Echelon Stride Treadmill Review Pro’s & Cons – (2024)

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Last Updated: May 3, 2023

The Echelon Stride is a sleek, tech-enabled, and foldable treadmill that adds to Echelon’s growing lineup of subscription-based workout equipment. In this review, we’ll discuss the Echelon Stride, what it offers, and who it is best suited for. We anticipate most users will be drawn to the Stride because of its distinct foldable frame. Rather than simply fold up like other treadmills, the Stride console collapses down onto the deck reducing the footprint to just 10” deep. This could be the slimmest folded treadmill we’ve ever seen. Using a harness kit, you can store the Stride against a wall, or just fold and slide it under a bed or behind a couch. This compact treadmill is perfect for college students, those who share a room, or anyone in a small apartment or other compact space.

Echelon Stride treadmill review 2024

The Stride isn’t your grandma’s cheap, watered-down walking treadmill. It has a respectable 55” by 20” deck, a 12mph max speed and a 12% incline. The unique console shelf has embedded buttons that light up to display your speed, setting, incline, etc. But it does not have a screen. Instead, users set their tablet on the console shelf and a USB port connects it to the Echelon app. This way you can watch Echelon classes on your tablet and get accurate metrics on the console. When finished, simply fold down the console shelf and the uprights, and the Stride collapses flat. The Stride only has a 1.75hp motor, so it may not work for all users. The 1-year warranty is a bit limited, and you have to buy at least a one month Echelon app membership with the Stride which adds a bit to the price. But if you are in the market for something unique, chic, and compact, the Stride may be just the right answer.

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Who It’s For: Users who need a fully collapsible compact treadmill that syncs with the Echelon United app

The EchelonStride is best for users who:

  • Need a compact treadmill that folds flat when you are finished. This is the main selling feature of this treadmill.
  • Are okay with a modified console that doesn’t have a screen but lights up to display a few workout metrics and provides a shelf for your personal tablet
  • Those who may live in a limited space setting such as an apartment, condo or shared room
  • Like the 12% incline and 12mph max speed
  • Are willing to purchase the Echelon United with the Stride
  • The 55” by 20” track size and limited motor size may not be sufficient for larger users

Our Echelon Stride Treadmill Video Review


Pros
  • Console and uprights fold down directly against the frame
  • Quiet motor
  • Great for walking
  • Perfect for apartments, condos or shared rooms
  • Syncs with the Echelon United app
  • Only one Echelon United subscription is needed for all devices, so if you already have an Echelon machine, you don’t need a second subscription
Cons
  • Does not have a screen
  • Limited 1.75HP motor may not support running – best for walking only
  • Limited 12 month warranty does not offer much protection
  • May not be large or powerful enough for larger users


FeaturesSpecs
  • Collapsible Uprights and Console
    • The Echelon Stride has a fully collapsible console and uprights that will fold down directly against the frame. This allows you to lift the console and lock it into place when it is in use, but then fold it up when you’re done.
  • 300lb Weight Capacity
    • The Echelon Stride only weighs 156 pounds, but it can support 300 pounds. This makes it work for larger users who need a folding treadmill.
  • 12% Incline Range
    • A +12% incline is a steep grade which will engage your glutes and hamstrings during training. The Echelon Stride has no problem maintaining and holding the deck steady at a steep incline. The combination of multiple speed options and a respectable incline range provides valuable variability in any training regimen.
  • 55” Long by 20” Wide Running Surface
    • This is a folding treadmill and the 55” long by 20” wide deck provides enough room for a comfortable walking stride. Petite users may have enough room to run, but the deck is a bit small for larger users.
  • Composite Frame
    • The Stride has a composite frame for added cushioning underfoot. While this isn’t the most cushioned treadmill, it does offer respectable support for something so compact.
  • Clean, Simple Backlit Screen
    • The simple console syncs with your tablet to display the Echelon United app. The convenient display shelf is easy to see and reach while you’re on the Stride.

Construction:

  • Open Dimensions: 69.3″ × 31″ × 49.2″
  • Folded Dimensions: 69.3″ × 31″ × 10.25″
  • Frame-balanced elastomer deck for impact absorption
  • Running Surface: 55″ L × 20″ W
  • 12% Incline
  • 12mph Max Speed
  • 1.75 Continuous power, Energy Efficient Brushless DC Motor

Console:

  • Syncs with Echelon Fit app on phone or tablet
  • Backlit screen displays running metrics
  • Folds flat when not in use
  • Console shelf holds your tablet or personal device

Functionality:

  • Speed: 12 mph
  • Incline: 12%
  • Easy Folding

Warranty:

  • 12 month warranty

In-depth Review of Echelon Stride Treadmill


Functionality

Based on its size and simple console, the Echelon Stride is best for walking, jogging or light running. It works especially well for petite users or those who live in small spaces. Echelon’s United app adds value as well since you can view different workout classes on a tablet which keeps the console simple and lightweight.

