For obvious reasons, folding treadmills tend to be less sturdy and robust compared to their fixed counterparts. Remember that a lightweight, low priced machine won’t offer a great deal of stability, particularly if you’re a heavy footed runner!
You’ll tend to find that the very highest priced treadmills are all fixed. I suppose if you have the money to buy a $4000 machine you’ll have lots of room to put it. But for most family homes or apartments space is a premium and treadmills are space hogs.
Below are five excellent choices in price order. Ranging from under $500 to over $2500 there’s something to cater for all budgets...
Folding Treadmills to Consider
Clicking on the treadmill links will take you to the manufacturer’s site or an authorized outlet like Workout Warehouse. Prices for folding treadmills online tend to be very similar and it’s always a good idea to keep to official stores with high end goods.
iFIT Solutions® Image® 16.0 Q Treadmill For the amount of features you get $600 is a great deal. It’s Fit compatible and has a pulse grip. If plan on spend less than $600 on a treadmill this one also comes with free shipping so that will keep you in the price range.
Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty Running Surface: 54in x 19in Maximum Speed: 10mph Maximum Incline: 10% Heart Rate: Yes Folding: Yes
ProForm 995 SEL Treadmill Great specs on a treadmill this price. For $800 you get a large drive motor, roomy running surface, custom cushioning (a feature that allows you to adjust for firmer or softer strides) and 8 workout programs. At the moment it comes with an interactive fitness program. Not a deal clincher but a nice extra. Shame about the short warranty.
Motor Size: 2.75HP continuous duty Running Surface: 55in x 20in Maximum Speed: 10mph Maximum Incline: 10% Heart Rate: Yes Folding: Yes
Smooth 5.25 Considered by many to be one of the best treadmills around the $1000 mark, the Smooth 5.0P came top in Monster Ratings’ economy class – a ratings chart compiled from hundreds of consumer surveys. With its outstanding warranty the only thing it lacks is a heart rate monitor (you could always buy a Polar for $50). Comes with free shipping to boot.
Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty Running Surface: 20in x 52in Maximum Speed: 10mph Maximum Incline: 12% Heart Rate: Yes Folding: Yes
Smooth 7.1 HR Pro Power with Heart Rate Control Highly Recommended. Smooth’s latest edition is a big upgrade on the 5.0P with a wider belt and heart rate monitoring as standard. Most importantly, it is significantly heavier and sturdier – an important consideration on folding treadmills. Uniquely it features a power folding mechanism that folds the machine with a touch of a button. At $1700 and with its excellent warranty it is a relative bargain. Again comes with free shipping.
Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty Running Surface: 20in x 54in Maximum Speed: 10mph Maximum Incline: 12% Heart Rate: Yes Folding: Yes
Spirit 277 Treadmill One of the most robust folding treadmills on the market. At over $2500 it’s not cheap but if you want the best and have little space to accommodate it, you won’t go far wrong. Large tread belt, large motor and great warranty.
Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty Running Surface: 20in x 58in Maximum Speed: 10mph Maximum Incline: 15% Heart Rate: Yes Folding: Yes
