What’s better than a traditional treadmill? A folding one. As the name suggests, a folding treadmill is one that you can ‘fold up’ when not in use. It has a running deck that pivots up and locks, thus taking up less space than a traditional treadmill. Whether you’re building a home gym or want to get in some miles within your apartment during the lockdown, a folding treadmill is a must-have for you.
Best Overall
JLL T350 Treadmill
- 5-inch LCD Monitor
- 4.5 Horsepower
- 20 Workout Program
Best Value
Dripex Treadmill
- 2 Inches LCD Display
- Quiet in Operation
- Compact
Best Seller
JLL S300 Treadmill
- Maximum User weight is 120 kg
- 4.5 Horsepower
Why Folding Treadmills Are A Better Choice
Foldable treadmills occupy less space
The key benefit of having a folding treadmill is that you don’t have to dedicate a spot or room to it. You can easily fit a treadmill in a small room or gym and then fold it up when not in use. Isn’t that awesome?
They’re easier to transport
Besides occupying less space, folding treadmills are also very easy to move around. They come with wheels, which means you can move them from one spot to another without any hassle. In case you’re shifting homes, you can quickly fold your treadmill and transport it in your car’s trunk.
They make cleaning easier
This point is particularly important for all the clean freaks. Unlike traditional treadmills, foldable treadmills make cleaning easier. You can fold up the running mill and clean the floor underneath with a vacuum (or whatever you prefer).
Table of Contents
- JLL S300 Digital Folding Treadmill
- CITYSPORTS Folding Motorised Treadmill
- Branx Fitness Foldable Elite Runner Pro Treadmill
- JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill
- Dripex 2-in-1 Under-Desk Motorized Folding Treadmill
- Citysports 440W Electric Walking Machine
- Confidence Ultra 200 Folding Teadmill
- Femor 500W Electric Walking Running Machine
- REDLIRO Folding Walking Treadmill
- OVICX Q2S Folding Treadmill
Top Picks of the Best Folding Treadmills Reviewed
In this article, we review the ten best folding treadmills in the UK to help you make the right choice.
JLL S300 Digital Folding Treadmill
Ever saw a folding treadmill that can be as slow as 0.3km/h and go all the way to 16km/h as well? Yeah, we didn’t think such treadmills existed either, but then we came across the JLL S300 Treadmill.
This foldable treadmill boasts a compact yet ergonomic build with a versatile speed range. This makes it suitable for people recovering from an injury as well as those who enjoy an intense workout session.
It features a 16-point cushion deck that enables shock absorption to keep your joints safe and your legs energized. There are 15 pre-set workout programmes and 20 incline levels included in the package.
As for technology, the treadmill has a 5-inch LCD screen that shows your heart rate, time, speed, distance, and calories burned. It also has high-power speakers so you can blast your favourite tunes while walking or running on the treadmill.
Overall, the JLL S300 Folding Treadmill is an outstanding option for all types of users. It has possibly everything you’d want on a treadmill without compromising on quality.
The package also includes a 2-year warranty on parts and labour, a 5-year motor warranty, and a lifetime guarantee on the frame.
- Great build quality
- Versatile speed range
- Wide and comfortable running area
- Equipped with digital micro-computer controller technology
- Ensures smooth running with a suspension system
- Bulky structure; take up a lot of space even after folding
- It might be a bit difficult to assemble
CITYSPORTS Folding Motorised Treadmill
If you want a simple, no-nonsense foldable treadmill, you should consider the CITYSPORTS Treadmill.
This running machine isn’t fancy, but it’s certainly a reliable one. It features a slim design that can fit a small home or office room easily. The treadmill is equipped with an LCD screen that displays time, speed, distance, and calories burned while running.
The model has speed levels ranging from 1 to 6 km/h (which is good enough for beginners) and comes with a remote control to adjust the speed level. It weighs only 26.2 kgs but has a weight capacity of 100kgs, which is quite impressive.
What we particularly liked about this folding treadmill is its powerful motor that delivers the right amount of power for an intense workout session. It has a 500W rating, which is significantly greater than the average treadmill motors.
In all honesty, the CITYSPORTS Folding Treadmill offers a decent workout experience while staying on a budget. Whether you walk or run on this treadmill, you’ll definitely enjoy doing it. This running machine isn’t something extraordinary, but what else can you expect in this price tag!
