We’ve had the Mobvoi treadmill for about 4 or so months – it was our COVID, under desk treadmill purchase. In fact, I am using it as I type up this review!
The TLDR: is that if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, the Mobvoi treadmill could be the perfect way to get some exercise while working. And if you’re looking for a treadmill that is compact, versatile, and affordable, look no further.
The Mobvoi treadmill is perfect for small homes and offices. Now that I’ve owned it for quite a few months – and put some serious miles onto it, I’m ready to review the features and help you figure out if this is the right treadmill for your home office or home gym.
Specs
Working voltage |
Motor power |
Speed range |
Display |
Control method |
Running belt |
Incline |
Walking/running area |
Max user weight |
Product size |
Folding size |
AC – 110V, 50 Hz |
DC 0.75 HP |
1.0KM/H-12.0KM/H |
LED |
Touch screen and remote control |
Diamond pattern |
Fixed slope |
400mm*1000mm / 15.75*39.37 Inch |
120Kg/265lbs |
L1235*W685*H1065 mm / L49*W27*H42 Inch |
L1325*W685*H112 mm / L52*W27*H4.4 Inch |
About Mobvoi
Mobvoi isn’t actually a fitness brand, but an AI company, which explains why this treadmill has a lot of great technological features.
Since 2012, Mobvoi has been primarily focused on AI voice interaction and hardware-software integration.
The company’s overall goal is to redefine human-machine interaction by creating “a more natural and intuitive way for people to interact with machines.”
Many of their products feature speech signal processing, wake words, speech recognition, natural language understanding, and dialogue management.
We’ve got to say – they really understand cool design. Their products look amazing – including the treadmill. Let’s dig in to review if it delivers.
At a glance
So, let’s take a deeper look at Mobvoi’s popular treadmill.
This is Mobvoi’s first and only treadmill, but hopefully, it won’t be their last.
Their treadmill is designed to be user-friendly and compact, it has a space-saving design that’s easily transportable thanks to the wheels.
It also has a durable, five-layer running belt and a 2.25HP quiet motor. As expected, it also comes equipped with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and touchscreen LED display.
What does the Mobvio treadmill look like?
Glad you asked – because I’ve got a lot of pictures of it!
Design – Mobvoi’s strong suit
Let’s begin with the design. Mobvoi’s treadmill has acquired a lot of attention due to its unique, compact design which has been specially built for storing in small places.
This makes it ideal for both offices and small apartments or bedrooms. The treadmill can be used in two different modes: walking mode and running mode.
The handrail folds down to use in walking mode, which means you can also use it as an under-desk treadmill, achieving speeds of 1-4km/h. This is how I use it – under my standing desk to get some lightweight miles in during the workday. I strongly recommend it for this use case. However, the flip side is that it’s small, so that if you are going to be doing fast running or if you have a huge stride you’ll find the belt too small. So think hard about your use case.
The belt itself is high quality and durable. It’s been made with five layers to reduce the impact on joints and knees. I’m finding it really comfortable to run on.
It has a compression layer, shock-absorbing layer, high-strength support layer, sound insulation layer, and a water-resistant top surface.
Considering the low price, we were pretty impressed with how robust this 5-layer belt feels.
Speed
As we said, this treadmill has two “modes.” In walking mode with the handrail folded down, you can walk at speeds between 1-4 km/h.
With the handrail raised and by turning on the running mode, you can run up to speeds of 1-12km/h. A top speed of 12km works out at approximately 7.5 mp/h.
For most people, anything over 5mp/h will be jogging or running speed, so if you’re an experienced runner, you might find this treadmill too slow for you.
This treadmill is best suited to those who intend to use it for brisk walking or light jogging, and its lightweight design reflects this.
It’s designed to be convenient and lightweight, so it’s a great option for general exercise, but it’s not going to be robust enough for serious runners or those who like to push themselves to run faster.
Size and portability – another advantage of the Mobvoi treadmill
The Mobvoi’s compact size is definitely the stand-out feature of this treadmill. It measures L49 x W27 x H42 inches, and the collapsable handle means it can easily be folded and stored underneath your bed or desk.
Another great aspect of this design is the wheels on the bottom: the four wheels allow you to easily move the treadmill without having to lift it, which makes storing or transporting the treadmill even easier.
Safety key
Mobvoi has designed this treadmill to be as safe as possible.
