sometimes, if treadmills adjust too quickly, they can be a little unsafe for some people.
I don’t feel like I’m waiting too long for the speed to adjust. Since there isn’t any automatic adjustability with the subscription training content, I don’t mind the motor’s responsiveness and the 30-some seconds it takes to go from the lowest speed to the highest speed and from no incline to the full incline.
Deck
The deck is 20.5” wide and 60” long. We consider this deck to be compact yet long enough to support all running strides. It isn’t the largest treadmill deck, but it isn’t the smallest. I have plenty of room to walk, jog, and run comfortably.

The deck also doesn’t have a motor hood.
The motor is tucked under the front of the deck, so you have plenty of room in front of you. Sometimes, I hit my foot on treadmills with motor hoods at the front of the deck.
The deck cushioning is firm, without feeling as stiff as concrete. The cushioning is the give in the deck when your feet land. This isn’t the most flexible or softly-cushioned deck, but it provides some shock absorption to help lessen the impact on your joints while running on it.
In comparison, the Echelon isn’t as soft underfoot as NordicTrack or Horizon treadmills. It feels more similar to ProForm but not as firm as Sole or Peloton. Most people should find the deck suitable for their stride.
Warranty
Echelon has a pretty standard warranty. The Stride-6s-10 includes a 10-year frame warranty, a 5-year motor warranty, and a 1-year comprehensive warranty. It also comes fully assembled in the box, which is a huge plus.
One strong person could probably get it out of the box just fine, but keep in mind that you might need an extra hand; this is a fairly heavy treadmill.
Should You Buy The Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill?
The Echelon Stride-6s has a convenient design that allows it to be used in smaller spaces and on upper-level floors. It folds flat and can be stored upright, but it is still a treadmill that weighs close to 200 lbs, so folding, moving, and storing it isn’t possible for everyone.
I would consider the Stride-6s-10 if you are looking for a compact and storable treadmill to run on and want subscription training content. You must buy at least one month of Echelon’s Premier membership, which is $39 per month, with the treadmill to start using it. You can cancel after the first month, but the training content is a big reason to buy.
There are other compact treadmills we recommend for running that don’t have subscription training content.
Echelon’s content competes with competitors like Peloton and iFIT (on NordicTrack and ProForm machines). Its trainer-led workouts aren’t at the same level as these subscriptions, but the variety of content and number of streaming apps available to use on the Stride-6s is promising. Plus, it is in beta testing, and the updates made recently are all generally positive.
You also won’t find a treadmill for running that stores like the Echelon, is as compact, and offers subscription training content.
Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill Q&A / FAQ
Can you use the Echelon Stride-6s without a subscription?
You can use the Stride-6s-10 without a subscription, but you must pay for a month when you buy the treadmill. After the first month, you can cancel and still use the Stride in the FreeStyle mode, which is a general manual mode.
How can the speaker volume on the Echelon Stride-6s be adjusted?
The speaker volume can be adjusted on the touchscreen and with the left roller dial when green.
Is this a paid review?
Echelon sent us the Stride-6s to review but didn’t pay us to create this review. Everything in this review reflects our direct experience with the treadmill and our unbiased thoughts. We are affiliates and receive commissions through our affiliate links so we can make money and write these reviews.
We work with as many brands as we can and test a wide range of treadmills so we know which ones are best.
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