3 Best Elliptical Machines for Bad Knees: Specs & Price Compared

Key Takeaways

• Elliptical machines reduce knee joint loads more compared to running while providing comparable cardiovascular benefits.
• SOLE's patented 2-degree inward pedal slope reduces ankle and knee stress by maintaining proper alignment throughout the entire stride, preventing the internal rotation that contributes to joint pain.
• The SOLE E95's adjustable 10-level worm drive allows precise foot positioning that accommodates individual biomechanics, eliminating numb toes and Achilles strain common on fixed-pedal machines.
• Smooth, heavy flywheels prevent the jerky resistance transitions that can jar sensitive knees.
• The SOLE E95 delivers exceptional knee protection with its 27-pound flywheel, 20 incline levels for shifting joint stress, patented 2-degree inward pedal slope, 13.3" touchscreen, and lifetime frame warranty.

Why Ellipticals Protect Knees Better Than Treadmills

When you run or walk on a treadmill, each footstrike creates forces equivalent to 2–3 times your body weight traveling through ankles, knees, and hips. 

For someone with knee issues, this repeated impact exacerbates inflammation, accelerates cartilage wear, and increases pain. Ellipticals eliminate this impact cycle entirely through smooth, continuous motion where feet remain in contact with pedals throughout exercise.

The natural movement pattern on quality ellipticals engages multiple muscle groups in balanced ways, strengthening the supportive muscles around the knee joint without overloading the joint itself. This improved muscular support often reduces pain and improves function over time. 

The 3 Best Ellipticals for Bad Knees in 2026

1. SOLE E95: Best Overall for Bad Knees

The SOLE E95's precision worm drive pedal adjustment system allows precise positioning that accommodates individual biomechanics.

The SOLE E95 earns our top recommendation for knee protection through its adjustable 10-level worm drive pedal adjustment system. 

This dial-controlled customization lets you precisely position the pedal angle to match your natural foot strike, which is key to preventing the biomechanical inefficiencies that stress knee joints over thousands of repetitions.

SOLE specifically designed this adjustment because not everyone walks the same way. The worm drive helps eliminate the numb toes and Achilles strain common on fixed-pedal ellipticals—problems that often translate into compensatory movements stressing the knees. Finding your precise pedal angle prevents the internal or external foot rotation that strains knee structures during extended sessions.

The substantial 27-pound flywheel creates exceptionally smooth momentum without the dead spots or jerky transitions that jar sensitive joints. 

Combined with 20 resistance levels and 20 power incline levels, the E95 allows you to shift emphasis between muscle groups, reducing knee stress while maintaining workout effectiveness. Higher incline settings engage glutes and hamstrings more intensively, taking pressure off the quadriceps-knee complex.

The patented 2-degree inward pedal slope appears on this model as well, maintaining proper alignment throughout every stride. The 13.3" touchscreen with WiFi and preloaded apps provides entertainment during longer joint-protective sessions, while the 400-pound weight capacity provides stability for users of all sizes.

At $2,099.99, the E95 delivers award-winning knee protection with a lifetime frame warranty and the FREE SOLE+ App providing hundreds of workouts without subscription fees.

2. SOLE E35: Best Mid-Range for Bad Knees

The SOLE E35 helps you protect your knees with its patented inward pedal slope.

The SOLE E35 at $1,299.99 brings core knee-protective features to a more accessible price point. 

The 3-level pin-adjusted pedals provide meaningful customization for foot positioning, while SOLE's patented 2-degree inward pedal slope reduces ankle and knee stress by maintaining proper alignment throughout the stride.

SOLE developed these angled pedals in collaboration with a leading physical therapist specifically to address the joint stress common on standard ellipticals. The slight inward positioning prevents the internal rotation that contributes to knee pain, allowing longer, more comfortable workouts for users managing joint issues.

The 25-pound flywheel delivers smooth resistance transitions without the sudden tension shifts that can trigger knee pain flares. Four rear wheels riding on heavy-duty rails eliminate side-to-side pedal wobble, preventing the unstable movements that stress vulnerable joints. 

The 20 power incline levels allow you to shift workout emphasis away from knee-dominant movements when needed.

The 10.1" touchscreen with WiFi, screen mirroring, and Bluetooth speakers provides engaging entertainment that makes joint-protective cardio sessions feel shorter. The lifetime frame warranty and FREE SOLE+ App deliver excellent long-term value.

