When it comes time to purchase a treadmill, finding the best option for your price range may be challenging.
If you have a strong level of understanding of the price points, however, the process becomes much easier.
These are the most crucial factors that will affect the pricing of your treadmill.
Why Are Treadmills So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)
1. Horsepower
It is easy to see why this is a neglected factor during the treadmill shopping process.
Horsepower is not something that is usually considered initially but it is a pivotal reason why some are so expensive.
To make the right decision, shoppers must take the time to look at the machine’s continuous horsepower.
Also known as CHP, this serves as an important measure of the amount of power that the motor will be able to maintain throughout the workout.
The higher the CHP is, the more expensive the treadmill is going to be.
Of course, shoppers will have to consider their individual needs when they are zeroing in on the best option for them.
The amount of continuous horsepower needed will depend on the amount of time that you plan to spend using it.
If you are going to be using the machine in a more casual sense, you do not need to worry about the hours spent using the treadmill.
Conversely, those who plan on using their treadmill daily for lengthier workouts will want to shell out extra money for a higher CHP.
Machines with higher levels of continuous horsepower also work best for those who require the machine to support a higher weight limit.
Anyone who finds themselves in need of a lower-priced machine can choose one that is manually operated.
Treadmills that do not have motors tend to come in much lower on the pricing scale.
2. Deck Or Belt Size
The deck or belt size of the treadmill is another key factor that affects pricing.
For example, taller shoppers must consider the deck or belt size before they start to narrow down their choices.
Walkers can utilize a treadmill with an 18-inch belt but runners will require more space.
A belt of 20 inches or wider is the best choice for runners.
Meanwhile, anyone who is planning on breaking into a full sprint will want a belt that is at least 48 inches.
Anyone who is taller than six feet or has an inseam of at least 32 inches must choose a wider belt as well.
Belts can be as wide as 60 inches, but you will not need one of this width unless you are at least 6’4″.
It is easy to grab a machine with a wider belt, regardless of size.
What shoppers fail to consider in these instances is the level of difficulty when it is time to get the machine through the door.
Any treadmill that has a deck wider than 18 inches may be a struggle to get into your house, so please be sure to keep this in mind.
Taller shoppers will want to make sure that they have taken the appropriate measurements before making a final decision.
The bigger the deck, the bigger the price tag is going to be.
3. Console Display Size
This may seem like a minor factor in the grand scheme of things, but in reality, the console display size is going to play a huge role in your decision-making process, at least from a financial standpoint.
The majority of modern treadmills are controlled through their console screens.
The top treadmills will show vital statistics and offer several other fun features.
Those who value these more advanced features will likely need a larger console display.
Anyone who requires a larger display is going to want to shell out more for their treadmill.
The larger the display, the more information can be shown at once, which is another major plus.
There are other features that may be prioritized as well.
Some may choose to purchase a treadmill that comes with a console fan.
These types of features are worth the money as long as they motivate the buyer to exercise regularly.
Those who are not willing to spend extra on a larger console size initially could actually end up spending more in the future.
That’s because they are likely to spend big on their desired accessories later, such as a tablet holder.
4. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is the max user weight that is suggested by the manufacturer.
Anyone who is in search of a smaller, low-cost treadmill will need to find one with a weight capacity of 250 pounds or less.
On the other hand, shoppers who require a weight limit of up to 400 pounds will have to spend more.
Circling back to our earlier point about continuous horsepower, treadmills with higher CHP are better for heavier people.
These treadmills also last longer and are designed to work well under larger amounts of pressure.
Experts also recommend that buyers “punch above their weight,” or purchase one intended for more weight than they may need when choosing a treadmill.
For example, if a shopper weighs 250 pounds, they should not purchase a treadmill with a 250-pound weight limit.
In these instances, it is best to choose a treadmill that is at least 50 pounds above your current weight.
Those who are of average height and weight will be able to utilize any treadmill, so these specifications do not apply to them.
The treadmill’s weight capacity may not be 100% precise, which is also important to remember.
Anyone who requires a treadmill with a higher weight capacity should prioritize the presence of a UL certificate.
Is this a fail-safe?
Of course not—but it is better than purchasing a treadmill that does not have one.
5. Warranty
A purchase of this magnitude deserves the proper protection.
While a top-flight warranty will add to the overall price tag, it is an absolute necessity.
Manufacturers will include a warranty offer with your purchase and this is not something to cut corners on.
The length of the warranty in question will depend on the components that the machine has to offer.
In some cases, the vendor will have separate warranties for different aspects of the treadmill.
The frame, motor, parts, labor, and electronics may each require their own warranty agreement.
These agreements are sure to add to the price, but they are highly necessary.
As a rule of thumb, the longer the warranty, the more expensive it is going to be.
The same goes for packages that offer more coverage.
Any electronic piece that is being used regularly is going to require replacement and repairs in time.
Regardless of your maintenance tactics, pieces will eventually wear out.
Experts suggest that buyers purchase a one-year warranty for the labor and a three-year warranty for the parts.
This saves buyers from countless headaches (and money) down the road.
6. Durability And Quality
The best treadmills are going to be on the expensive side because of the robust durability and quality.
In other words, those who are in search of a treadmill that will last better be prepared to open their wallets.
You are always going to get what you pay for in these instances.
Cheaper treadmills will save you money over the short term, but if you intend to keep your machine for a long time, expect things to get a lot more pricey.
That’s why it is important to choose a reputable company.
