How many calories does an exercise bike burn?

It depends on your weight and intensity, but a steady session on an exercise bike typically burns more than twice the calories of a brisk walk over the same time.

Will cycling alone make me lose weight?

Not on its own. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume, so an exercise bike works best alongside a sensible diet. Cardio is one part of the bigger picture.

What weight limit should I look for on an exercise bike for weight loss?

Many home exercise bikes cap out around 90kg, which can be limiting. If you're a heavier user, look for a heavier-duty model rated above 120kg, or consider a treadmill, which often has a higher weight limit.

Is an Exercise Bike Good for Losing Weight?

Q: Is an exercise bike good for losing weight?

Yes. An exercise bike is a form of cardio that burns plenty of calories, so when it's combined with a calorie deficit it's an effective, low-impact way to lose weight over time.

Yes, an exercise bike is good for losing weight. It's a form of cardiovascular exercise that burns plenty of calories, and when you pair it with a sensible diet, it's one of the easiest, lowest-impact ways to shed weight from home. An exercise bike isn't the only option, though, and the right approach depends on your goals.

Some people simply want to lose a set amount of weight, while others are focused on improving cardiovascular health or adding resistance training such as weightlifting. Whatever your aim, it pays to understand the benefits and limitations of using an exercise bike for weight loss before you commit. Below, our team breaks down exactly how well it works and what to look for if you're buying one.

Are exercise bikes good for losing weight generally?

Person using an exercise bike at home for weight loss

Yes. Exercise bikes are a form of cardiovascular exercise, which helps you lose weight over time. By building a regular cardio activity like cycling into your routine, you burn extra calories and tip the balance in favour of weight loss.

As you're probably aware, hopping on the bike once or twice a week won't transform your body on its own. Cardio is just one piece of a larger picture that includes your diet and lifestyle, but that's a topic for another article. The single rule that determines whether you lose weight is simple:

Calories in must be less than calories out plus exercise.

In other words, the total calories you consume in a day need to be lower than your BMR plus the calories you burn through exercise.

By adding an exercise bike to your cardio routine, you'll torch a lot of extra calories. Compared with a brisk walk, you should burn more than twice as many calories on an exercise bike over the same time, which is not too shabby.

The golden rule of weight loss

No amount of cycling will out-run a poor diet. Use the bike to widen your calorie deficit, but keep an eye on what you eat. That's where most of the result comes from.

Buying a home exercise bike? Read this first

If you're buying a home exercise bike to lose weight, keep the following points in mind. These tips will help you choose the right machine for your needs rather than wasting money on one that doesn't fit.

1. Your budget makes a big difference

Exercise bikes are generally affordable, but prices vary significantly. If your budget tops out around £200, your options will be limited. You'll either have to compromise on features or settle for a cheaper machine that doesn't tick every box.

Stretch your budget as far as you comfortably can. There's a noticeable jump in quality between a £200 bike and one priced at £300.

2. Check the weight limit

This is especially important if you're close to your bike's maximum weight limit. Many home exercise bikes are rated to around 90kg, which won't suit a lot of people setting out to lose weight.

Fortunately, some manufacturers make heavier-duty home exercise bikes with maximum weight limits above 120kg. If you're struggling to find a bike that suits you, consider an alternative such as a treadmill, which typically has a higher weight limit.

3. Consider the warranty

Build quality varies from bike to bike. Read a few customer reviews and check what warranty is included. More reputable manufacturers tend to trust their products and back them with longer warranties in case something goes wrong.

Some cheaper models, on the other hand, come with little or no warranty at all, leaving you stuck with a large lump of metal if it breaks.

4. Check the features

You might not need all the bells and whistles, but a few key features will help you keep progressing as your fitness improves.

Look for a home exercise bike with a range of programmes at different difficulty levels. As your strength and stamina build and the weight starts to come off, you can keep challenging yourself with tougher routines rather than outgrowing the machine.

5. Consider how noisy it is

This might sound trivial, but noise can make a real difference to you and anyone you share your home with. Most of us want to watch TV while we ride, so the quieter the bike, the better.

Read the reviews and see what other owners say about noise before you make a decision.

Are exercise bikes good for losing weight? A summary

Exercise bikes are absolutely a great way to lose weight and improve your overall health and fitness. They're easy to use, gentle on your joints, and one of the most efficient ways to burn calories at home.

If you're shopping for a home exercise bike to lose weight, remember there's no single "best" bike. Find the one that works best for you and your personal needs by weighing up the tips above.