As people try to combat a more sedentary lifestyle and experience longer hours at the office, under-desk cycles and ellipticals offer an opportunity to do just that. In a recent study, participants experienced a caloric burn of almost 180 calories per hour when using an under-desk cycle or elliptical. There are many under-desk exercise options on the market today. Which one should you choose?
I have tested various brands of under-desk equipment. My most recent model is the Yosuda E5 Under Desk Elliptical, which I have used for the past month. Read on to see how this model compares.
My Verdict & Pros/ Cons
This quiet model offers different training options than the under-desk cycles and ellipticals I have tested.
The Yosuda E5 Under Desk Cycle is an excellent piece of equipment for seniors and those looking to burn extra calories while working throughout the day.
How We Rated the Bike
Our team at Indoor Cycling Love rates each piece of equipment against eight categories, when applicable, to help our readers decide which models best suit their needs. Please see below what categories we use in which bikes receive a score of up to five.
Rating System Categories
- Construction Quality & Durability
- Assembly Process
- Comfort & Adjustability
- Connectivity
- Support, Financing Options & Warranty
- Value for Money
First Impression
The E5 offers a unique riding experience. Various riders can be accommodated based on their fitness goals with the multiple settings available. Whether they are looking for a solution to breaking up long bouts of sitting at their desk or trying to increase the range of motion for stiff joints, the E5 might be what they are looking for.
Main Specs & Features
- Resistance levels: 10
- 17” D x 13” W x 8.7” H
- Item weight: 18 pounds
- Max user weight: 330 pounds
Main Under Desk Cycle Parts Overview
- Frame: Alloy steel helps create the Yosuda’s sturdy fame.
- Console: The backlit console is not battery-powered but lights up once the machine is plugged in. It includes motorized forward or reverse pedaling options, resistance, speed, time, and stride count. A remote can also control the console.
- Pedals: Since this under-desk cycle is an elliptical model, the pedals are larger elliptical-style pedals compared to cycle pedals.
- Resistance: The Yosuda includes ten levels of resistance.
- Motor: The patented motor helps control the pedal direction, resistance adjustments, and speed.
Detailed Review
The Yosuda E5 Under Desk Cycle is an excellent piece of equipment for seniors and those looking to burn extra calories while working throughout the day.
Riding Experience & Performance: 4.3 / 5.0
The riding experience is unique to other models as I have never tested an under desk cycle that includes a motor that moves the pedals for you. The motor can aid in changing the directions of the pedal movement as well. When I asked Nancy Pierson, a Registered Nurse for over 40 years, about the benefits of having a model that moved on its own, she stated, “Seniors that struggle with circulation issues or have arthritis might benefit from a machine that moves on its own as it can help with circulation and help loosen stiff joints and increase the range of motion.” The motor controls not only the pedal direction but also the speed. I recommend that seniors or those with stiff joints be careful with their speed level since level as level ten might be too fast for some riders. I also found that the pedal stroke became a little choppy the faster the speed I selected.
When the E5 is in resistance mode, more significant effort is needed as the motor no longer turns the pedals. Similar to the speed settings, the closer the resistance was moved to the top of the resistance range, the less smooth the pedal stroke was as at lower levels, but it provided a challenge.
This model might feel more natural for shorter users than other models offering a longer stride length. The stride length for this Yosuda is thirteen inches. I am 5’4” and found this stride length more comfortable than other models I have tried.
Construction Quality & Durability: 4.5 / 5.0
The E5 is very durable and has excellent construction quality. The components have been thoughtfully designed to maximize the life of this product. I have easily accidentally broken components off similar models by simply moving them, but this Yosuda model is very well built. The frame is formed from alloy steel, and the plastic components are made from thick and rigid plastic.
This is the first model I have tested with an electric console that does not require batteries. The backlit console is well-lit, and the settings are easily changed on both the machine and the remote. The remote will be an outstanding feature for senior riders struggling with bending and reaching. For riders who do not need to use the remote, I appreciated that the remote also has a unique space on the elliptical for easy storage.
Assembly Process: 5.0 / 5.0
I LOVED that no assembly was required. With other under-desk cycles that I have tested, I have usually had to assemble the pedals and foot pads and add batteries to the console. It was so nice not to need to follow a manual and simply remove the cycle from the box, plug it into the wall, and begin testing.
Comfort & Adjustability: 4.5 / 5.0
Compared to other under-desk ellipticals, the Yosuda model offers great comfort and adjustability. I find that under-desk cycle pedals sometimes pinch my feet as I pedal if they have straps, but that is not an issue with the elliptical paddle pedals. This model can be adjusted by pedaling forward or backward and selecting from ten speed and resistance levels.
Connectivity N/A
The remote connects to the machine via Bluetooth; however, no other devices can connect.
Support, Financing Options & Warranty: 3.9 / 5.0
Support
I did not have to contact customer service while testing the Under Desk Cycle. However, they received glowing reviews on their customer service in their customer reviews.
Financing
Four different payments can be made through After Pay and Klarna, which are made every two weeks.
Warranty
Yosuda offers a 3-year warranty on the frame and 1 year of labor on all its products. While this warranty might not be standard for indoor cycling bikes, their under-desk cycle warranty is similar to comparable machines.
Value for Money: 4.3 / 5.0
The Yosuda Under Desk Cycle, priced at $199, provides a nice value for the price. It can be a good investment if you plan to use it and understand its limitations.
Comparison with Alternatives
Cubii Total Body+
The Cubii Total Body+ is one of the nicest under-desk ellipticals I have tested, but it is also the most expensive. This model offers a total-body workout with the addition of resistance bands. Featuring ten levels of magnetic resistance, the Cubii Total Body+ also offers Bluetooth Connectivity and access to the free Cubii app. Users can take pre-recorded instructor-led classes. This model is available for $399 and features a backlit LCD monitor.
Cubi Go
The Cubii Go offers a solution for portability. It does not require users to lift the model to transport it, but it can be moved like a piece of carry-on luggage with a handle and wheels. This model showcases ten levels of magnetic resistance that are adjusted by a knob located on the machine. The Go does not link via Bluetooth to the free Cubii app, but you can still follow along with the workouts. This machine is available for $229 on Amazon.
Merach Under Desk Bike
I tested this model previously, and it is an option for those with a small budget for this type of product. Priced as low as $100 from specific retailers, this model offers resistance bands, a battery-powered console, and sixteen resistance levels. However, it might not be as durable as others available on the market regarding their resistance bands.
FAQ
Do under desk exercisers really work?
An under-desk exercise machine can help provide movement throughout the day and has been shown to help burn calories. While it can be a good addition to your regular exercise routine, it should not be your only form of exercise.
Is an under desk elliptical good exercise?
Using an under-desk elliptical is better than remaining sedentary. While it might not be as strenuous as a regular elliptical or stationary bike, it can still elevate your heart rate and burn extra calories.
Can you lose weight with under desk pedal exerciser?
Burning additional calories has the potential to help you lose weight, but it is essential to incorporate eating a cleaner diet and strength training for more sustainable weight loss.
Bottom Line
The Yosuda E5 Under Desk Cycle is an excellent piece of equipment for seniors and those looking to burn extra calories while working throughout the day.
The Yosuda E5 Under Desk Cycle is an excellent piece of equipment for seniors and those looking to burn extra calories while working throughout the day.
| Great For | Not Recommended For |
|---|---|
| – Seniors – Those looking to add low-impact movement to their regimen – Desk workers – Riders with stiff joints that would like to increase their range of motion – Those looking for a motorized machine that is not self-propelled | – Those looking for a main cardio piece to add to a home gym – People with pacemakers |
