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Sperax Walking Pad Treadmill Review

A compact, inexpensive and easy to live with treadmill that is easily stashed out of the way but isn't quite what it claims to be
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Sperax Walking Pad Treadmill Review (The Sperax Walking Pad)
The Sperax Walking Pad
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Price:  $299 List
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Manufacturer:   Sperax
Joshua Hutchens
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  March 18, 2024
53
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 10
  • Exercise Quality - 35% 3.0
  • User Interface/Ease of Use - 25% 5.0
  • Features - 15% 4.0
  • Ease of Assembly - 10% 10.0
  • Storability - 10% 10.0
  • Noise Level - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Sperax Walking Pad is a straightforward, ultra-compact solution for anyone looking to stay active during the workday. Its small footprint and intuitive remote make it incredibly user-friendly, especially for those with limited space. At just 45 lbs and equipped with transport wheels, it is easy to maneuver, lift, or slide under a bed when not in use. While Sperax advertises a 320 lb weight limit and a 2.5 HP motor, our testing left us skeptical of those figures, given the machine's lightweight build. However, for moderate walking up to 3.8 mph, the performance is reliable, and the motor remains quiet enough for video calls. Though the walking belt is on the smaller side, it provides enough room for comfortable indoor strolls. It's an ideal choice for “desk jockeys” looking to close their rings without leaving the office.
REASONS TO BUY
Arrives ready to use
Easy to store
RF remote actually works while in use
REASONS TO AVOID
Small belt size
Slightly louder than others
Low powered
Minimal flex

Our Analysis and Test Results

Starting the treadmill before getting on isn't the most convenient wat to inititate your work out but that is what Sperax recommends.   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Exercise Quality


In testing the Sperax, we found that its compact size is a double-edged sword. At 38.25" long, the belt is just long enough for a standard gait, though we found ourselves occasionally “crowding” the motor cover or hitting the back edge.

The biggest challenge, however, is the 15.25" width. While this feels fine when you're focused solely on walking, it becomes a bit of a liability when multitasking. If you are typing or on a call and lose focus on your positioning, you may find your feet striking the side rails more often than they would on a wider, full-sized treadmill.


While the Sperax is effective for light exercise, potential buyers should be aware of its mechanical limits. It is designed solely for walking (capping at 3.8 mph) and lacks any incline adjustments.

Safety Note: Be prepared for a “moving start.” Per the manufacturer's instructions, you must step onto the belt while it is already in motion. Without a handrail for stability, this can be intimidating for those less confident in their balance.

Furthermore, we found the 320 lb weight limit claim to be optimistic. In our stress tests, the belt began to lag significantly as we approached higher weights. To ensure the motor's longevity and a smooth walking experience, we suggest this model for individuals weighing 220 lbs or less.

There are a lot of parts to analyze when testing a treadmill

The Sperax Walking Pad skips the bells and whistles of high-end treadmills—you won't find Bluetooth or integrated workout programs here. Instead, you get a reliable, easy-to-read LED display that tracks your time, speed, and mileage. One of its most practical features is the goal-setting countdown. By using the remote to input a target for calories or distance, you can stay motivated as the machine counts down to your finish line. We also appreciated the RF (Radio Frequency) remote; it is much more responsive than traditional remotes because it doesn't require “point-and-click” accuracy. You can make quick speed adjustments while typing or on a call without breaking your workflow.
This helpful under-desk model is big on convenience but shy on power.   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

User Interface/Ease of Use


For users who value simplicity, the Sperax interface is incredibly straightforward. The deck-mounted LED screen uses a minimal four-light system to indicate active tracking modes. This ensures that even at a glance, you know exactly how far you've walked or how many calories you've burned. The remote control is a high point of this machine's design. By utilizing Radio Frequency rather than infrared, it offers superior responsiveness for under-desk workers who can't always point a remote directly at the treadmill's base.

sperax walking pad treadmill - the radio frequency remote is simple and easy to use.
The radio frequency remote is simple and easy to use.   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Starting a session on the Sperax is a straightforward process, though it comes with a unique requirement. Unlike every other treadmill we've tested, the manufacturer instructs users not to stand on the belt while starting the machine. This is likely a measure to protect the motor from the high initial torque required to move a weighted belt.

Once the belt is in motion and you have stepped on, you can fine-tune your pace using the remote's plus and minus buttons. The speed adjusts in 0.2 mph increments, providing a smooth transition as you work your way up to its 3.8 mph maximum speed.


Features


The Sperax is built for convenience, both in how it moves and how it operates. Its 45-pound frame and integrated wheels ensure that setting up or clearing away your workspace takes only seconds.

The real standout for multitaskers, however, is the Radio Frequency remote. Most budget walking pads use infrared sensors that require “point-and-click” accuracy, which is frustrating when you're focused on a screen. Using RF technology, the Sperax lets you change settings while the remote sits flat on your desk, making it one of the most user-friendly options for “desk jockeys.”


While Sperax markets this machine as having EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) cushioning, our physical inspection revealed a much simpler construction. The “cushioning” appears to be little more than strips of double-sided foam tape sandwiched between the particleboard deck and the steel frame.

In our lab testing, we measured the deck's rigidity and found it required 967.4 Newtons of force to achieve a 0.5-inch deflection. In practical terms, this means the deck is quite stiff with very little “give.” If you prioritize joint protection or a softer walking surface, the UREVO Strol 1 Pro is a significantly more compliant and comfortable alternative.

