Looking for the best elliptical for tall people? Read on for ellipticals with superior stride lengths, ergonomic designs, and adjustable features perfect for taller users.
Ellipticals are low-impact cardio machines that simulate walking, running, and stepping, minimizing impact on joints and maximizing calorie burn.
Ellipticals use fixed (or in some cases, adjustable) foot pedals and handlebars to work both the upper and lower body muscle groups.
The fixed nature of the foot pedals can create a problem for taller users, however. A short stride length leads to poor biomechanics and discomfort on the elliptical.
That’s where an elliptical machine for taller users can be a total game-changer.
The best elliptical for tall people has a longer stride length so that you can get all the benefits of an elliptical, including improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, muscle-building, and even improved balance and coordination.
In this guide to the best ellipticals for tall people, we’ll say goodbye to discomfort and find an elliptical that suits a longer stride.
Let’s jump right in.
Here is a quick look at our top choices for elliptical machines for taller people:
Best Overall
- Sole Fitness E95s Adjustable Elliptical Trainer
- 4.9
- $2,499
- Shop @ Sole Fitness
Best for Bad Knees
- Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Trainer
- 4.8
- $1,999
- Shop @ Sole Fitness
Budget Pick
- Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
- 4.5
- $999
- Shop Now @ Schwinn
Next, we will highlight the pros and cons of each elliptical, list key features as it relates to taller users, how the ellipticals perform in the wild, and much more.
1. Sole Fitness E95s Elliptical
Key specs:
- Price: $2,499
- Stride length: 18” to 24” power adjustable
- 30lb flywheel
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Screen: 13.3” high-definition touchscreen
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame and flywheel, 3 years on parts, 1 year on labor
The Sole Fitness E95s Elliptical is the best overall elliptical for taller people, and the competition isn’t even really that close.
The E95s is feature-packed, from an adjustable stride length that can extend all the way out to 24” to a newly upgraded high-definition 13.3” touchscreen for streaming and doing online classes.
Sole Fitness is one of the leading elliptical brands on the market, with a range of machines that are studio-grade in quality without the studio-grade price, and the E95s exemplifies this perfectly.
It rides like an absolute stud with an industry-leading 30lb flywheel. No wobbling or rocking here—just a comfortable, smooth striding experience.
The power adjustable stride can be changed mid-workout if you want to opt for a longer, smoother stride, or if you want a choppier, faster pace. The adjustable stride makes the Sole E95s ideal for homes with multiple users and heights, too.
(As you can imagine, the Sole E95s is also our champ for the best elliptical with adjustable stride length.)
Sole gave the E95s a revamp recently, adding a new 13.3” touchscreen that comes pre-installed with several popular streaming apps (WiFi connection required, obviously), tons of preprogrammed workouts (HIIT, manual, etc), and the option to hook up to Sole STUDIO training app.
The console also now has a wireless charging station, which is a nice added touch.
When you package it all together, the Sole E95s is far and away the best elliptical available for taller users.
The price point isn’t too wild, ~$2,400, which is reasonable given how feature-rich and stable the E95s is (the weight capacity is 400lb).
The step-up height on the Sole E95s is rather tall, at 14”, so make sure to include this when measuring out the space for your elliptical, particularly if you plan on doing some calorie-crushing in your basement or other low-clearance areas.
Adjustable stride length—18” to 24”No incline
Heavy-duty flywheel—rides like a beast
Best overall elliptical for tall people
Updated high-definition touchscreen
400lb weight capacity
Lifetime warranty on frame and flywheel
Wireless phone charger
Best Overall***
2. Sole E95 Elliptical
Key specs:
- Price: $2,099
- Stride length: 20”
- 27lb flywheel
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Screen: 13.3” high-definition touchscreen
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame and flywheel, three years on parts, one year on labor
The Sole E95 Elliptical, which has ranked at the top of our list of the best elliptical for home gyms for several years running, is also a killer choice for tall people.
