Arm Bikes

Do you want to improve your health, increase your mobility, recover from an injury or work on your fitness? Then an arm bike is ideal. These arm bikes focus on the upper body and offer a low-impact workout. This makes them one of the favourite fitness machines in physiotherapy practices and among older people. They are accessible to everyone regardless of fitness level.

An arm bike, also called hand bike, hand bike trainer or arm ergometer, simulates a rotating cycling movement but then with the arms. Due to the low joint load and the possibility of training while seated, the machine is broadly applicable for athletes who cannot stand, have limited mobility or are recovering from an injury or operation. The main selection criteria are the seat adjustment, resistance levels, adjustability of the crank arms and the height of the machine. Also view our complete range of exercise bikes for more cardio options.

An arm bike is a fitness machine specifically designed to train the arms and shoulders through a rotating movement that resembles cycling but then with the arms. The machine is also called arm cycle, handbike or arm ergometer. The movement is smooth and controlled, making the machine particularly suitable for rehabilitation purposes, people with limited mobility and older people.

Arm bikes are used both sitting and standing. With most models the seat is adjustable or removable so that wheelchair users can also use the machine. The resistance is adjustable for light recovery training to more intensive cardiovascular training.

Why choose an arm bike?

An arm bike offers a unique combination of effectiveness and accessibility. The rotating arm movement loads shoulders, arms, chest and upper back while the joints are minimally loaded. This makes intensive upper body training possible for people who cannot or may not use other cardio machines.

The benefits of training with an arm bike are:

• Targeted training of shoulders, arms, chest and upper back
• Low-impact movement with minimal joint load
• Training while seated possible for people with leg complaints or limited mobility
• Adjustable resistance for rehabilitation to intensive cardio training
• Improves cardiovascular health and endurance
• Ideal for rehabilitation after arm, shoulder or heart operations
• Accessible for all levels and ages

Which arm bike suits you?

You are rehabilitating after an arm, shoulder or heart operation: Choose an arm bike with an induction braking system for the most precise resistance setting even at very low levels. This is essential for dosed build-up in a rehabilitation programme. Always consult your physiotherapist or doctor first before starting.

You have limited mobility or use a wheelchair: Choose an arm bike with a removable seat so you can train directly from your wheelchair. Also check whether the height of the machine is adjustable for the correct training position in a seated position.

You are older and want to comfortably train your upper body: Choose a model with simple operation, clearly readable display and stable construction. An arm bike is a safe and effective way for older people to stay active.

You want to specifically train your upper body with a leg injury: An arm bike is particularly suitable for athletes who need to spare their legs but still want to train intensively. You can maintain your cardiovascular fitness and build upper body strength while your lower body recovers.

You want to add variety to your cardio training: Combine an arm bike with a recumbent bike or exercise bike for complete cardio training where you train both upper and lower body at different times.

Is an arm bike suitable for rehabilitation?

Yes, an arm bike is one of the most used machines in physiotherapy practices, hospitals and rehabilitation centres. The controlled and safe movement makes it possible to build up and strengthen the upper body muscles without risk of overloading.

The adjustable resistance makes it possible to precisely adjust the intensity to the individual rehabilitation plan and the progress of the patient. Always consult your physiotherapist or therapist first before starting with an arm bike as a rehabilitation machine.

What to look for when buying?

Seat adjustment and accessibility

Check whether the seat is adjustable forward and backward for the correct distance to the handles. If use from a wheelchair is important, check whether the seat is fully removable. A good sitting position is essential for effective and safe training.

Resistance levels and braking system

The more resistance levels, the more precisely the training can be dosed. For rehabilitation purposes an induction braking system is recommended for the most precise setting even at the lowest levels. Do you want to monitor your heart rate accurately? Then also view our range of heart rate monitors.

Adjustability of the crank arms

Check whether the crank arms are adjustable in length, possibly per arm separately. This is important for patients with asymmetric arm length or for one-sided use after an injury. Adjustable crank arms also make the machine suitable for a wider range of users.

Height of the machine

The height of the handles must be adjustable so you can sit in the correct training position without having to hunch or train above your capacity. This is one of the most underestimated but most practical purchase considerations.

Training standing up

Some arm bikes offer the possibility to also train standing by setting the handles higher and removing the seat. This opens up extra exercise options for patients where training while standing is appropriate or for specific rehabilitation protocols.

Our advice: For rehabilitation purposes always choose an arm bike with an induction braking system and extensive adjustability of seat and crank arms. Always consult your physiotherapist or doctor first with medical complaints.

Who are arm bikes suitable for?

• People in rehabilitation recovering from an arm, shoulder, heart or other operation who want to build up their strength and fitness in a controlled manner.
• People with limited mobility due to a disability, injury or illness who want to improve their fitness while seated.
• Wheelchair users who want direct access to cardio and strength training for the upper body.
• Older people who want to stay active safely and with a low threshold with a stable and accessible fitness machine.
• Athletes with leg injuries who want to maintain their cardiovascular fitness while their lower body recovers.
• Physiotherapy practices and rehabilitation centres looking for a versatile and reliable rehabilitation machine for varying patients.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our exercise bike specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our showroom in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about arm bikes

What is the difference between an arm bike and an exercise bike?

An exercise bike trains exclusively the legs via a cycling movement for the lower body. An arm bike trains the arms and shoulders via a similar rotating movement but then for the upper body. An arm bike is ideal for people who cannot load their legs or specifically want to train their upper body.

Is an arm bike suitable for heart problems?

Arm bikes are sometimes used in cardiac rehabilitation due to the controlled and adjustable loading. Always consult your cardiologist or treating doctor first before starting to train on an arm bike with heart problems.

Can I also use an arm bike standing up?

That depends on the model. Some arm bikes offer the possibility to train standing by setting the handles higher and removing the seat. Check the product specifications of the desired model to confirm whether training while standing is possible.

Is an arm bike also suitable for people without medical complaints?

Yes certainly. An arm bike is also perfectly usable for athletes without specific complaints who want to train their upper body or add variety to their cardio training.

How much space do I need for an arm bike?

An arm bike is relatively compact compared to other cardio machines. Most models have a floor space of approximately 0.8 by 0.6 metres. Measure your available space in advance and compare with the exact dimensions of the desired model.