The treadmill comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Slim and compact design
- Equipped with a powerful and quiet motor
- Budget-friendly model
- Includes a remote control
- The maximum speed limit is 6km/h only
- Not technically a folding treadmill
Branx Fitness Foldable Elite Runner Pro Treadmill
Want a treadmill that looks and feels just like a traditional one but is foldable? The Branx Fitness Treadmill is an option worth considering for you.
This treadmill features a solid, chunky structure, making it hard to differentiate this model from a traditional treadmill. It has a large (and soft) running area with a dual shock 10-point absorption system (which can be very useful in the long term). The belt is 2mm thick for added comfort.
Besides this, the treadmill has a wide, comfortable-to-use console. Mind you; this is a fully colored LCD touchscreen console and not a budget one. The treadmill also has built-in speakers and Bluetooth to keep you entertained.
The best part? Unlike most other folding treadmills that offer a max speed of <10km/h, this model provides a top speed of 21km/h. Yes, you read that right. This certainly gives the treadmill an edge over others.
This Branx model comes with 12 pre-set programs and a one-button press system for changing speed or incline. Along with all this, it also has a powerful fan to cool down after an intense workout.
Simply put, the Branx Fitness Foldable Treadmill is a commercial-quality treadmill suitable for users of all levels. Its innovative features certainly make this model a part of the upper league. The model comes with a 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year motor warranty.
- Build quality is impressive
- Offers one-touch speed and incline adjustments
- Excellent maximum speed (21km/h)
- Soft drop system allows for ease of use
- It has a powerful cooling fan
- No option to pause during workouts
- Speakers and fan are quite basic
JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill
Looking for a robust, ergonomic folding treadmill for use at home? The JLL T350 Digital Treadmill has got you covered.
This running machine features 20 built-in programs, 20 incline levels, and a Bluetooth connection, along with a state-of-the-art LCD screen. It has a 4.5 horsepower engine, offering a maximum speed of 18 km/hour (which is enough for fitness experts), and has a weight capacity of 120kgs.
Although this model is bigger than other compact treadmills, it offers better stability as well. The running surface is wide enough for tall users. It follows a 16-point system, covering the essential impact areas (if you already use a treadmill, you probably know how important this is in the long run).
The best part? This model is equipped with Bluetooth 3.0 and supports a USB connection, so you can connect your gadgets to enjoy your favorite tunes while working out. There’s a large, legible LCD screen that displays the important stats, along with a console that’s intuitive and easy to use.
Overall, the JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill is an excellent option for all fitness enthusiasts. The running machine is a bit bulky, but it has wheels, so you can easily fold and transport it away when not in use.
The company gives a 2-year parts and labour warranty, a 5-year motor warranty, and a lifetime warranty for the frame. But don’t throw the packaging away, as you’re going to need it when you claim the warranty.
- 16-point cushioned running surface
- Generous speed range
- Good variety of inclines and workout programs
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- Large LCD screen with an intuitive console
- The set-up process can be a bit tricky
- It might make little noise when in use
Dripex 2-in-1 Under-Desk Motorized Folding Treadmill
The unique selling point of most office treadmills is one awesome function, that is, under-desk use, but the Dripex 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill brings something different to the table.
As the name suggests, this Dripex folding treadmill offers a multi-functional approach. How, you might be wondering? Well, you get a fully functional treadmill with uprights. You can fold these uprights and convert the treadmill into a walking machine.
The machine has many impressive features, including a quiet and powerful 2.25HP brushless motor that enables silent operation. It also has a wide shock-deductive platform with a sturdy and sleek steel frame, giving it a stylish look.
This treadmill comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker so you can enjoy your favourite songs while walking or running. If you’re in the mood for a show or movie, you can enjoy that too by placing your phone in the phone holder.
Remote control is included to adjust speed levels (the speed range is okay; nothing extraordinary). Keep in mind that the treadmill doesn’t have any preset programmes, which is where it lacks.
Overall, the Dripex 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a premium running machine build-wise. It does lack in the speed and programmes area, but it’s a great choice nonetheless.