While it doesn’t have an adjustable stride length like its close sibling, the Sole E95s, it does have a couple of key features that make it a great option for taller users including a 20” stride length, heavy-duty 27lb flywheel, and the thing I like most about it, adjustable foot pedals.
For people who are prone to knee injuries, the foot pedals can be tweaked and adjusted, both slightly in terms of length but also in slope.
The pedals come with a standard two-degree inward slope which significantly reduces joint pain, particularly in the knee and ankle joints.
As someone who has experienced several knee injuries throughout the years and stands at 6’5″ and approximately 285 pounds, I cannot stress enough the importance of being able to customize the pedal angle. This feature has made a significant difference for me as a taller individual.
The Sole E95 gives you ten different pedal angles to choose from (it’s done manually via the “worm drive” dial at the back of the pedal) for maximum comfort. Bye-bye pesky knee pain!
Even though the Sole E95 was already a monster in our testing and evaluation process, with everyone loving the stability of the machine (thanks to the 27lb flywheel), Sole also recently updated the console of the machine.
Gone is the basic LCD screen, replaced with a gorgeous 13.3” touchscreen that delivers crisp video and graphics.
Whether you are streaming a show, tracking heart rate, distance, and calories burned, or following along with a trainer-led class using Sole’s immersive training app, the E95 is up to the task.
The console also now includes a wireless charging pad for your smartphone.
The Sole E95 is specifically designed to cater to taller users, offering a combination of features like ergonomic design, a long stride length, high weight capacity, adjustable foot pedals, and the renowned warranty and craftsmanship that characterize Sole Fitness products.
These tailored elements make the Sole E95 a perfect fit for individuals with a taller frame.
Heavy-duty flywheel – 27lbsLong assembly
Adjustable foot pedals
20” stride length
13.3” high-definition touchscreen with wireless charging pad
Power incline (1-20 levels)
400lb weight capacity
***
3. Schwinn 430 Elliptical
Key specs:
- Price: $999
- Stride length: 20”
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Screen: Dual LCD screens
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 2 years on parts, 90 days on labor
The Schwinn 430 Elliptical is an affordable choice tailored for taller users who enjoy elliptical training and seek to enjoy its advantages within the convenience of their home.
The Schwinn 430 has a 20” stride length, which will be suitable for people up to around 6’3” or 6’4” (depending on the length of your legs), and extra large foot pedals for us folk with above-average feet.
The flywheel is 20lbs, which is right at the bottom of my recommended range for a “sturdy” elliptical training experience. The high-inertia drive is exceptionally quiet and has a very natural-feeling stride path that was comfortable and perfect for extended shirt-drenching elliptical workouts.
Being a budget elliptical, you do lose on some of the power features of more expensive ellipticals. The 430 has an incline feature, for example, but has to be set manually.
Additionally, the LCD screen is a bit basic, but if you are looking for a meat-and-potatoes elliptical training experience, it has you covered with 22 preset workout programs, including all the usual suspects such as HIIT, heart rate training, multiple user profiles, and so on.
The Schwinn 430 also gets bonus points for being one of the easiest ellipticals I’ve ever assembled.
Affordable, quiet, and sturdy, the Schwinn 430 Elliptical is an excellent value pick for taller people who want to exercise comfortably at home.
20” stride length—ideal for most tall peopleIncline is manual
Simple LCD display—jump on and go
Quiet high-inertia drive
20lb flywheel
Tons of preprogrammed workouts
Easy to assemble
***
4. Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical
Key specs:
- Price: $1,599
- Stride length: 20”
- 23lb flywheel
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Screen: 6.25” LCD screen
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 3 years on brake and parts, 1 year on labor
The market for folding ellipticals is surprisingly small. Unlike folding treadmills, which seem to be standard for home use, there are limited options for elliptical enthusiasts looking to save space.