Putting numbers to the amount of deck cushioning in the Walking Pad.   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Ease of Assembly


Setting up this walking pad is as simple as the machine itself. Once you've removed the packaging, place the unit on a level surface. To ensure the motor runs smoothly from the start, apply silicone lubricant between the belt and the tread deck; tilting the machine on its side makes this step mess-free and easy.

Finally, install two AAA batteries (user-supplied) into the remote and plug the machine into a dedicated wall outlet. Because there is no complicated assembly or frame to bolt together, the entire process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.


Our experience with the Sperax was seamless out of the box; the belt arrived perfectly centered and remained stable through several miles of testing. However, some users have reported receiving units with misaligned belts that can bunch or stick.

If you need to center your belt, be aware of a small hardware discrepancy: you will need a 5mm Allen wrench, rather than the 6mm wrench often included in the package. To adjust, use the two screws at the rear of the machine to tighten or loosen the tension on either side. This is a process that requires patience—it takes several full rotations of the belt to see the impact of your adjustments, so make small turns and wait for the results.

sperax walking pad treadmill - centering the belt isn't difficult, but the included tool is the...
Centering the belt isn't difficult, but the included tool is the wrong size; you'll need a 5mm Allen key to make this adjustment.   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Storability


The standout feature of the Sperax is its incredibly low profile, making it one of the easiest walking pads to store. At its tallest point, the machine measures just 4.52", allowing it to slide effortlessly under most couches, bed frames, or low-clearance furniture.

For those who prefer vertical storage, the unit can also be stood upright with the motor end facing the floor. In this vertical position, the treadmill occupies a footprint of just 48" in height and under 20" in width, making it an ideal choice for tucking into a closet or behind a door when not in use.


While the slim profile of the Sperax is excellent for storage, it necessitates the use of very small-diameter rollers. These smaller rollers provide significantly less surface area for the belt to “grip.” This lack of traction can lead to belt slippage during use, which not only disrupts your walking rhythm but can also accelerate wear and cause frequent alignment issues.



Noise Level


Is it Quiet Enough for Zoom? The Sperax is generally “office-friendly,” but it isn't the stealthiest machine in our lineup. Here is the noise breakdown:
-At 1 mph (Slow Walk): 48 dB (Empty) / 55 dB (With User). This is roughly the volume of a quiet conversation.
-At 3.8 mph (Fast Walk): 57.4 dB (Empty) / 62 dB (With User). This is closer to the hum of a background air conditioner.

The Comparison: Despite its small size, this walking pad is actually louder than many full-sized models we've tested. While it won't drown out a meeting, your microphone might pick up a rhythmic hum if it doesn't have noise-canceling software.

Measuring the sound of the treadmill at different speeds with and without users on the belt.   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Even with slightly higher dB readings, we didn't find the noise much of an issue. We noticed we tended to kick the side rails of this machine more often, creating a distracting noise for others in our office.


Sperax Walking Pad vs. Urevo 2 in 1


The Sperax is significantly less expensive and has a better remote, but it has far less versatility than the more powerful Urevo. If you're content with just quiet, under-desk walking, the Sperax may be all you need. If having a treadmill at your disposal sounds like it might inspire you to use it more, the Urevo can grow with your fitness goals.

Should You Buy the Sperax Walking Pad Treadmill?


If your search for an under-desk treadmill is driven primarily by affordability and storage, the Sperax Walking Pad is a compelling choice. Its lightweight frame and slim profile make it one of the easiest machines to stow away. However, if you prioritize build quality and long-term versatility, you may find it lacking. While the size is impressive, the underpowered motor and small-diameter rollers diminish its overall value. We recommend this model specifically for users under 220 pounds who want a low-cost, convenient way to stay active indoors.

What Other Treadmills Should You Consider?


If you like the size and convenience of this machine, the UREVO 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill would be an excellent alternative. It's a few inches longer, has a slightly larger belt surface, and is suitable for light running. The UREVO features a fold-up handrail for use at higher speeds, but it can be laid flat and stored under a couch or in a closet. While it costs a few dollars more, it's also quieter and a bit more comfortable. UREVO also makes the Strol 1 Pro, which offers an adjustable incline and a sturdier handrail; it has an even softer deck but costs a couple of hundred dollars more.

sperax walking pad treadmill - the sperax walking pad
The Sperax Walking Pad   Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Sperax Walking Pad Treadmill versus top competing products:
 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Walking Pad
Price $299 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
53
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A compact, inexpensive and easy to live with treadmill that is easily stashed out of the way but isn't quite what it claims to be
Pros Arrives ready to use, Easy to store, RF remote actually works while in use
Cons Small belt size, Slightly louder than others, Low powered, Minimal flex
Rating Categories Sperax Walking Pad
Exercise Quality (35%)
3.0
User Interface/Ease of Use (25%)
5.0
Features (15%)
4.0
Ease of Assembly (10%)
10.0
Storability (10%)
10.0
Noise Level (5%)
8.0
Specifications Sperax Walking Pad
Measured Dimensions 45" L x 19.5" W x 4.5" H
Belt Dimensions (LxW) 38.25 in. x 15.25 in.
Top Speed 3.8 mph
Measured Minimum Incline 0 %
Measured Maximum Incline 0.0 %
Measured Noise 62 db
Motor power .75 HP
Weight Limit 320 lbs
Display small LED display
Running Area 583 sq. in.
Assembly Time 10 minutes
Footprint 877.5 sq. in.
Folded Dimensions 45" L x 19.5" W x 4.5" H
Incline Adjustment Electric
Workout Programs None
Heart Rate Sensors No
Connectivity No
Additional Features Compact,, transport wheels, RF remote
Warranty 30- days
Or, compare up to 5 products side-by-side here.
Joshua Hutchens


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