Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
Best for Seniors
Merax L510C Folding Treadmill Review
At around $400 (is a bargain-basement treadmill. Budget models such as these can sometimes get fairly reasonable reviews on Amazon (you can read about how to decipher those reviews here). Reviews such as these don’t mean that you shouldn’t be wary of purchasing, though. As expected, you get what you pay for. This model is a very entry-level treadmill, although we have to give it to the brand that this model does earn a few extra points than the Merax JK1603E on account of some additional features. Below we take a more detailed look at the
What We Like:
- Cheap: At $400, the is a very cheap treadmill. That said, if you can afford a couple of hundreds of bucks more, you can get a much higher quality treadmill such as the Horizon T101 for just $599.
- Compact and Foldable: Even when fully assembled, the just 56.3″ long by 25.2″ wide. It’s a compact treadmill that will fit into most home gym spaces and folds for storage after use.
- Storage: The large cupholders give you plenty of room for storage. There’s also a tablet holder for you to dock your device.
- Lightweight: Weighing just 73 pounds, the anything but sturdy. This does mean, however, that it’s easy to move around. It has transport wheels to help with this too.
- Speakers: You can plug in your phone to the MP3/audio auxiliary port to listen to your favorite workout playlists through the built-in dual speakers.
- Programs: For such a budget treadmill, 12 preset workout programs is pretty impressive.
- Safety Function: There is a safety clip which you can attach to your clothes which can trigger an auto-stop function if you fall back.
- Quick Controls: There are quick controls on the handlebars so you can easily adjust the speed, even though it can only go up to around 6 mph.
Merax L510C Folding Treadmill Treadmill - Key Specs:
| Star Rating: | 1.25-stars |
|---|---|
| Motor: | 1.5 HP |
| Incline: | No |
| Running Area: | 43.3" x 15.7" |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Top Speed: | 6.2 MPH MPH |
| Weight Capacity: | 240 LBS |
| Dimensions: | 56.3"" L x 25.2"" W x 42.1" H |
| Built-In Programs: | 12 |
- Narrow Running Belt: Treadmill belts usually average at about 20″ wide; the is just 15.7″ wide (and 43.3″ long) making anything but walking near impossible.
- Flimsy: Many users have reported that it’s anything but a sturdy model—as demonstrated by its 73-pound weight and 240-pound weight capacity—and that it shakes when you attempt to run on it. Some users have even reported that the belt moves to the side of the frame when in use.
- Warranty Issues: Though the 12 months warranty, several users have reported that making any kind of warranty claim is a nightmare.
- Loud: Many users have reported that the is a very noisy treadmill.
- Too Small: The image the brand uses of a person running on the treadmill is misleading. Many users note that the treadmill is simply too small for this.
- Low Speed Range: The can only reach 6.2 mph, which is well below average even for models in this budget price range. For runners, we always recommend a treadmill capable of a minimum of 10 mph. The ProForm 505 CST offers this for a few hundred dollars more. At best, this Merax unit is good for walking or a light jog.
- Weak Motor: Further to the above, the 1.5 HP motor is way below average standard even for a budget model.
- No Incline: Although in the products specs it says the has ‘a manual fixed incline’, this basically means that it remains at a slight incline and isn’t adjustable. There is no incline feature on this treadmill.
Our Verdict:
Even though the costs just $400 and is compact and lightweight, these ‘pros’ actually turn out to be cons in reality. The fact that it is so compact means that it can only be used for walking, this also demonstrated by the very weak motor and low top speed. The fact that it is so lightweight only further demonstrates that it isn’t built to last, or even hold up to any sort of moderate workout. For just a few hundreds bucks more you can get a treadmill that outshines this model in every way. The Horizon T101 is one of these. For just $200 more you will get a more powerful motor, a longer and wider running deck, a stellar warranty and much more. The ProForm 505 CST is another solid alternative which will cost you about $300 more, but you get way more bang for your buck including interactive training via iFit. Check out our list of top-rated treadmills under $1,000 for a range of higher quality but still budget-friendly models.