The best mini exercise bikes for a great workout while sitting down

As the number one best-selling mini exercise bike Amazon has in its "pedal exercisers" department, this AGM machine has a lot to offer, despite its low price tag. Perfect for physical therapy, and even those with limited mobility, this mini exercise bike pedal exerciser's settings are user-friendly and adjustable, and its digital LCD display shows calories burned, distance cycled, duration, and laps.

The pedals may be on the narrow side for users with wider feet. On the plus side though, there is generous adjustability on the pedal straps.

The Opti Mini exercise bike is Argos's bestselling mini bike. It has variable resistance controls, sturdy feet to keep it in place, and an LCD display that gives you all the essential stats. At around 3.5kg, it's lightweight enough to effortlessly move around and it comes with a one-year guarantee.

Calories, distance, and time metrics are accurate and responsive for the most part.

After an injury or operation, patients are always advised to get some light exercise, but in the cold and wet British winter, this can be quite the feat. Other exercise machines like treadmills or full-sized bikes can be too much for someone recovering or dealing with pain, so a mini exercise machine, like this NRS Healthcare motorised pedal exerciser, is a great alternative. Providing a low-impact workout with adjustable resistance, it's the perfect way to start getting those muscles working and back in shape.

Although notorious for its superior cardio capabilities and as being one of the best ways to get and stay fit, not everyone is a fan of cycling or pedal exercise, but a smooth pedalling system, like the one on this portable home pedal exerciser by himaly on Amazon, can get even the most hesitant users to enjoy the activity.

Depsite its appearance, this mini exercise bike from himaly boasts surprising stability. The ride is secure thanks to its strong frame and balanced footing. Putting it together appears a simple process too, all bolts and pieces are provided as well as a tightening tool. It just might not be as portable and lightweight as some other options out there, with this one coming in at a heavier 4kg.

As a motorised piece of exercise equipment, this machine is ideal for elderly folks or those with limited mobility as it can assist in getting the limbs moving while slowly increasing strength. It's easy enough to use when watching TV or reading a book, and it has automated timed programmes too. It even comes with a remote control, which makes navigating programmes and stopping/starting far easier.

Unlike most of the other entries in our list, this one is powered through mains as opposed to being battery powered. So, this does raise questions of portability, and users will have to be careful of the attached cable. This is of course a minor drawback of the power assistance feature.

Like most mini exercise bikes, this one too has been specifically designed to effortlessly fit under a desk so you can kill two essential birds with one stone; work and exercise. The desk cycle has a high-quality magnetic resistance and more than twice the power of other commercial mini pedal exercisers, hence its steeper price tag. Its smooth cycle doesn't strain the joints, and it's so low noise, so can easily go unnoticed while using it in even the busiest office.

The DeskCycle2 comes with a generous amount of customisation too. You can adjust pedal height to help with desk clearance, as well as the toe straps to provide a more secure fit. The LCD display is even detachable. It isn't the cheapest option by a considerable amount, but you really are getting your money's worth in that whisper quiet magnetic resistance.

If you've read all about the benefits of mini exercise bikes and like the fact that they take up minimal space but still feel that you'd prefer something you can really grab onto, this mini folding bike might be the solution you've been looking for. Hop on it as you would a regular exercise bike but, when you're done with it, it folds up to around the size of an ironing board for easy storage in a cupboard, behind the sofa, or under the bed.

It's sturdy, easy to assemble, and seems to be genuinely long lasting. Magnetic resistance is great to see, which offers smooth but challenging rides. The wide seat back might not be for everyone, but if you're able to get used to that, you'll have a ball.