3 Best Ellipticals for Arthritic Knees: Price, Features & Reviews

Key Takeaways

• Running and high-impact cardio pound arthritic knees, but staying active is essential for joint health, so low-impact options matter.
• Ellipticals keep feet planted through the full stroke, removing the repeated impact that inflames knees while still building leg strength and cardio.
• Three standout machines suit arthritic knees: the E35 ($1,699.99) for best value, the E95 ($1,999.99) for foot-angle control, and the E95S ($2,299.99) for stride length.
• The E35's therapist-designed pedals ease knee stress; the E95 offers 10 levels of pedal adjustment; the E95S powers an 18-to-24-inch adjustable stride.
• SOLE Fitness builds knee-friendly features across its range, including quiet resistance, adjustable pedals, and customizable strides, plus a 30-day home trial and lifetime frame warranty.

Picking a Low-Impact Elliptical for Knee Arthritis

For people with knee arthritis, three SOLE ellipticals deliver low-impact cardio that spares the joints: the E35, the E95, and the E95S. Each reduces knee pressure differently.

Health authorities consistently recommend low-impact aerobic activity to manage osteoarthritis, as gentle movement helps maintain joint function without the pounding of running. An elliptical delivers exactly that, keeping your feet on the pedals through the entire stroke.

Below, we break down the features, prices, and owner feedback for all three so you can match the right machine to how your knees actually feel.

Top 3 SOLE Ellipticals for Arthritic Knees

1. SOLE E35 Elliptical

The SOLE E35 pairs physical-therapist-designed pedals with a 25-pound flywheel, making it the best-value pick for most people managing knee arthritis.

The SOLE E35 is the model we point most users with arthritis toward, since it pairs joint-friendly engineering with a mid-range price.

Features

The SOLE E35 features a 25-pound flywheel and a high gear ratio with an even glide in both forward and reverse. Its foot pedals are the reason it suits sore knees so well. We developed them with a physical therapist and built in a 2-degree inward slope that takes stress off the knees and ankles. They adjust across three pinned positions so you can set a comfortable foot angle. 

Four rear wheels run on dual short-track rails, which steady the stroke and reduce side-to-side pedal movement. Rounding out the machine are a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Wi-Fi and screen mirroring, 20 levels of incline and 20 levels of resistance, multi-position rubber grips with pulse sensors, and a wireless device charger. The frame holds users up to 350 pounds.

Price

The E35 costs $1,699.99. It carries a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel, two years on parts, and one year on labor.

Reviews

Owners regularly praise the E35 for how quiet and smooth it feels, and people with joint pain tend to single out the angled, adjustable pedals as the detail that sold them. The roomy console and low step-on height also come up often as reasons it works well for older users.

A verified buyer praises the SOLE E35 elliptical for smooth delivery and Netflix support, recommending it wholeheartedly.

2. SOLE E95 Elliptical

With 10 levels of pedal adjustment and a 27-pound flywheel, the SOLE E95 lets users fine-tune foot angle to relieve pressure on a sore knee.

The SOLE E95 steps up for anyone who wants more control over foot position and an even smoother stroke.

Features

The E95 has a 27-pound flywheel, the heaviest among our pedal-adjustable models, so the motion stays steady from the top of the stroke to the bottom. Its pedals adjust across 10 levels using a knob dial, the widest pedal range in our elliptical line. 

Custom-molded handgrips, a power incline with controls built into the handles, and a 13.3-inch touchscreen with Wi-Fi, screen mirroring, and a wireless charger complete the setup. It also runs in forward and reverse, which lets you shift the emphasis across your leg muscles.

Price

The E95 costs $1,999.99, down from a regular price of $2,099.99. It includes a lifetime frame warranty and free SOLE+ access.

Reviews

Feedback on the E95 centers on its gym-like smoothness and the flexibility of the 10-level pedals. A few owners mention that the built-in fan and speakers are on the weaker side, though most feel the ride quality outweighs those small points.

3. SOLE E95S Elliptical

The SOLE E95S has a powered stride that adjusts between 18 and 24 inches, helping taller users avoid the overextension that aggravates arthritic knees.

The SOLE E95S is the pick when knee comfort depends on getting your step length right.

Features

At 30 pounds, the E95S carries the heaviest flywheel of the three, so its stroke feels especially fluid. Its defining feature is a powered stride that adjusts between 18 and 24 inches at the press of a button. 

Matching the stride to your natural gait helps you avoid the overextension that often irritates an arthritic knee, making this a strong fit for taller users or households with varying heights. It shares the E95's 13.3-inch touchscreen, WIFI, screen mirroring, wireless charger, and SOLE+ integration.

Price

Priced at $2,299.99, the E95S is the only elliptical in the SOLE lineup with an adjustable stride length.

Reviews

Multi-user households tend to rate the E95S highly, since each person can dial in a stride that suits their height. Owners also call out its heavy, gym-grade build and steady feel, with the larger footprint being the trade-off they mention most.

The SOLE E95S elliptical earns a 5-star rating for exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional, quiet performance.

SOLE Ellipticals for Arthritic Knees: At-a-Glance Summary

Finding Your SOLE Elliptical for Arthritic Knees

Arthritic knees do not have to end your cardio. An elliptical removes the impact that makes running painful, and the right pedal and stride adjustments keep your joints tracking comfortably through every stroke. SOLE Fitness builds those adjustments into every machine, pairing heavy flywheels with therapist-designed pedals and customizable strides so you can match the model to your joints and your budget.

That confidence is built into every purchase. We back our ellipticals with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime frame warranty, so you can invest in your joints knowing the machine is made to last. You also get free SOLE+ workout classes with no subscription and the option to pay with HSA and FSA funds through Truemed. Browse the full lineup on our ellipticals page to find the stride and pedal setup that keeps you moving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are ellipticals good for arthritic knees?

Yes. An elliptical keeps your feet on the pedals throughout the motion, so your knees avoid the repeated impact of running or jumping. The gliding action lets you raise your heart rate and strengthen your legs with far less stress on inflamed joints, which is why these machines are often recommended for people managing arthritis.

Is an elliptical or a treadmill better for bad knees?

For most people with knee arthritis, an elliptical is gentler. Walking on a treadmill still loads the joint with every step, while an elliptical removes that impact entirely. A cushioned treadmill can work for lighter sessions, but an elliptical is usually the safer choice when knee pain is your main reason for choosing low-impact cardio.

How long should you use an elliptical with knee arthritis?

Many people start with 10 to 15 minutes at a light resistance and build up as comfort allows. Short, frequent sessions are easier on arthritic knees than one long workout. If you feel sharp pain rather than mild effort, stop and rest. Checking with your doctor before starting a new routine is a sensible step.

What elliptical features matter most for arthritis?

Look for a heavy flywheel for a smooth stroke, adjustable foot pedals so your knees track naturally, and an adjustable stride if more than one person will use the machine. Power incline and resistance let you progress slowly. A stable frame and dual rails help too, since wobble forces small corrections that aggravate sore knees.

Why should you choose SOLE ellipticals for arthritic knees?

SOLE ellipticals combine heavy flywheels with joint-focused pedal and stride adjustment, including a SOLE pedal design developed with a physical therapist. Every SOLE machine ships with a lifetime frame warranty, free SOLE+ workout classes with no subscription, HSA and FSA payment through Truemed, and a 30-day home trial so you can test SOLE on your own knees before committing.

 

*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.