BEST Pedal Exerciser After Knee Replacement in 2021

A pedal exerciser is a perfect solution for anyone that has had total knee replacement surgery. 

This exercise bike is great because it is lightweight, inexpensive, and versatile. 

Below are videos and recommendations showing you how to use this mini-cycle for both upper and lower body exercises following knee surgery. I also show my top pick for 2021.

My top pick in 2021

The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Exercise Bike wins the position!

Why is the Sunny my top-pick?

I have been using and testing these small pedal exercisers for nearly 20 years in the clinic. I have had hundreds of real patients use various versions and the Sunny is easily the most stable and has the best build quality.

The biggest drawback to these small pedal exercisers is the narrow base of support. This is a problem for two reasons:

1. First, it makes the device easily tip over side-to-side.
2. It makes it difficult for anyone with larger legs or thighs to ride comfortably.

How to choose the best pedal exerciser after knee replacement surgery?

These little bikes come in a huge variety of prices and qualities.

Some considerations include:

• How long do you plan to use it?
• Will you be able to lift and move it?
• How much space do you have at home for it?
• Do you have a chair to use with it?

How long do you plan to use it?

If you do not enjoy cycling for exercises you might not plan on using this pedal exerciser longer than your recovery from knee replacement surgery.

In this case a less expensive pedal bike would be recommended.

On the otherhand, if you enjoy cycling and think it will be part of your longterm health program you may consider buying a recumbent bike.

Will you be able to lift it and move it?

Keeping your walkways clear of tripping hazards is an important part of total knee replacement home safety.

I would recommend a light weight pedal bike that is easy for YOU to lift and move. Some of these bikes weight less than 6-lbs.

Another benefit of using a light weight pedal bike is the ability to place it up on a countertop.

There is a limit to how much you can exercise your knee after surgery, but using the bike to exercise your arms while standing is a great supplemental exercise. 

How much space do you have at home?

Space is always important. Buying one more thing that need floor space or closet space. This little bike dimensions are 20.9 in. (L) x 14.2 in. (W) x 9.4 in. (H).

Be sure to check the dimensions of the bike you choose.

3 Recommended Budget Pedal Exercisers

Top pick:

Best Budget Option:

Best Large Pedal Option:

Do you have a chair at home to use with this bike?

Having a stable chair is important. These pedal bikes can not be safely used with light weight chairs that may tip backward.

They also don’t work well with chairs on wheels.

The best kind of chair is a stable chair that allows you to sit on the front edge of the seat with the pedal bike placed on the floor in front of you.

How long should I ride this bike after a knee replacement?

During the first 10-days after surgery the primary focus of recovery is rest and gentle range of motion.

This bike could be used between 30-seconds and 5 minutes per episode and up to 3 episodes a day. Each episode of use should stop before you feel exhausted. It is common to get tired quickly during the fist 10-days following surgery.

Between days 11 and 30 the goal would be to complete a full revolution and increase your cycling time to 10-minutes per episode. Continue to take frequent rest breaks and stop before you feel exhausted. An effort level of 3/10 is a great goal. With 10/10 being complete exhaustion and 1/10 being the effort associated with sitting in a chair.

After week 4 the focus should be more on walking, stairs, and other weight bearing activities.

Why should someone use this bike as an arm exerciser after knee surgery?

After knee replacement surgery, most patients will be using a walker, crutches, or a cane. Keeping your shoulders, elbows, and wrists healthy is important.

This bike may function as an upper body ergometer and may really help keeping the rest of your body in shape.

Another benefit of using this bike for your arms is because it promote standing endurance and weight shift.

Normal walking requires time on your feet and the ability to shift your from one leg to the other.

The rhythmic movement of using this bike as an arm bicycle will help you return to normal walking.

Here is a video showing you how to position this pedal bike on a countertop.

I can’t fit my foot in the loop!

This is a common problem. The pedals are small and the straps are often too narrow for a normal adult foot.

The simple solution is flip the pedal upside down and place your foot on the bottom of the pedal without using the strap.