Buying an elliptical trainer: what should you look out for?
Written by Erik Martens, co-founder of Fitnessdepot
When choosing an elliptical trainer, pay close attention to the stride length (at least 51 cm for most adults), a stable rail system with a flywheel starting from around 9 kg, the maximum user weight, and whether you need a power outlet. At Fitnessdepot, an elliptical trainer costs from € 1,095. For a solid unit with incline or a self-generating power system, you can expect between € 1,500 and € 3,000. Commercial models for corporate fitness go up to € 8,995. Below you can read the differences broken down by criterion.
Why choose an elliptical trainer?
An elliptical trainer, also known as an cross trainer, allows you to make a running motion without your feet leaving the pedals. Your knees, hips, and ankles therefore do not experience any impact, and with the moving arms, your upper body participates as well. That is why many people choose an elliptical trainer after an injury, in case of overweight, or as an alternative to a treadmill. You train for a long time and relatively gently, with your whole body.
What should you look out for with an elliptical trainer?
1. Stride length: the most important criterion
The stride length is the distance your foot travels in one movement. If it is too short, you will feel like you are on a step and experience knee pain. Most units in our range have 51 cm, such as the Sole E25, Sole E95, and Spirit XE795. The Spirit CE900LED has 53 cm. The compact DKN XC-200i has 43 cm: great for smaller users and a small space, but if you are tall, it is better to test it first. Do people of different heights train on it? Then take a look at the Sole E95s, where you can electronically adjust the stride between 46 and 61 cm.
2. Flywheel and rail system
The flywheel ensures a smooth movement without dead spots. In our range, this goes from 9 kg (Sole E25, DKN XC-200i) to 13.6 kg (Spirit XE795, Sole E95s). Equally important is what the pedals run on. With the Sole E25 and E95, four wheels run over a double rail, which limits sideways shifting. Spirit uses a single welded piece frame and aluminum rails on the XE795, which reduces noise.
3. Incline
With an electric incline, the load shifts to your glutes and hamstrings. The Sole E25, E35, and E95 each feature 20 incline levels, just like the DKN XC-310i and the DKN XC Pro. However, an incline does require a power outlet. With the XC-310i and the Sole E25, E35, and E95, you can also pedal in reverse, which gives your hamstrings an extra workout.
4. Pedals and pedal spacing
If your feet are positioned too far apart, your movement becomes unnatural, which you will feel in your hips. The Spirit XE795 features a narrow pedal spacing. On Sole models, the pedals are tilted inward by 2 degrees, a design developed in collaboration with a physical therapist. On the Sole E95, the pedals are also adjustable in 10 positions.
5. Maximum user weight
Most home models support up to 150 kg. The Sole E95 goes up to 180 kg, the DKN XC Pro up to 160 kg, and the commercial Spirit CE800 and CE900LED up to 200 kg. The greater the margin, the more stable and durable the machine feels.
6. Power supply: with or without an outlet
Many buyers forget this. The Spirit XE795, CE800, CE800+, and CE900LED generate their own power using an integrated generator. This means you can place them wherever you like, even on a veranda or in a garden shed without a power outlet. Machines with an incline or a touchscreen do require a power source.
Ceiling height and space: practical considerations
On an elliptical trainer, you stand higher than on the floor: you stand on the pedals, which rise even higher at the peak of the movement. In attics and basements, this is often the main constraint. Therefore, measure carefully: your body height plus the height of the pedal in its highest position, plus a safety margin for your head. If in doubt, send us the dimensions of your room via a custom proposal, and we will calculate it for you. The footprint also matters: the DKN XC-200i measures 148.5 by 70 cm and weighs 59.4 kg, whereas heavier models such as the XC-310i weigh 104 kg. You cannot simply carry those up a narrow flight of stairs; that is where our installation team's expertise comes in.
Pricing: how much does an elliptical trainer cost?
Prices include VAT, as of October 30, 2026.