3. SOLE E25: Best Value for Bad Knees

The SOLE E25 proves that effective knee protection doesn't require premium pricing.

At $1,199.99, the SOLE E25 includes SOLE's patented 2-degree inward pedal slope, the same joint-protective design found on premium models, maintaining proper knee alignment throughout every stride.

Developed in collaboration with a leading physical therapist, this pedal design specifically addresses the ankle and knee stress common on other elliptical machines. 

By maintaining proper foot positioning, the E25 prevents the compensatory movements that turn minor knee issues into chronic problems over thousands of repetitions.

The 20-pound flywheel creates smooth, consistent motion without the jarring resistance transitions that aggravate sensitive joints. 

The whisper-quiet operation allows early morning sessions without disturbing household members—important for maintaining the workout consistency that builds knee-supporting muscle strength over time.

The 20 resistance levels and 20 power incline levels provide adequate variety for progressive strengthening while allowing you to modify workouts based on daily knee comfort. The 7.5" LCD display shows key metrics, and the FREE SOLE+ App adds hundreds of joint-friendly workouts without subscription fees.

The lifetime frame warranty and 350-pound weight capacity make the E25 an excellent entry point for users beginning knee rehabilitation through low-impact cardio.

3 Best Elliptical Machines for Bad Knees Comparison Table

How to Use Ellipticals Safely With Bad Knees

Proper Form Techniques

Maintain upright posture with core engaged, shoulders relaxed, and weight centered over pedals. Avoid leaning heavily on handlebars, which shifts weight distribution and increases knee stress. Keep knees tracking directly over toes throughout movement—never caving inward or pushing outward. 

Focus on pushing through the heel rather than the forefoot to engage hamstrings more effectively and create better muscle balance around the knee joint.

Recommended Workout Duration

Start with 5–10 minutes at low resistance, focusing entirely on proper form. Gradually increase by 2–3 minutes per session until reaching 20–30 minutes. Mild muscle fatigue is beneficial, but joint pain during workouts or lasting more than 2 hours afterward indicates you should reduce duration or intensity.

Why Choose The SOLE Elliptical 

SOLE Fitness offers a specialized lineup of elliptical machines designed to prioritize joint health through superior engineering and physical therapist-vetted technology. Every model incorporates a patented 2-degree inward pedal slope that maintains proper alignment to prevent the internal rotation often responsible for chronic knee pain. By combining heavy flywheels for jar-free transitions with the E95’s customizable worm drive pedals, these machines provide a smooth experience that accommodates your unique biomechanics.

Whether you select the premium E95 or the high-value E35 and E25 models, you receive the same commitment to durability and low-impact performance. All machines are supported by a lifetime frame warranty and include the FREE SOLE+ App to provide expert-led, joint-friendly workouts without any monthly subscription fees. 

Browse the SOLE elliptical collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can ellipticals help improve knee problems?

Yes, ellipticals can improve certain knee conditions, not just prevent worsening. The controlled, low-impact movement strengthens quadriceps, hamstrings, and stabilizing muscles that support the knee joint without stressing damaged structures. For conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome and mild osteoarthritis, regular elliptical use has been shown to reduce symptoms by improving strength balance and enhancing joint stability.

Should I consult a doctor before using an elliptical with knee pain?

Yes, consulting a healthcare provider before beginning elliptical training with knee pain is strongly recommended. Different knee conditions respond differently to various movements. A physical therapist or sports medicine physician can evaluate your specific issue and provide personalized guidance on optimal settings, duration, and complementary exercises.

What's more important for bad knees—pedal design or flywheel weight?

Pedal design typically has a greater impact on knee comfort since improper foot positioning forces unnatural movement patterns that stress joints regardless of how smooth the resistance feels. SOLE's patented 2-degree inward slope addresses this directly by maintaining proper alignment. However, heavy flywheels (20+ lbs) remain important for eliminating the jarring transitions that can trigger pain flares in sensitive knees.

What makes SOLE ellipticals better for bad knees than competitors?

SOLE ellipticals deliver superior knee protection through their patented 2-degree inward pedal slope developed in collaboration with a leading physical therapist specifically to reduce ankle and knee stress. This design maintains proper foot alignment throughout the stride, preventing the internal rotation that contributes to joint pain on standard ellipticals.

 

*Disclaimer: Products and prices mentioned in this article are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Please visit the official SOLE website for the most current information.