Incline Range

Echelon Stride treadmill inclined
We like that despite its small size, the Stride will incline to a 12% grade. Hill work is good for building muscle in your glutes and hamstrings as well as quads when walking or running. Different inclines allow you to vary your workouts for both interest and improved conditioning. Variability is a vital component in any training regimen — it helps prevent overuse injuries and ensure muscular balance. Walking on an incline also burns more calories than walking on a flat road because it is more challenging.

Echelon United App Membership

Like Peloton and iFit, Echelon has created their own proprietary app with varied workouts and content. The Echelon United app streams across all Echelon devices so if you already have a piece of Echelon equipment, one subscription will cover all your Echelon machines.

Echelon Stride console tablet holder

  • Live and On-Demand Classes
    • Echelon offers both Live and On-Demand classes so you can login to ride with others during a live ride or access any on-demand class at any time. Currently, Echelon only offers in-studio classes. There aren’t any trainer-led outdoor routes. The classes are fine. They feel Peloton-esque but aren’t the same quality as Peloton. Echelon features good music, but it isn’t integrated into the ride to the same degree as on Peloton.
  • Echelon Stride United app

  • Zumba, Bootcamp, Yoga, Strength Training options
    • Since the United Echelon app is designed for different types of equipment and can even be accessed without owning an Echelon machine, there is a wide database of classes that don’t require equipment. Bootcamp, strength training, stretching, yoga, Zumba and other “floor” classes are available and can be viewed on your tablet, iPad or TV.
  • Varied from 5 – 45minutes in length
    • We’d like to see a few longer classes, but right now your class options span from 5 minutes to 45 minutes. There are gentle warm up and cool down options and these are typically 5-10 minutes each. Longer aerobic running and cycling sessions are 30-45 minutes.
  • Difficulty level specified for each class
    • This is something I really like to see. For new users, it is nice to be able to quickly see the difficulty level for each class. Depending on the day, you may be looking for something more or less challenging. Quickly being able to assess the difficulty level is helpful.
  • Real music
    • Yes, Echelon has good music. It isn’t quite as integrated as in the Peloton classes, but it is nice to have contemporary music options in the classes.
  • Badges, other awards
    • For each class and challenge you can earn badges and other awards. This is kind of a fun addition to the overall programming.
  • Professional trainers
    • The trainers are good. I would rank iFit and Peloton trainers as a bit more engaging and professional but the Echelon trainers and classes are getting better.
  • Challenges
    • Challenges change periodically and include various options (strength, conditioning, aerobic, etc.) so you can join one that looks interesting to you.

Noise Level

The Echelon Stride belt moves smoothly across the deck and even when running fast it isn’t overly noisy. Balanced with the added cushioning, the belt produces minimal track noise. I wouldn’t categorize this as a noisy treadmill by any means, but since it is a little lightweight, there is a bit of impact noise if you run. This tends to be a bit more noticeable with heavier users.

Moving / Folding

Echelon Stride console folded
The folding capacity of the Echelon Stride is one of its most unique features. To fold the Stride, squeeze the two levers on the underside of the console to release and fold it down flush against the uprights.

Echelon Stride release lever folding latch

With your foot, press down on the red lever on the left side of the deck and the uprights will release to fold down and rest upon the deck. In this position, the uprights and console should rest securely against the deck, reducing the height of the Stride to just 10” high. The width and length do not change when it is folded.

Echelon Stride wheels plug power switch review

You’ll notice on the top of the deck there are six wheels. Four allow the Stride to be rolled forward and back, however, there are also two horizontal wheels on the top of the motor hood so you can roll the Stride sideways into a closet or corner when it is lifted vertically.

Echelon Stride Construction

Frame

Since the Stride has a unique folding frame, the overall structure is different than you’ll find on other treadmills. The deck is one solid piece and feels stable.

Echelon Stride incline lever wheels

Underneath, a cross beam with wheels on the bottom raises the deck when it’s inclined. This is not as secure as the incline on heavier treadmills, but it works okay. Occasionally, our larger reviewers felt like the deck would shift side to side when it was inclined. If you walk in the center of the deck this isn’t an issue.

