Echelon Stride Treadmill Review – Does Size Matter?

Dimensions/Storability

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.

The Echelon Stride folds flat for convenient storage.

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.

The red lever assists in the folding process.

You’ll notice that 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.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Echelon United App Membership

Like Peloton and iFit, Echelon has created its 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.

You must use a tablet or smartphone to access Echelon’s training content.

Live and On-Demand Classes

Echelon offers both Live and On-Demand classes, so you can log in 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’s content library is ever-expanding with treadmill and strength classes.

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.

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.

This is something I really like to see. For new users, it is nice to be able to see the difficulty level for each class quickly. Depending on the day, you may be looking for something more or less challenging. Quickly being able to assess the difficulty level is helpful.

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.

For each class and challenge, you can earn badges and other awards. This is kind of a fun addition to the overall programming.

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 change periodically and include various options (strength, conditioning, endurance, etc.), so you can join one that looks interesting to you.

Console

While the console 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 set a tablet in the center, your incline and speed metrics are still visible on the outside edges of the console.

The console is super simple but has the features you want the most.

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.

The ‘mode’ button 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.

Control the treadmill with this button pad, right on top of the safety key.

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.

There are three preset speed buttons for 3 mph, 6 mph, and 9 mph. There are three quick incline buttons for levels 3, 6, and 9. Distance is recorded as you run or walk. You can change this from miles to kilometers if desired.

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 it. The incline control is on the left handlebar. The incline control bumps you up or down by a full level.

EKG pulse grips 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.

The Echelon Stride easily folds and can be stored upright.

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Build Quality

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.

The frame on the Echelon Stride is sturdy and durable for such a small compact treadmill.

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 the impact forces you find when running or walking outdoors.

Deck

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.

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.

The Echelon Stride motor hood has a low profile, as well as a low profile walking surface.

Motor

The Echelon Stride has a 1.75 horsepower motor. This is not the most powerful motor, but you don’t really notice it when walking or jogging. 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.

Incline

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.

Noise Level

The Echelon Stride belt moves smoothly across the deck, and even when running fast, it isn’t overly noisy. 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.

Should You Buy the Echelon Stride

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.

The Stride only weighs 156 lbs, which is very light for a treadmill. 12mph max speed and 12% incline provide 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.

Echelon claims the Stride will support up to 300 lbs; 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!

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Echelon Stride Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Can you use an Echelon treadmill without a subscription?

It is not recommended to use an Echelon treadmill without a subscription. Though it is possible, the process of bypassing the subscription is tricky and reduces the treadmill’s capabilities. Thus, we recommend Echelon treadmills for walkers and runners who want to subscribe.

Can you run on an Echelon treadmill?

Yes, you can run on an Echelon treadmill. However, the Stride isn’t as powerful as we typically recommend for running, so we recommend runners stick to lower-mileage training on the Stride.

Is the Echelon Stride quiet?

The Echelon Stride is fairly quiet. All treadmills generate some noise, and your foot noise will generate more noise. It will vary from person to person how loud walking and running on a treadmill sounds due to the size of their space, the cushioning of their shoes, their running form, etc. Overall, the Stride is fairly quiet compared to other machines.

How fast is the Echelon Stride?

The Echelon Stride can reach a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour.

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