It comes with a safety key that can be clipped onto your top or pants, and if the safety key falls off because you slip or fall, the belt will immediately stop.
The treadmill also comes with a remote controller, so alternatively you can hold this in your hand while you run or walk. This frees up your hands and means you can easily increase or decrease your speed without reaching forward to use the touchscreen.
We also like the fact that this treadmill has a diamond-patterned belt, which helps provide extra grip and traction, lowering the risk of slips and falls.
Power
The Mobvoi treadmill has a power output of 110V, 50 Hz, and the powerful 2.25HP motor is super quiet thanks to the sound insulation layer on the belt.
This is great because it means you can enjoy running in a quiet environment while also benefiting from saving energy. There’s no installation required when setting up the treadmill, simply plugin and get ready to go. Quiet also matters if you are going to use it as an under desk treadmill, so that you can take calls and Zoom meetings without a lot of distracting background noise.
Technology
Like we said earlier in this article, as Mobvoi is an AI company it’s no surprise that this treadmill comes equipped with plenty of technological features to keep you entertained while working out.
The treadmill comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker so you can connect your smart devices and play your favorite music while you exercise.
There’s also a convenient phone holder so you can enjoy your favorite TV shows or streaming apps while running.
User Weight
One thing to bear in mind about the Mobvoi treadmill is the max user weight.
Due to the treadmill’s slimmer design, it has a maximum weight of 120kg/265lbs, which is significantly lower than some of the bigger treadmills on the market.
For example, NordicTrack has a max user weight of 300lbs, while the Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill can hold up to 400lbs.
The compact and easily transportable size of the Mobvoi requires some compromise on the weight it can hold, so whether it’s right for you really depends on your weight and how important a space-saving design is to you.
Usability
Thanks to the convenient touchscreen LED display, dedicated walking and running modes, and installation-free set-up, the Mobvoi treadmill is perfect for anybody who is getting into fitness for the first time, or who is a little put-off by some of the larger and more complicated consumer treadmills on the market.
Cost
The Mobvoi treadmill costs $449.99, which is extremely reasonable considering the built-in speaker and LED screen.
You won’t get a treadmill of this quality for any cheaper, especially not with the same specs. This makes it a very popular choice for those on a tight budget or with a smaller space.
That said, there are a few things to bear in mind in terms of the speed and incline. This machine has a top speed of 12km/h and a fixed incline, so consider this before purchasing.
If you’re somebody who needs a more challenging machine than this, it might be best to invest a couple of hundred bucks more in a machine that offers a greater speed range and a changeable incline rate.
What we like about the Mobvoi treadmill
- The compact design completely transformed our perception of treadmills and proves that fitness equipment doesn’t have to take up a massive proportion of your living space or office.
- The folding handle and the wheels on the bottom of the treadmill make it super easy to move around and store under your bed or desk.
- Mobvoi have created this treadmill with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and a phone holder, which means you can listen to your favorite music or audiobook, or even watch your favorite TV shows while you train.
- It has two modes: walking mode and running mode, which control the speed range and allow you to use the machine without the handle (for walking) or with the handle (for running).
- This treadmill doubles up as an under-desk treadmill.
- The Mobvoi treadmill has a surprisingly quiet motor that creates a quiet running environment that won’t disturb others in your household or building – whatever time of night or day you like to run.
- The textured diamond-patterned belt provides extra traction when running and prevents slippage.
- The five-layer design provides shock absorption which reduces the pressure on your knees and joints while adding extra comfort to enhance your workout experience.
- The safety key can be attached to your clothes to automatically stop the machine if it disconnects from you if you fall or trip while running.
- The built-in touchscreen LED display makes this treadmill user-friendly and convenient.
- You can go hands-free and increase or decrease your speed by using the handy remote control.
- Available for under $500 – this treadmill provides a great bang for your buck.
What we dislike about the Mobvoi treadmill
- The max speed for the Mobvoi is 12 km/h, which will be enough for most runners, however, some people who like to push themselves further may wish for faster speeds.
- The fixed incline means you can’t increase or decrease the incline rate.
- Max User Weight is 120Kg/265lbs which is significantly less than other treadmills on the market, due to the more compact design of the Mobvoi treadmill.
- There is a loud beep when you change the speed, turn it on or off, that can be pretty annoying.
