We are excited to review the ProForm City L6, a new foldable treadmill in ProForm’s compact line. Rather than simply folding up like other treadmills, the City L6 console collapses down onto the deck so it folds flat. This compact treadmill is perfect for college students, those who share a room, or anyone in a small apartment or other compact space.
The City L6 is ideal for walking because it has a compact 45” by 17.5” deck, an 8 mph max speed and no incline. The console has a display that shows your metrics like distance, pace, speed, time, calories and more. There’s also quick touch buttons that let you easily switch from various speeds like 3 mph to 6 mph. To get even more out of this treadmill, you can use your phone or tablet and connect to the iFit App.
This way you can watch iFit classes on your device and also get your treadmill metrics in the app. When finished, simply fold down the console shelf and the uprights, and the City L6 collapses flat. The City L6 only has a 1.6hp motor, so it may not work for all users. The 1-year warranty is a bit limited, but if you are in the market for something compact, chic, and unique, the City L6 may be just the right answer. You can see how the City L6 compares to the other best compact treadmills on the market.
Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The ProForm City L6 Treadmill
We are fortunate to not only have access to several treadmills and home fitness equipment to use, but we also have a pretty diverse team. While we all have various backgrounds in fitness, we’re all different sizes as well. We range in height from about 5’ all the way up to 6’5” and in weight from around 120 lbs up to about 230 lbs.
This allows us to get different perspectives on each treadmill so we can create reviews that are relevant for a majority of users. We also compare the equipment to see how they hold up to one another. During our testing of the ProForm City L6, we compared it to the Echelon Stride, and the Botorro R5.
By comparing it to these treadmills, we could provide you with this thorough ProForm City L6 treadmill review.
Our ProForm City L6 Treadmill Video Review
- Console and uprights fold down directly against the frame
- The motor is pretty quiet.
- The deck length and motor size are sufficient for walking.
- It’s a compact size that’s perfect for apartments, condos or shared rooms.
- Sync the iFit app to stream from your tablet or phone.
- It does not have a screen.
- The limited 1.6HP motor may not support running – best for walking only.
- May not be large or powerful enough for larger users.
- Collapsible Uprights and Console
- The ProForm City L6 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.
- 250lb Weight Capacity
- The ProForm City L6 only weighs 125 pounds, but it can support 250 pounds. This makes it work for larger users who need a folding treadmill.
- 45” Long by 17.5” Wide Running Surface
- This treadmill folds flat and the 45” x 17.5” deck is enough room to comfortably walk on. Petite users may have enough room to run, but the deck is a bit small for larger users to jog and run on.
- Composite Frame
- The City L6 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 your metrics in the iFit app on your device. The convenient display shelf is easy to see and reach while you’re on the City L6.
Construction:
- Open Dimensions: 29” Wide x 70.25” Deep x 44.5” Tall
- Frame-balanced elastomer deck for impact absorption
- Running Surface: 45″ L × 17.5″ W
- 8 mph Max Speed
- 1.6 Continuous power, Energy Efficient Motor
- Treadmill weight: 125lbs
- Maximum weight capacity: 250lbs
Console:
- Syncs with the iFit app on a phone or tablet
- Backlit screen displays running metrics
- Folds flat when not in use
- Console shelf holds your tablet or personal device
Functionality:
- Speed: 8 mph
- Easy Folding
- No Incline
- Great for walking
Warranty:
- 10 year frame warranty
- 1 year parts & labor warranty
In-depth Review of ProForm City L6 Treadmill
Construction
When in use, the City L6 feels pretty sturdy even though it’s pretty compact. It’s perfect for smaller spaces.
Frame
The City L6 has a unique folding frame, similar to the Botorro R5 and Echelon Stride, although it only has a handle to grip in front rather than side handles which are found on the other 2 treadmills.
There is a bit of shock absorption which helps mitigate impact forces you find when running or walking outdoors. The City L6 also doesn’t incline.
Deck
- Cushioning/Feel
- You get a bit of cushioning here, which is nice considering the size and folding capacity. It is sufficient for walking.
- Length/Width
- The 45” long belt on the ProForm City L6 is long enough for walking and some light jogging. It may not be long enough for taller users or for those who want to run at higher speeds. Side rails on the City L6 are sturdy black plastic, but they are a little narrow at only 3.5” wide. We had to watch where we placed our feet when using the side rails. The deck is 17.5” wide which is plenty for walking and jogging.