- Sleek and stylish look
- Offers a 2-in-1 approach
- Has a built-in Bluetooth speaker system
- Low-profile shape for easy storage
- Lack of preset programmes
- Speed range is just fine
Citysports 440W Electric Walking Machine
If you’re not a big fan of working out and want a walking machine for a simple workout at home or office, you should look at the Citysports 440W Electric Walking Machine, an excellent option that offers value for money.
Unlike conventional treadmills, this folding treadmill features only a running base with a shock-absorbing, anti-slip walking belt for increased safety.
The base is extended to make space for an LCD screen that you can use to see speed, time and distance travelled, number of steps taken, and calories burned.
The treadmill offers a maximum speed of 6km/h, which is fine for people who don’t need a fast-paced machine or intense session. It has transport wheels as well, making it easy to move around.
What we particularly liked about this treadmill is its straightforward design and silent (no-noise) operation. You can simply pick it up and place it anywhere for your daily workout.
The folding treadmill has Bluetooth-integrated speakers for your daily dose of entertainment. It comes pre-lubricated and has a child-lock function as well to prevent any accidents. What more can you ask for in a budget walking machine?
- Low profile makes it easy to store
- It has a child-lock feature for safety
- Shock-absorbing, anti-slip walking belt
- Quiet in operation
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Not good enough for running
Confidence Ultra 200 Folding Teadmill
A bold design, compact frame, and impressive features – that’s what defines the Confidence Ultra 200 Running Machine.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this machine has a lot going on in terms of design – but in a good way. The idea behind this folding treadmill was to make workouts more convenient, and that reflects in its build.
On top of the body, there’s an easy-to-read, touch-sensitive console that lets you view your heart rate, time, distance, speed, and calories burned. You can also use this console to switch between the 12 preset programmes.
Like every other machine, this one also has a Bluetooth speaker so you can blast some tunes to get through your daily session.
What truly makes this folding treadminll stand out from others is its frame. Not only is it sturdy and durable, but it has a small and slim design which means you can fold it to lay completely flat on the floor. It has wheels too for easy transportation.
However, it’s important to note that the top speed is only 10km/h, which makes it more of a walking machine and not a running one. Also, the highest incline is only 5 degrees, which isn’t suitable for intense sessions. But besides that, it’s a good option.
- Innovative folding mechanism
- Has 12 preset programmes to choose from
- Has a Bluetooth speaker and tablet holderHas a Bluetooth speaker and tablet holder
- The top speed is only 10km/h
- The deck isn’t big enough for tall users
Femor 500W Electric Walking Running Machine
Are you looking for a sturdy and economical folding treadmill? Look no further because the Femor Treadmill is the perfect choice for you.
This treadmill features commercial quality construction and a smooth and quiet treadmill motor that supports speeds ranging from 1-12km/h. The speed levels can be adjusted easily using the remote control included.
The running belt is wide enough and has non-slip, shock absorption technology to protect your joints. There are 12 preset programmes and 3 incline levels so you can control the intensity of your workout.
Like most treadmills, this model also has a heart rate sensor and LCD screen that displays time, speed, distance, heart rate and calories, efficiently tracking all of your fitness goals. There is no speaker though.
We particularly liked the emergency stop system in this treadmill, with a red safety key that clamps to your clothes in case you need to stop instantly.
Overall, the Femor Folding Treadmill is a safe and economical choice for those who don’t want something extravagant. It has a good speed range along with all the features you’d want in a running treadmill.
- Powerful and quiet 500W motor
- Good variety of programmes and incline levels
- Has a non-slip, shock-absorbing running belt
- Emergency safety system to prevent accidents
- No speaker for music
- The top speed is only 12km/h
REDLIRO Folding Walking Treadmill
If you’re looking for a treadmill to kickstart your workout journey, this REDLIRO Folding Walking Treadmill is a good option for you. It’s a well-designed machine that can be used for running and walking (when the handles are down).
The treadmill is compact, and so the running area is quite slim too. However, the plus side is that you can easily keep it beside your work desk. It comes fully equipped with all tools and instructions, making it easy to set up.
This heavy-duty treadmill is constructed from premium stainless steel. It boasts a console with a phone holder and an LCD screen that displays speed, distance, calories, time, heart rate, etc. However, it doesn’t have any speakers.
