Different exercise bikes are built to help users of different abilities. The Exerpeutic 900 High Capacity Magnetic Recumbent Bike is one that definitely falls into the category of low-impact bike for less-able users. This isn’t a negative label at all. This means that those with limited experience and/or mobility issues should be able to use this machine with ease. There are plenty of features with this model to help this demographic a lot. Yet, there are also some areas where the brand could have pushed the design a little further.
There is no doubt that the designers of this Exerpeutic 900 Recumbent Bike have created a comfortable, secure bike.
Security is essential with any bike geared towards those with mobility issues. Users need to be able to climb aboard the frame and get moving without fear of falling or injury. The frame of this bike is secure with a strong frame and extending leg stabilizers. There is also a low, “step thru” design to help users on and off the bike. Comfort continues with the wider, padded recumbent seat and smooth motion while pedaling.
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This comfort and stability increases the likelihood of users improving their fitness and reaching their goals. This is especially important for those rehabbing injuries. This exercise bike has just 8 levels of magnetic resistance, but users can switch between them with ease. Data on time elapsed, speed, distance traveled and heart rate appear on the LCD console. That heart rate data comes from sensors in the handlebars. Most feel that the movement and intensity is just right for their current state – not too tough but strong enough to aid fitness and flexibility.
The main issue here is that there is too much simplicity in the specification at times.
All the features above are great for a low-impact workout and an accessible machine. Users with disabilities or confidence issues need an understandable, unintimidating machine. The problem is that some designers strip back the features too much and over-compensate. Here the console is pretty basic and not always that easy to read. There are also questions over the lack of a media shelf, music system or water bottle holder. Users of low impact machines still like to entertain themselves and stay hydrated. Other users point out that the controls for adjusting the seat are in a strange place for such an accessible disabled-friendly machine.
With a few additions, this Exerpeutic 900 High Capacity Exercise Bike could be a 5 star model.
There are certainly plenty of positive design features with this bike. The shape and stability of the frame are ideal for those with mobility issues and older users. This, along with the gradual progression of the resistance and the comfortable seat, allow for some great improvements in fitness and injury rehabbing. The problem at the moment is that idea that less able users don’t want or need some of the “fancier” features. If the manufacturers were to add in those extra elements for a broader experience, this Exerpeutic 900 High Capacity Magnetic Recumbent Bike would gain lots more fans. Even so, it is still a well-made, helpful machine for many users.