- Entry-level (€ 1,095 to € 1,600): the DKN XC-190i at € 1,095, the DKN XC-200i at € 1,495, and the DKN XC-310i with incline at € 1,595.
- Mid-range (€ 1,795 to € 3,000): the Sole E25 at € 1,795, the Spirit XE795 at € 2,195, the Sole E35 at € 2,495, the Spirit CE800 at € 2,695, the Sole E95s at € 2,895, the Spirit CE800+ at € 2,995, and the Sole E95 at € 2,999.
- Premium and professional (from € 4,495): the DKN XC Pro at € 4,495, the Spirit CE800ENT at € 4,995, the Spirit CE900LED at € 5,495, the Spirit CE980 at € 6,495, and the Spirit CE1000ENT at € 8,995.
Comparison table: elliptical trainers side by side
| Model | Price | Stride length | Flywheel | Max. user weight | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKN XC-200i | € 1.495 | 43 cm | 9 kg | 150 kg | Compact, Zwift, and Kinomap |
| Sole Fitness E25 | € 1.795 | 51 cm | 9 kg | 150 kg | Incline 20 levels |
| Spirit Fitness XE795 | € 2.195 | 51 cm | 13.6 kg | 150 kg | No power outlet needed, 40 levels |
| Sole Fitness E35 | € 2.495 | 51 cm | 11 kg | 150 kg | Incline, 25.6 cm touchscreen |
| Spirit Fitness CE800 | € 2.695 | 51 cm | 13.5 kg | 200 kg | Commercial, generator |
| Sole Fitness E95s | € 2.895 | 46 to 61 cm | 13.6 kg | 150 kg | Electrically adjustable stride length |
| Sole Fitness E95 | € 2.999 | 51 cm | 12.4 kg | 180 kg | Incline, touchscreen |
| Spirit Fitness CE900LED | € 5.495 | 53 cm | 13.5 kg | 200 kg | Professional, generator |
Which cross trainer for whom?
- Small space, shorter user: DKN XC-200i.
- Home use, joint-friendly, with incline: Sole E25 or E35.
- Family with different heights: Sole E95s with adjustable stride.
- No power outlet nearby: Spirit XE795 or CE800.
- Corporate fitness, hotel, or heavier users: Spirit CE800 or CE900LED, up to 200 kg.
Also read: still hesitating between machines, then read our guide on treadmills or the guide on exercise bikes and indoor cycles. For a quiet and stable setup, a good floor surface helps: see choosing rubber gym flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stride length do I need on an elliptical trainer?
For most adults, a stride length of 51 cm or more is the right choice; shorter users can easily manage with a shorter stride, such as 43 cm. If you are training with multiple people of different heights, choose a model with an adjustable stride like the Sole E95s (46 to 61 cm).
Is an elliptical trainer better than a treadmill for your knees?
Yes, on an elliptical trainer your feet never leave the pedals, preventing your joints from experiencing the impacts associated with running. This makes an elliptical trainer a popular choice following an injury or for joint discomfort.
How much does a good elliptical trainer cost?
A good home elliptical trainer costs between € 1,495 and € 3,000 with us, featuring models like the DKN XC-200i, Sole E25, Spirit XE795, and Sole E95. Entry-level models start from € 1,095, while commercial models go up to € 8,995.
Does an elliptical trainer require a power outlet?
Not always: Spirit models such as the XE795, CE800, and CE900LED generate their own power using a generator. Machines with an electronic incline or a touchscreen do require a power outlet.
What is the maximum user weight for an elliptical trainer?
Most home models support 150 kg, the Sole E95 up to 180 kg, and commercial Spirit elliptical trainers like the CE800 up to 200 kg. It is best to choose a machine with a margin above your own body weight.
Ready to choose? Check out all cross trainers or schedule a showroom visit. Let us know which models you would like to test when making your appointment, and we will confirm what is ready for you.
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