Things to consider before purchasing a treadmill
We’ve taken you through the features of the Mobvoi treadmill, but we’re now going to discuss some more general points about treadmills that could help you make up your mind if you’re still a little unsure about the Mobvoi.
Space – a great reason to go with Mobvoi’s treadmill
Where will you use your treadmill, and how big is the area where you hope to store it? Consider whether you will leave the treadmill out after using it, or whether you’d rather something that can be stored away.
If you have a small space to work with, the Mobvoi could be a great choice as it has a collapsible handle and can be stored under your bed thanks to the convenient wheels.
Equally, if you’re looking for a treadmill to use in your office this is also a great option as the Mobvoi can be used as an under-desk treadmill. Again, this is what I’m doing with it.
Purpose
How do you intend to use the treadmill – will you use it for casual, everyday fitness, such as walking and light jogging, or do you intend to use it for more targeted training?
If the latter, you might want to consider the speed range of the treadmill. According to Runner’s World, generally speaking, 2 to 4 mph is a walking speed; 4 to 5 mph would be considered a fast walk or jog, and anything over 5 mph is jogging or running.
You should also consider whether you want the treadmill to have an incline or not and if so, check whether it is adjustable or fixed.
Training on an incline can be beneficial because it mimics outside terrain more.
It also has a range of fitness and health benefits: it makes your workout more challenging, so it increases your cardiovascular endurance and general fitness; it builds muscle as it stimulates your calves, glutes, and hamstrings; and it burns fat, as walking or running at an incline of 2% or more burns more calories than walking or running on a level surface.
Max User Weight
The range of treadmills on the market is increasing, and we’re seeing more and more designs of lighter and more compact treadmills, as well as the sturdy and robust ones that mimic commercial machines.
However, the size of your treadmill will impact the amount of weight it can cope with, so always check the max user weight before you order.
Most range between 300-400lbs, however, some space-saving designs such as the Mobvoi treadmill have a lower weight capacity and won’t be suitable for everyone.
Brand
There is a wide range of treadmill brands out there, and the fitness market is continually expanding and growing. This means there’s a mixture of well-known and well-established brands such as NordicTrack and Peloton as well as lesser-known brands such as Mobvoi.
There are benefits to each; for example, the top brands usually offer the latest technology such as live, interactive classes and there are usually more reviews of these online and more general information, so you may feel more reassured opting for a well-established brand.
They may also come with better warranty deals and generally be more durable as they’re high quality. That said, if you only look at the big brands you can sometimes overlook some of the hidden gems on the market.
For example, Mobvoi is a lesser-known brand in the fitness industry but its treadmill offers some great features and is available at a very affordable price point.
Interactive equipment
Increasingly fitness fans are turning to the latest technological advancements in the fitness world; these include LED displays that connect to apps such as iFit to offer interactive sessions, live workout classes, and even virtual personal training.
For some people, these features can really enhance their workout experience and can help them hit their fitness goals. However, such devices do not come cheap and only specific treadmills will offer this.
Consider whether or not this is something you’re interested in as if so it will help you drastically narrow down your choice of treadmills.
However, also consider whether or not you’re required to buy extra devices, apps, or subscription packages alongside the equipment, as this could ramp up the cost.
Final Verdict in our Mobvoi Treadmill Review
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the Mobvoi treadmill and its many features.
Ultimately, this is a great treadmill. We love how accessible it is; it’s easy to use, has a compact, storable design, and is available for a very reasonable price, making it a great alternative to an expensive gym membership if you’re on a tight budget.
You get great bang for your buck with the Mobvoi treadmill: it has two modes, a built-in Bluetooth speaker and phone holder, and a convenient touchscreen LED display.
Mobvoi has also considered your safety with a textured, diamond-patterned belt and a safety key that stops the machine if you fall or slip off the belt.
Undoubtedly the thing that sets this machine apart from others is its compact design: the foldable handle and wheels on the bottom mean you can easily store the treadmill under your bed, making it ultra-convenient and space-saving.
It’s the best bet for using beneath a standing desk, which is what I’m using it for – and I’m loving this!
There are a few aspects we picked up on that are slight drawbacks. For example, the weight limit of the machine, the speed range, and the fixed incline, but we also understand that some compromises were needed to accommodate a foldable and portable design.
We’d say this treadmill is ideal for anyone who’s looking for a space-saving alternative to a full-sized treadmill, but still wants a high-quality product that can enhance their daily fitness regime.
