What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Treadmill: 5 Key Things to Know Before You Buy
1. Motor
Treadmill power or speed is measured in “horsepower,” or “HP” in English. Treadmills are generally categorized by their motor power: 1–3 HP motors are suitable for general home use, while 4–5 HP motors are designed for continuous use. Most treadmills in fitness centers or gyms offer 4–5 HP or more, especially for those who want to go for long runs.
This raises the question: why do some treadmills have powerful 6- or 7-HP motors? It comes down to their intended use. The more powerful the motor, the better it performs during extended use and the more reliably it can run continuously without the risk of motor failure. This type of motor is ideal for households, gyms, fitness centers, and anyone who wants to go for long runs. (Using a low-horsepower motor for long runs can overwork it and cause it to fail prematurely.)
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2. Running Area
When discussing treadmills, the size of the machine itself is less important than the running area, or the belt. Measurements are usually given in centimeters (cm) as width x length. There are three parts to consider when checking the running area:
1. Running area width: .... cm
2. Running area length: .... cm
3. Footboard: .... cm (Some manufacturers include the footboard in the belt size, so be sure to ask for clarification.)
Width The belt width is the key factor in how comfortable it feels to run. The wider the belt, the more comfortable it is, like running on an open road versus a narrow path. Running in an open park feels comfortable, free, and worry-free, while a narrow path requires you to be careful not to hit the sides. For a comfortable running experience, we recommend a width of at least 40 cm, but you can choose a wider treadmill for even greater comfort. Keep in mind that the wider the belt, the higher the price.
Length This refers to the length of the belt. If you only plan to use the treadmill for brisk walking or light jogging, there is no need to buy one with an excessively long belt, as it will cost more than necessary. However, taller users, such as models who average 180 cm or taller, should choose a longer treadmill to accommodate their longer legs. The longer your legs are, the longer the treadmill needs to be. For users taller than 180 cm, a length of at least 140 cm is recommended.
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3. Treadmill Speed
Speed is measured in kilometers per hour (km/h). Treadmill speed is related to the motor: the more powerful the motor, the higher the speed the treadmill can achieve.
0–5 km/h: Brisk walking
6–9 km/h: Jogging
10–14 km/h: Running
15–20 km/h: Sprinting
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4. Incline
Some electric treadmills have adjustable inclines, but the adjustment systems vary. Some use an automatic electric system, while others are manual, often using a locking pin. Manual adjustment typically offers 1–3 levels, while electric adjustment usually offers up to 12–18 levels above the flat position. The incline levels may vary between different models and brands.
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5. User Weight
Different types of treadmills have different weight capacities. When choosing a treadmill that suits your weight, consider these three factors:
1. User weight 2. Machine weight 3. Motor size
*If multiple people in the household will use the treadmill, it is best to base the weight capacity on the heaviest person.
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Chin Chinaphat, Runnercart Content Team
A slender young man from Bangkok who loves running City Runs under the blazing sun. What’s wrong with him? He can never wake up in time. Bam! He also loves trail running because it challenges both his mind and body and connects him with nature. His happy running pace is 6–7. His hobbies are watching movies and chatting.
Personal slogan Run a little, but make every photo count.