I'm looking for something for my elderly mom. Can it be adjusted so there is little or no tension? I need something that is very easy to pedal.
250838
Yes the knob on the front adjusts the tension of the pedals. When left at the lowest position, the pedals turn easily.
250839
Yes, Laura. The unit has a wide range. At the lowest level, there is just about zero resistance and it is very easy to pedal. The adjustments increments are small, so she resistance can be added just a little bit at at time -- if that is desired.
250840
At the lowest setting this would be perfect for your Mom. However, the unit itself is heavy. You will need to ether keep in in one place or have someone able to easily lift 30+ plus pounds to move it from one location to another. It is also a bit bulky. It is tricky to lift by the pedals because they rotate.
250841
There is a knob on the front of the exerciser. As you spin it to the right, the tension increases. I think it can crank up to a tension level of 5, which is too difficult for me. The first and second tension levels may be appropriate for your elderly mom. I have only used it as an arm exerciser but it can be used for legs as well. There is also a gage showing the speed, the time and the distance.
250842
Yes, you can back the tension right off. There's a large knob you simply screw in or out to change the resistance.
250843
Hi Laura, I just put it on the lowest tension setting, and I feel like the wheel is sliding partly from momentum (so it's easy)...however, the wheel inside is kind of heavy so starting it going might take a little strength...not a lot...but I don't know how weak your mother is. Also, keep in mind that the machine itself is very heavy, and I doubt you mom would be able to move it around the house. The $40 machine I got from Dick's Sporting goods has little tension, but is also unpleasant to pedal because it gets 'stuck' at the top and bottom of the cycle. I would recommend asking someone who wrote a review about giving it to an elderly parent...I think that would give you a better view of the Magnetrainer's usefulness in the situation than my conjecture. Best, Dmitry
1612869
Hello Barbara,Yes you can pedal with resistance, either way. I am in a wheelchair and use mine everyday. Really it has worked out great for me.
228741
Adjusting the seat location is difficult. I asked my grandsonl to make the adjustment for me, which he did, but I still need a back cushion. The bike is not as efficient as I might like, but it works well. Different programs are simply too vague to be helpful. I just ride while watching the tv. I also use a treadmill and a shiatsu massage chair and trade off one device at a time. Dorothy
1233758
If it is not broke you just turn it to the right one number at a time. It may be very tight. Mine was tight and I just loosened it up a bit. It will turn easily and feels like it wo't turn but it will. Just turn it to 2 and ride it to see if the adjustment was made. I ride at 3 most of the time unless I am training for a race then I ride on 4. I am 66 so I am not into making my legs that much stronger. It may be broke but I doubt it if it is new. I love my unit and I have over 5,000 miles on it.
1192968
I don't think so. My 3 year old grandaughter was just old enough to pedal it. I'd stick to some thing that glides by their feet on the floor.
1928374
That's the ideal set up but it was uncomfotablre for a petite like me. I have a 20" bike and I mount the tyke toter in the lowest possible, touching the bike's body so I can have the seat to its lowest position with my feet at least slightly on the ground. It also gives me the comfort that my child's more steady in front of me than in that elevated position.
1086332
My mom is 84 next month and it is not hard for her to use at all. She uses a cushion on top. The only thing I can say negative is that it is not light and a little difficult for her to move if she wants to use it on different furniture.
1538157
Actually, the brakes on the Hugo are easy to apply. I'm 78 and also have arthritis as well as a balance problem, so I can empathize with your Mom.
2274677
I am 5 ft 1 inch tall, I wonder if this would be a little bit heavy for her to propel? I have the seat on the lowest setting, and I am thinking maybe she could ride this ok, is there a childs sized one out there? Maybe you could put some sort of wooden blocks on the pedals in case her legs are a little too short. Do you want me to measure anything for you? Its sitting here in my garage and would be happy to measure it for you. I really like the bike.Cheers, Cheryl
1123050
Yes, tension can be adjusted. There is a knob right in middle of front bottom that can be turned to tighten or loosen the tension.
1764460
Hi, Madeline. Hope it's not too late to help. I got the Active 20 and the seat adjustment is the same as a higher-end Schwinn that my friend has. They both adjust forward and backward only, but the seats slide at a downward, somewhat shallow angle. So there's no true 'vertical' adjustment--but a slight vertical change when you slide it backwards and forwards. It may provide little consolation, but the nature of recumbent bicycles means that your height in relation to the ground becomes somewhat irrelevant, as the most important rule to follow is the distance between your hips and the pedals. As long as you're not hyper-extending your knees (legs entirely outstretched when your foot is on the pedal farthest away from you), bicycle manufacturers think that the location of the pedals isn't important, as long as they're not above your heart. I'm sorry if I couldn't help you. One more thing, it's also bad to have your legs so cramped that your pedaling brings your knees close to your chest.
823750
Yes, we have seniors that use this. With the eight gears, it goes from easy pedaling all the way to hard pedaling. It can be used by people just starting, low level of fitness and is a featured outdoor fitness product on the Biggest Loser TV show. It can also be used for advanced fitness enthusiasts. Intensity is determined by the user, what gears used, time of ride, terrain, etc. The three wheels make it very stable. The elliptical motion requires less bending of the knee than a bicycle requires. There is no seat so it doesn't hurt the rear end like a bicycle. It is easy on the back as you don't have to bend over. Feel free to contact me for more info or to discuss. Bill at Lifestyle Sports 1-800-666-9198. PS: I almost forgot, my wife and I are senior citizens and we ride our Streetstriders about 1200 miles per year in Western NY when it is not freezing or snowing.
33173
My mother finds the walker to be very stable. However, she is a slim, short woman, so it might depend on who is using it.
50126
The button to push may be too hard for an elderly lady or child to push to release the leg. Try some W40 - might work for a while.
2103797
Yes. I purchased it for my mother, who's 87 and this was one of her main concerns, as she was having lots of balance issues. She was 'very' pleased with the quality of the product.
1843224
I purchased the bicycle for an elderly relative who has balance issues. She hasn't had a problem with it. The bicycle is very sturdy and doesn't tip over. She loves the bicycle and I'm happy with my purchase. I hope this helps you make a decision.
1991146
I don't see any harm, it's totally worth a shot. It's not very big either so stores nicely in a corner or closet. It has a smooth variable resistance setting so you can go slow for strength or easy and fast for cardio. You will need to by the handles for arm style separately but they are worth it & make sure to place it on a steady table at proper height to get most out of it. I actually sit on a pillow because my table is tall for me. I have never used the foot pedals, not sure how good of a work out you will get from that?? The Arm Bike style is the way to go in my opinion. Hope this helps!