Topic
Folding treadmills
Folding treadmills have a handrail and console and fold either upright or flat. They suit spare rooms where a full-size running treadmill would not fit.
- Typical belt
- 42 x 120 to 130 cm
- Typical top speed
- 12 to 16 km/h
Folding treadmills sit between walking pads and running treadmills. Compare belt size, top speed in km/h and mph, maximum user weight in kg and the continuous motor rating, then the folded and unfolded footprint in cm.
Upright folding saves floor space but needs ceiling height and a gas strut to lift the deck safely. Flat folding slides under a bed but usually means a lower top speed and a shorter belt.
A handrail with a safety key clip is worth having if you jog, and transport wheels matter if the treadmill moves every day.
Guides on this topic
- How big and heavy is a treadmill?Typical footprints and weights of walking pads, folding treadmills and full running treadmills, plus folded sizes, doorways, stairs and floor loading.Guide
- Manual treadmills and walking pads without electricityHow non-electric manual treadmills work, flat vs curved designs, their trade-offs against motorised walking pads and why few under-desk models are manual.Guide
- How to fold a treadmill and move it safelyHow to fold a treadmill or walking pad safely: fold-up and fold-flat designs, gas struts, locking pins, transport wheels and storing a pad under a sofa.How-to
- Folding vs non-folding treadmillsFolding vs non-folding treadmills compared on frame rigidity, belt length, deck support, motor and storage, so you know what you give up for a treadmill that folds.Comparison
Buying guides on this topic
- Best folding treadmills with inclineFolding treadmills with incline compared on incline %, powered or manual adjustment, number of levels, speed, motor and max user weight.Buying guide
- Best folding treadmills for homeFolding treadmills with handrails compared on folded size in cm, belt size, motor, incline and whether assembly is needed.Buying guide
- Best treadmills for heavier users (136 kg and over)Treadmills and walking pads rated for 136 kg or more, compared on stated max user weight, motor rating, belt size, incline and top speed.Buying guide
- Best treadmills under £500Home treadmills under £500 compared on top speed, incline, belt size, motor and max user weight, from folding machines to 2-in-1 pads.Buying guide
- Best walking treadmills with full handrailsWalking treadmills with side rails or raised handrails compared on handrail type, slowest speed, incline, max user weight and console.Buying guide