If you’re specifically searching for a folding treadmill, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re looking for a machine that doesn’t take up much room when not in use or can even be hidden away. So, let’s look at some space-saving options.
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What are the different types of folding treadmills?
There are actually two types of folding treadmill:
Fold-up deck – the most common type and are usually referred to as just ‘folding treadmills’. The deck rises up to save floor space.
Flat folding – completely collapsible and can be laid flat or stored upright.
Fold-up deck treadmills
A lot of home treadmills out there are actually fold-up deck as standard, even if you’re not specifically searching for space-saving features. It’s only once you start looking at commercial or even some semi-commercial grade machines that you’ll come across more fixed frame, non-folding models.
This type of folding treadmill involves grabbing the end of the deck and lifting it up towards the console until it locks into place. In this upright folded position the deck sticks out slightly at an angle; however, you are saving a lot of floor space vs the deck laid out flat as you would for running on it.
When it comes to unfolding it usually requires a soft kick to a pole and the deck will gently lower to the floor.
💡Tip: Treadmills aren’t light machines and even lifting up the deck can require a bit of strength so just make sure you feel comfortable with this. Unfortunately, the specific weight of the deck isn’t usually stated in specs so you’ll have to connect the dots a bit based on the total machine weight. Or if there’s a showroom you can visit, try it out for yourself.
Flat-folding treadmills
Now, this may be the type of treadmill you envisaged when looking for a folding treadmill – one that folds completely flat and can be potentially stored under furniture so it’s completely out of the way. Or up on its end flat against a wall.
These are less common than the previous type but there are plenty out there. The only thing I’d say is if you need a machine with a powerful motor and high user weight capacity you’ll struggle to find this kind of specification within a collapsible design.
One great thing about these machines is most require no assembly. You simply unbox it, lift up the frame/handles until they lock into place and then unfold the display. That’s it! Some may require a tad more effort e.g. screwing in a knob, but it’s still fairly quick.
💡Tip: If you plan to store it under furniture make sure to check the machine’s folded height e.g. it may be 20 cm. Compare that to the space under your bed, sofa or whatever you plan to store it under. It’s usually the motor end of the treadmill which makes up most of the machine’s height. So even if you see the machine in person, don’t visually hone in on the deck and think it’ll fit based on sight alone – check the specification.
Walking pads
Yes, I know – they’re not a folding treadmill per se; however, they can be a solution if finding a treadmill for tight spaces is your primary objective. The only limitation here is that they will only be suitable for walking – as the name suggests! Max speed is usually 6 kph which for many is a brisk walk.
So if you need a treadmill for going faster, ignore me and forget the fact I ever brought up walking pads. I will be providing more info on walking pads as I build out this website so keep your eyes peeled. But now, back to folding treadmills.
Other things to consider
Having gone through the different space-saving options you may be now going “Ahh a flat folding treadmill would be perfect for me”. However depending on the other machine specifications you need, sadly the space-saving option you’re after may not be available.
If you’ve not read it already, have a look at the ultimate treadmill buying guide. This is a crash course on the key things spec-wise you’ll need for a treadmill based on how you plan to use it. So if after reading the guide you decide you need a machine designed to cope with a fair whack of mileage each week, you may struggle to find a motor powerful enough within a flat folding frame. However, there may be plenty of fold-up deck options which are suitable. So it just may need a bit of compromise.
FAQ
Are treadmills easy to fold?
Yes. Both fold-up and flat folding types are easy to fold up. The only thing I’d say about fold-up deck treadmills is you may need a bit of strength and momentum to lift the deck up towards the console, especially for semi-commercial grade machines. When it then comes to deploying the deck ready for a run, a soft kick to a pole is often required – this sometimes requires a certain technique but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
Can I store my treadmill under a bed or sofa?
Flat folding treadmills can be stored under furniture if their folded height is less than the amount of room under your furniture. Allow a bit of leeway too so you’re not jamming your treadmill under it. Treadmills with a fold up deck can’t be stored under furniture.
How much space does a folding treadmill save?
With fold-up deck treadmills, the machine’s length is reduced by around 40% on average when folded. With flat-folding models, the height is reduced by roughly 80%, allowing them to be stored flat or upright against a wall. Always compare the folded and assembled dimensions before buying to see how much space a particular model will save.
Are folding treadmills easy to move?
Usually, yes, but they can still be heavy. Most folding treadmills have transport wheels, allowing you to tilt the machine and roll it across the floor rather than lift it up. Some even feature wheels that allow the machine to be wheeled laterally as well. Always check the assembled machine weight and wheel positioning, especially if you plan to move it around quite a bit.
How do you fold a treadmill?
For a fold-up deck treadmill, lift the rear of the running deck up towards the console until it locks securely into its upright position. With a flat-folding treadmill, you typically tuck in the console, then press two buttons simultaneously underneath the handles to release the frame. This allows the uprights and console to fold down onto the deck. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as folding mechanisms vary between models.
Author: Ian Smith For the past five years I’ve worked in marketing for one of the UK’s leading fitness equipment brands. During this time I’ve learnt a thing or two about fitness equipment: what’s out there and commonly asked customer questions. I also regularly used the equipment myself and would help test out new products. LinkedIn profile