Far and away the best folding elliptical on the market—particularly for taller users—is the Horizon Evolve 5.
With a lightweight frame, 20” stride length, and a small footprint when folded up, the Evolve 5 is the top choice for taller people who are tight on space at home.
The Evolve 5 has all of the basics for getting a great workout at home, including 20 levels of resistance, a relatively low step-up height of 10”, and a lightweight frame that makes it easy to fold-up and tuck away between workouts.
The flywheel is a respectable 23lb, which will be sturdy enough for even XL users. Having tested out the Evolve 5 on a few occasions, it’s always been steady as a rock, even when hammering out my favorite elliptical HIIT workouts at full-pace.
For taller users who don’t need a ton of bells and whistles (touchscreen, incline, etc), and want the option of being able to easily move and fold the elliptical between workouts, will get the most of the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical.
Folding designNo immersive training option
20” stride lengthNo incline
Easy to assemble
Small footprint when folded up
23lb flywheel
+Folding, space-saving design
+23lb flywheel for a very smooth ride
+Easy to move when folded up
+Super easy to assemble
Shop Now @ Horizon Fitness***
5. Diamondback Fitness 1280ef Elliptical
Key specs:
- Price: $999
- Stride length: 17” or 22”
- Max user weight: 350lb
- Magnetic resistance
- Warranty of five years on frame, three years parts and electronics, one-year for labor
The Diamondback Fitness 1280ef Elliptical is a unique and cost-effective option for taller users. It has two stride length settings, either 17” or 22”, making it a solid choice for taller users that are balling on a budget.
The 1280ef is also very compact, with a footprint of just 48” x 36”. Contrast that to the footprint of a standard-sized elliptical, which can exceed 80” in length.
The touchscreen and multimedia options are excellent with the 1280ef, with a 10” touchscreen display that streams Netflix, browses the web, plays your favorite tunes (Spotify), and more.
The 1280ef has an 11” step-up height and requires a little bit of assembly upon delivery. The bulk of the machine comes pre-assembled, and completing the process took me about 40-minutes to do.
Unlike the Sole E95s, the stride length is not powered and needs to be adjusted manually. And also unlike the E95s, the Diamondback Fitness 1280ef is inexpensive, costing less than $1,000.
Adjustable stride lengths—17” or 22”Frame is a bit lightweight
10” touchscreen for streaming and tracking workout metrics
Compact footprint
350lb weight capacity
Inexpensive
***
6. Life Fitness E1 Elliptical
Key specs:
- Price: Starts at $2,749
- 20” stride length
- 400lb max weight capacity
- 16lb flywheel
- Screen: LCD (with upgrade options)
If you’ve ever stepped foot in a Big Box gym, whether it’s Planet Fitness or Gold’s Gym, you’ve likely also stepped on a Life Fitness Elliptical machine.
One of the most popular elliptical brands for commercial settings, they also make ellipticals for residential use. The most budget-friendly of the bunch is also the best Life Fitness elliptical for tall people, the E1 Elliptical Trainer.
The Life Fitness E1 Elliptical’s key standalone feature is the super low step-up height of just 6.5”—most ellipticals have a step-up height of between 11” and 14”—making it ideal for tall people exercising in low clearance areas.
Additionally, taller users will appreciate the 20” stride length, 400lb weight capacity, and heavy-duty 212lb frame.
The Life Fitness E1 Elliptical comes with some customizable options, including upgraded LCD displays with upgraded connectivity options (including pairing with your Apple Watch).
Life Fitness covers the E1 with a lifetime frame warranty, five years on parts, and one year for labor on possible repairs and defects.
The main downsides include no incline option (rear-drive ellipticals do not have incline settings) and the flywheel is a bit on the lighter side at 16lb.
All that said, if you want the peace of mind knowing that you are purchasing an elliptical from one of the most well-known and trusted cardio machine brands on the planet, the Life Fitness E1 is your best option.