There is a built-in heart rate sensor and shortcut key with start/stop on the left handrail and speed+/speed- on the right handrail for ease of use. Users should note that the folding treadmill has no inclines, but there are 12 preset training modes for light or intense workout sessions.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say this is an excellent walking/running machine with a maximum weight capacity of 100kgs. It is easily foldable and can be used for both walking and running, making it suitable for the whole family.
- Heavy-duty construction ensures durability
- Has a multi-function LCD screen
- Comes with 12 preset training modes
- Monitors heart rate while running
- Has no incline settings
- No speakers for music
OVICX Q2S Folding Treadmill
Are you on a strict budget but still want a commercial quality running machine? You should look into the OVICX Q2S Running Machine.
This folding treadmill features a visually appealing, sleek and modern look, though the functionality is nothing out of the ordinary. It has a super-wide running surface with patented silkworm shock absorbers that decrease the impact on your joints. It also allows for quiet operation.
The treadmill has a good speed range, with a top speed of up to 14km/h. One feature that particularly impressed us was the smart speed control, which allows you to switch from full speed to slow speed. This is much safer and convenient than abruptly hitting “stop”.
Once you’re done with your workout session, you can touch on either side of the portable treadmill, flick underneath each arm, and the treadmill will fold flat within 20 seconds.
There’s also an LED screen that is built into the slim centre console. It enables you to track your progress. You can even share the data with your friends using the FitShow App, which is very cool. However, there’s no Bluetooth or speakers, so you’ll have to compromise a little.
Overall, the OVICX Q2S Compact Walking/Running Machine is a good treadmill that’ll offer you a great run for your money. It’s sturdy, well-made and has all the features you’d want in a folding treadmill (except for the speakers).
- Sleek and modern look
- Has shock absorption technology
- Offers quiet operation
- Has an innovative fatigue slowdown button
- Basic functionality
- No Bluetooth or speakers
Factors to Consider When Buying a Foldable Treadmill
Searching for the best folding treadmill that fits your small apartment or home gym perfectly? Don’t forget to take these factors into account:
Space Available
Folding treadmills help save space, yes. But remember, they take up as much space as a traditional treadmill when in use. So, do measure the space you’ll have to dedicate to the treadmill both when it’s in use and when it’s folded.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll raise a few inches when you step on the treadmill, so if you plan on using it in a room with a low ceiling, that may be a factor too.
Stability
When it comes to treadmills, the rule of thumb is that the more affordable it is, the less stability it will offer. This doesn’t mean you need to go over and beyond your budget to get your hands on a good treadmill; it just means you need to set a limit on how much you’re willing to sacrifice stability.
It’s always a good idea to check the stability by walking, running, and jogging on the treadmill before buying it. In case you’re buying online, don’t forget to check the reviews!
Ease of Folding
Every compact treadmill indeed is foldable, but some are more difficult to fold as compared to others. This is a factor to consider, especially if you suffer from back or neck problems. Hence, look for treadmills with good hydraulics, as they allow for greater ease of folding/unfolding.
Ideally, you should check this in person. However, if you’re shopping online, do check out customer reviews. You can even post your queries on platforms and have experienced people answer them.
Weight Capacity
Another crucial factor to consider is how much weight the running machine can handle. According to experts, the weight capacity written by manufacturers is slightly exaggerated. Hence, to be on the safe side, you should subtract 25 pounds from the given weight capacity.
If you put more weight on the running machine than it can handle, it will give up in a few months.
Your Budget
Last but not least, you also need to take your budget into account. If you plan to use your running machine for a considerable amount of time, then you should be ready to splurge a bit. Most walking foldable treadmills cost a minimum of £1000, while for running ones, the lower limit is usually £1500.
In case this goes over your budget, you can look for slightly used folding treadmills.
The Bottom Line
Of course, a treadmill is no match for running outside, but it’s a great piece of equipment to own, especially for those with busy work schedules or unsuitable outdoor environments. Folding treadmills are even better, as they are portable and can be easily stored away when not in use.
When shopping for a folding treadmill, there’s a lot to consider in terms of features. After all, it’s an expensive piece of machine, so you’d want it to last for a couple of years at least. Every folding treadmill folds up when not in use, but the real challenge is finding one with the required features and folds up without putting pressure on your joints.
We hope that this review + guide will help you choose the best option – one that fulfils all your requirements without breaking the bank.