They are more likely to utilize quality materials during the construction process.
After all, the last thing that we want is to purchase a treadmill that needs immediate repair or replacement.
Do your homework and choose a reputable brand (such as NordicTrack, Horizon, or Sole).
This is especially crucial for anyone who is planning on working out regularly.
The most durable treadmills also come with motors that do not run as loudly as their cheaper counterparts.
These motors also run cooler, allowing buyers to sidestep the usual concerns that are associated with less expensive models.
Is the frame sturdy and stable?
This is another question that must be answered.
Will the treadmill be used daily?
Is it going to be used by multiple people?
Are you planning on being a higher mileage runner?
The answer to these questions will determine how much you should plan to spend on the treadmill.
The belt/deck combination should also be quiet and able to run without excessive friction.
7. Special Features
For some, money may not be an object, while others may need to remain within a certain budget.
Once a budget has been decided upon, it is time to decide which features are most important.
Obviously, certain features are going to drive up pricing more than others.
In some instances, a built-in fan is a must-have for buyers who are going to be working out in a room with less ventilation.
A heart rate monitor is a great feature to have access to, in addition to an iPod dock.
Any features that will allow the user to listen to music may be prioritized by some.
Any feature that will make workouts more fun and more effective is encouraged.
A bare-bones model may be cheaper initially but by the time you add all the necessary bells and whistles, you’ll wish you had shelled out more when you purchased.
A treadmill without features may also be cheaper for other reasons that are less desirable.
Not only will these treadmills be less durable over the long run but they are also going to have fewer customizations.
If the user cares about the workout experience and nothing else, they can opt for a treadmill without features.
Meanwhile, those who are looking to make the experience more pleasurable for themselves will want to choose a treadmill with special features.
8. High-Quality Parts
The parts that the treadmill is constructed with will play a major role in its pricing.
For starters, the size of the motor must be considered first and foremost.
In most instances, the motors of the cheapest treadmills top out at 1.5 horsepower.
Once you start to look at more expensive models, the differences come into clearer focus.
Treadmills in the $500 range will have 1.5 horsepower motors, while treadmills in the $2,000 range provide double the horsepower, at a minimum.
Powerful motors drive up the prices, but this is not the only factor to consider.
If the treadmill has a more sophisticated computer, this is also baked into the pricing.
The same goes for a treadmill that has a sizable console screen (as mentioned above).
Construction plays a key role, as treadmills can be made of parts of varying quality.
While some parts may be of the highest quality, there could be other parts that are not, which drives down the price and may make your dream treadmill seem more affordable.
If you are going to end up stuck with a broken machine, any short-term savings will soon be out the window.
Checking the deck to see if the parts that are being used are made of steel or plastic is also important.
Plastic parts may make a treadmill more affordable, but usually, machines made of plastic are better off being avoided.
Brand names are often trustworthy, but you should not rely on them as the sole arbiter of quality.
Yes, it is in your best interest to rely on reputable companies, but this does not make a major difference as far as parts are concerned.
Once you are spending serious money on a nicer treadmill, everything is relative.
Whether you are spending $1,500 on a NordicTrack option or twice that on something from Precor, there is not likely to be a major difference in the parts.
To ensure the most bang for your buck, do your homework on each before making a final choice.
9. Less Maintenance
Maintenance is a key aspect of ensuring a longer life for your treadmill.
This is true regardless of whether you are spending big or you have decided to obtain a cheaper model.
However, anyone who does not wish to spend oodles of time and effort (not to mention money) on maintaining a less expensive model should be doing everything in their power to acquire a more expensive one.
First, cheaper treadmills are simply not equipped to handle overweight people, and this puts more strain on them than they can handle.
A more expensive treadmill can assist overweight users easily, thanks to its more expensive components.
This is how the cheaper manufacturers can turn a profit.
They cut corners on parts and these expenses are passed down to the consumer, in essence.
In most instances, the buyer will be left to handle major maintenance issues shortly after their purchase.
Some might believe that their warranty will provide them with the shield that they need from these expenses.
Unfortunately, the best warranties are only associated with more expensive options.
If you decide to cheap out on the treadmill today, you will not be able to head to the manufacturer directly when problems arise.
In fact, you may end up not having access to any warranties at all.
Bear that in mind before choosing a cheaper treadmill.
Less expensive models will also lack the shock absorption that top-flight treadmills offer.
These features are a great way to avoid the typical pounding that takes place when we run on sidewalks and roads.
Otherwise, you may as well continue to do your running outdoors, at least from a maintenance standpoint.
Shock absorption features are either non-existent or subpar when it comes to cheaper treadmills.
10. Ease Of Use
All the aforementioned elements combine into one main factor: ease of use.
No one wants to struggle with their treadmill every time they hop on.
If the treadmill is tough to use, this is a sure sign that you have chosen a cheap model.
The more expensive models pride themselves on ease of usage.
For example, is there a control panel that is easy to use?
Is the user able to control their workout without having to try too hard?
If the answers to these questions are yes, these are signs that the right treadmill has been chosen.
Did you know that cheaper treadmills also tend to run far more slowly?
Less expensive treadmills are simply unable to move at a fast rate.
In fact, they rarely move at a rate of more than seven to eight miles per hour.
Conversely, top-quality treadmills can move more than ten miles per hour.
No user wants to fight with a substandard treadmill just to get a workout in.
After all, they are supposed to decrease our levels of stress, not provide more.
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