Industry-leading qualityFlywheel is a bit light at 16lb
Lowest step-up heightNo incline option
Multiple consoles to choose from Expensive
20” stride length
400lb weight capacity
***
Things to Look for When Choosing an Elliptical for Tall People
Selecting the ideal elliptical for taller users can be a daunting task when confronted with the extensive array of specifications, features, and price tags available in the market.
Fear not—here are the main things to look out for with an elliptical built for tall people:
Stride Length
The stride length is the distance between pedals when they are furthest apart during operation. Choosing the right elliptical stride length ensures comfort, proper form, and more effective muscle engagement while working out.
Taller users will want to opt for an elliptical with a longer stride length for productive workouts.
Flywheel
The heavier the flywheel, the smoother and more fluid the elliptical’s pedaling motion.
Heavy flywheels generate more inertia, which generates a smooth and stable exercise experience. Heavier flywheels also tend to be quieter and provide consistent resistance.
Weight Capacity
Tall users tend to be heavier people (no judgment here—I’m both!), which means that assessing the weight capacity of the elliptical is crucial.
Exceeding the recommended weight capacity can place undue stress on the components and frame of the machine and affect performance of the machine.
Adjustable Foot Pedals
Adjustable foot pedals on the elliptical are a must for tall people with a history of knee injuries. Taller people are more likely to experience knee pain.
One study published by the John Hopkins Arthritis Center found that increased height was associated with nearly a 2.2-fold increase in symptomatic knee pain compared to shorter people.
Adjustable foot pedals allow users to find a foot position that reduces knee strain.
Step-up height
Ellipticals are one of the larger types of cardio machines for home gyms, with long footprints and a step-up height that can make them troublesome for small spaces.
This issue compounds with taller users. Ellipticals have a step-up height of between 6.5” and 14”. Remember to factor in the height of the room where you plan on using the elliptical.
Workouts and Training
Look for an elliptical machine with pre-programmed workout options and resistance levels to cater to different fitness levels and training goals.
Having a variety of training programs will keep your elliptical workouts engaging and challenging.
Delivery and Assembly
Confirm that the elliptical machine can be delivered to your location, as some manufacturers may have restrictions or additional charges for certain areas.
Consider the assembly process, especially if you’re not comfortable with DIY setup.
Most elliptical brands and retailers offer professional assembly services (at an added cost), which can be beneficial to ensure proper setup and functionality.
Brand Reputation
Research and choose reputable brands known for manufacturing high-quality ellipticals. Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge user satisfaction and product durability.
Established brands such as Sole Fitness, Horizon Fitness, Life Fitness, Schwinn, Diamondback Fitness, NordicTrack, and ProForm often offer better customer support, warranty coverage, and replacement parts availability.
Warranty
Check the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period is generally indicative of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality.
Ensure that the warranty covers the frame, parts, and electronics, and understand any limitations or conditions that may void the warranty.
Sole Fitness’s ellipticals are far and away the best when it comes to warranty coverage, with lifetime warranties for the frame and flywheel of nearly all of their ellipticals.
The Final Verdict
Choosing the right elliptical for tall individuals can make a huge difference in your workout experience and overall fitness journey.
Ellipticals are excellent low-impact cardio machines that are highly effective at burning calories, building muscles, and improving cardiovascular health.
To recap our top choices:
Best Overall
- Sole Fitness E95s Adjustable Elliptical Trainer
- 4.9
- $2,499
- Shop @ Sole Fitness
Best for Bad Knees
- Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Trainer
- 4.8
- $1,999
- Shop @ Sole Fitness
Budget Pick
- Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
- 4.5
- $999
- Shop Now @ Schwinn
With these top choices and essential considerations in mind, taller individuals can say smell-ya-later to discomfort and discover an elliptical that accommodates their unique body characteristics.
Choose the perfect elliptical for you, and let’s get started striding towards a fitter and more comfortable workout experience!