There is a bit of shock absorption which helps mitigate impact forces you find when running or walking outdoors.

Deck

  • Cushioning/Feel
    • You get a bit of cushioning here, which is nice considering the size and folding capacity. It is sufficient for walking but may not be enough for extended running.
  • Length/Width
    • The 55” long belt on the Echelon Stride is long enough for walking and some jogging. It may not be long enough to taller users or for those who plan to run long, fast speeds. Side rails on the Stride are sturdy black plastic and offer a nice width when stepping off the belt. The deck is 20” wide which is plenty for walking and jogging.

Motor

Echelon Stride frame

The Echelon Stride has a 1.75 horsepower motor. This is not the most powerful motor, but for walking or jogging you don’t really notice. I didn’t feel it lagged or had trouble keeping up. Longevity could be an issue – especially if you have multiple users. We don’t have data or durability and the limited 12-month warranty is not as extensive as we’d like to see. Many other companies offer a full 10 year warranty on the motor and deck. However, the motor seems to keep up fine and is nice and quiet. You won’t disturb those around you with extra motor noise while you use the Stride.

Stride Treadmill Console/Controls

Console

Echelon Stride console

  • Innovative engineering went into the design of this console. While it doesn’t have a screen, the digital numbers are large, bright and easy to see. I am frankly impressed with how Echelon has included necessary metrics and a few buttons while still keeping the screen clean and user friendly. If you do set a tablet or iPad in the center, your incline and speed metrics are still visible on the outside edges of the console. I found the console to be responsive to the touch.

Layout

  • Program Button
    • There are 8 preset programs on the Stride. These are clearly displayed in the center of the console. There are also 3 user programs and 1 BMI program as well as a Manual Mode.
  • Mode
    • This allows the user to set a countdown program. You can set a maximum time, distance or calorie goal and the Stride will continue to run until you meet that goal.
  • Echelon Stride control panel start stop

  • Start/Stop (Pause)
    • If you want to pause a workout, hit the Stop button for up to a 10 minute pause. After that the screen will default to sleep mode.
    • If you hit the Stop button, the speed and incline will automatically reset to 0.
  • Quick Speed
    • There are three preset speed buttons for 3km/hr, 6km/hr, and 9km/hr. (1.8mph, 3.7mph, and 5.6mph)
  • Quick Incline
    • Three quick incline buttons for levels 3, 6, and 9.
  • Speed control on right handlebar
    • I really like how Echelon has included speed and incline controls on the handlebars. The speed is on the right with an Up and Down button to increase the speed.
  • Incline control on left handlebar
    • The incline control bumps you up or down by a full level.
  • Distance
    • Distance is recorded as you run or walk. You can change this from kilometers to miles if desired.
  • Echelon Stride handlebars console power buttons

  • Pulse sensors
    • These are on both handlebars to record your heart rate. They are questionably accurate and sometimes hard to hold if you are working hard.

Fans/Other Accessories

  • There is not a fan on the Stride console. But there are two pockets on either side of the console. One will hold a small water bottle and the other will hold a phone.

Storage

  • There’s very little storage on the Stride. You won’t really need it since this is designed to be used at home so you can set any valuables close by on a side table or dresser.

However, not having a tray that spans under the console makes the uprights a little wobbly. Often, a centered tray just below the console adds stability. While it’s nice that the uprights collapse down on the deck, they don’t feel quite as sturdy as other treadmills.


Echelon Stride Bottom Line:

The Echelon Stride has an innovative design that will make it work well for those who need a treadmill that folds up compactly when you’re done with your workout. Echelon has engineered this treadmill so the uprights and console fold flat against the deck bringing the total depth when folded to only 10.25”. This makes it so users who live in a small space can still get the benefit of a home-use treadmill. The Stride only weighs 156lbs, which is very light for a treadmill. 12mph max speed and 12% incline provides plenty of training variables. We also like the simple design of the console shelf with backlit numbers and room for your tablet. You can use the Echelon Fit app on your tablet and it will sync with the Stride. The limited power 1.75HP motor may not support running so this treadmill is best for walking. Echelon claims the Stride will support up to 300lbs, however, larger users may find the limited motor and small track size to be limiting. We recommend this to smaller users who mostly plan to walk or lightly jog. The limited 12 month warranty is also a concern as this doesn’t offer much coverage. But we are excited to see innovative engineering and impressive functionality on such a compact treadmill!