Motor
The ProForm City L6 has a 1.6 horsepower motor. This is not the most powerful motor, but it’s sufficient for walking and light jogging. It also is pretty responsive when I increase and decrease the speed. While we don’t recommend it for heavy use, it’s pretty quiet when in use.
Something to keep in mind is that there is no inclining feature on the City L6. If you want some incline on your compact treadmill, we recommend checking out the Echelon Stride.
Console/Controls
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 ProForm has included necessary metrics and quick touch 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, unlike the Echelon Stride console which blocks your view of the metrics when you place a device on the rack.
Layout
- Quick Touch Buttons
- To add more functionality, there are quick touch buttons that let you easily jump from 1 mph up to the max 8 mph.
- Start/Stop (Pause)
- If you want to pause a workout, hit the Stop button for up to a 10 minute pause. After some time not in use, the workout will automatically end.
- If you hit the Stop button, the speed will automatically reset to 0 and the workout will end.
- Distance
- Distance is recorded as you run or walk. You can change this from kilometers to miles if desired.
Fans/Other Accessories
There is not a fan on the City L6 console. There are also no cupholders on the ProForm like on the Botorro R5.
Storage
There’s very little storage on the City L6. 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.
iFit Membership
The iFit app streams across all ProForm devices so if you already have ProForm treadmill, or othe piece of equipment, one subscription will cover all your ProForm machines.
You can use a mobile device on the device rack to stream classes on iFit.
- Studio-based classes: bootcamp, interval training, and combo routines that alternate strength training with running segments. The trainer provides direction as he/she works alongside you and other participants in the studio. iFit automatically adjusts the speed for you at the direction of the trainer. (You can override this at any point, however.)
- Walk or Hike in any number of exotic outdoor locales. I joined the program: Hannah Eden takes Iceland which includes ten runs of varying lengths through the Icelandic Mountains. You follow along on the treadmill as she navigates the real terrain just ahead of you. The scenery is breathtaking and Eden does a good job of keeping it interesting.
- Off-the-treadmill classes are also available. Log into iFit from any tablet or computer and from the Main Menu bar, select the “Browse” tab. It will bring up class options like: kickboxing, yoga, HIIT, strength or Fit in 15 (for when you only have 15 minutes). You do not need to be by your treadmill to access these classes, which means you can use iFit even while traveling.
- Classes are led by a personal trainer in real locations. Recently, I did a 30-minute interval class and the time flew by! The treadmill automatically adjusts speed so you can run hands-free. I also enjoyed an outdoor Sedona run through the red hills of Arizona. I followed virtually as a trainer navigated the route, guiding with helpful tips and pointers as we went along.
- Increased Training Variables: One of the benefits of having so many training options is that you can integrate variability into your training without having to go to a gym. You can take classes on and off the treadmill that use other equipment or just your body. In my opinion, iFit is definitely worth the investment.
Functionality
Based on its size and simple console, the ProForm City L6 is best for walking, or light jogging. It works especially well for petite users or those who live in small spaces.
I’m 5’1” and can walk on it comfortably.
Our largest reviewer, who is 230lbs, was able to use it for only walking. The iFit app adds value as well since you can view different workout classes on a tablet which keeps the console simple and lightweight.
Noise Level
The ProForm City L6 belt moves smoothly across the deck and has a relatively low noise output. 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. Our 230 lb reviewer also noticed more noise from the motor when he tried slowly jogging. If you’re close to the 250 lb weight capacity we recommend just using this treadmill for walking.
Moving / Folding
The folding capacity of the ProForm City L6 is one of its most unique features.
To fold the City L6, press the lever on the side of the console to release and fold it down flush against the uprights. With your foot, press down on the lever on the 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. The width does not change when it is folded, but it gets a little longer when the console is collapsed.
ProForm City L6 Bottom Line Review:
The ProForm City L6 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. ProForm has engineered this treadmill so the uprights and console fold flat against the deck. This makes it so users who live in a small space can still get the benefit of a home-use treadmill.
The City L6 only weighs 125lbs, which is very light for a treadmill. We also like the simple design of the console shelf with backlit numbers and room for your tablet. You can use the iFit app on your tablet and it will sync with the City L6. The limited power 1.6HP motor may not support running so this treadmill is best for walking.
ProForm claims the City L6 will support up to 250lbs, 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. We are excited to see innovative engineering and impressive functionality on such a compact treadmill!
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