UREVO Strol 1 Pro Foldable Treadmill Review

The UREVO Strol 1 Pro Foldable Treadmill is a clever combination of useful and easy-to-store. Testers liked the UREVO 2 in 1 more than we thought we would, and the Strol 1 Pro takes that practicality and adds some features and versatility. The big difference between these two treadmills is the incline feature on the Strol 1 Pro, which allows you to adjust the pitch and work different muscle groups. Since the treadmill measures only 5.7" thick when folded flat, it can be stored easily. Like other compact folding treadmills, they're great for walking and light running but sub-optimal for those wanting a machine for more than the occasional run.

Since we reviewed the UREVO Strol 1 Pro, we've been watching for changes to the hardware or software. While there are no discernible differences, newer models seem to be running quieter and have a slightly brighter LCD screen. This is likely from a software update, and no hardware changes have been made.

Tested and Rated

If you've ever scrolled through Amazon and wondered if some highly rated products are high quality or just have paid reviews, you're not alone. I first found the UREVO on Amazon and ordered it for testing. It arrived quickly and impressed me with its tiny form factor and above-average usefulness. I was struck by how much exercise I could get on such a small machine and loved how I could use it under my desk. I paid the normal retail price for this machine and have no connection to the manufacturer or seller, this is a totally independent review.

Performance Comparison

Exercise Quality

The  UREVO Strol 1 Pro might surprise you with the quality of workout it provides. We assess the exercise quality of treadmills by having multiple testers use them for a wide variety of workouts with differing speeds and intensities. We assessed how well this particular machine integrated into under-desk usage. We also assess its comfort, convenience, and versatility. While only a fraction of the cost of the full-sized treadmills we've tested, the Strol 1 Pro impressed us with its power and incline feature. The smaller tread deck limits it, especially where speed is concerned. Still, a focused runner can make decent use of its real estate and get a surprisingly good cardio experience. This treadmill is notably comfortable; in our running deck flex test, the Strol took only 514 Newtons of force to deflect half an inch; this is one of the most compliant machines I've tested. Those looking to give their joints a break will be pleased with the cushioned footfalls it provides.

I felt like the Strol 1 Pro was especially well suited for walking speed workouts. From slow under-desk striding to speed walking intervals, this treadmill rivals the larger machines for mellower activities. You can walk up to 3.8 mph with the handrail folded down, but I found my productive working speed at the desk was under 2.8 mph. In the highest incline setting, the tread deck is five inches above the ground, which worked well with my height-adjustable standing desk but felt too high when I used it at a static platform like a table.

When you extend the handrail into the upright position, the speed range increases to 7.6 mph. Running this fast (sub-8-minute mile) is a pretty rapid clip on this machine. I could run a few miles at this speed and stay centered on the 42.25 x 17" belt, but it wasn't without some anxiety. If you plan to spend more than 50% of your time running, there are better machines for you. The width of the running surface was less of a concern at speed than its length; our testers complained of feeling the rollers underfoot at faster strides.

The machine is quite simple; there is no connectivity or programmed workouts, but there is a mode button that allows you to set a calorie, distance, or time goal and work toward it. A basic LED display on the motor cover shows the belt speed, calories burned, incline setting, elapsed time, and distance. You can adjust speed and incline with the infrared remote control, but it needs to be within line of sight. That means that using the remote on your desktop isn't effective. The Sperax Walking Pad, in comparison, uses a radio frequency remote that can control the treadmill without having to move it off your desktop.

Companion App/Connectivity

As I mentioned in our Exercise Quality section, there is no Bluetooth connectivity, but that doesn't mean you can't use a workout app. The device shelf is large enough to support a phone or tablet that can run the motivational / inspirational app of your choosing. You'll need to adjust speed and incline manually, but some users find value in a companion app that coaches and encourages them to keep going. The device shelf is 36" above the tread deck and moves with the incline. Some of our taller testers remarked that viewing at that height is less than ideal, and they preferred setting the treadmill in front of a TV instead, but at 5' 10", I had no issue with an iPad on the handle.

User Interface/Ease of Use

The Strol 1 Pro has a simple but useful display and controls. The controls on the handrail allow you to start and stop the belt, increase or decrease speed by 0.2mph increments, and adjust the incline to any of the three settings. The lowest setting isn't level but sits at a measured 3.3% incline. Quick speed adjust buttons take you to 3 or 6 mph with a single push and a mode button to set goals.

To start a workout on the Strol 1 Pro, you simply step on and hit the start button. You can do this from the handrail or the remote. The remote has most of the handrail buttons' functionality, except preset speeds and modes. The incline only has three positions and shows up in the display as 1, 2, or 3, with the highest being 3.95 degrees, which equals a slope of 6.9%, a bit shy of the claimed 9%. The lowest incline setting is oddly not flat but 1.9 degrees, or a 3.3% slope.

UREVO shows users supporting their weight on the handrails and claims they can hold up to 120kg. One of our testers at half that weight nervously used the handrails for a few bodyweight dips, and while there was no structural failure or damage, it felt unstable and not something we would recommend. We found the handrail to be useful as a grab bar when hopping on or off of the moving belt; it also serves as a visual guide to help keep you aligned while running at higher speeds.

Features

The ability to adjust the incline is the highlight of this mill, and while there isn't much movement, it's enough to change your gate mechanics. Another clear highlight is this treadmill's ease of storage; folding it flat and leaning it against a wall or under a piece of furniture means you're not dedicating a room to its 1445 square inch footprint. Transport wheels on the front of the machine make wheeling it around easy, but only if the incline is set to the lowest level. The incline adjustment feet protrude just behind the transport wheels, so when raised, they interfere with the treadmill's ability to roll. Since the treadmill only weighs 69.4 pounds, you can also slide or lift it into place.

A 2.5 hp motor provides adequate power for incline running and uses a fan to keep the motor cool. The treadmill's wooden deck is supported by eight 10mm silicone elastomers that absorb shock between the user and the steel frame. These eight elastomers give the treadmill more compliance than any other machine we've tested. A 5-ply silicone running belt wraps around 38mm aluminum rollers, giving the running deck a low-friction feel.

The handrail and tablet holder give the machine more versatility and help stabilize you when not using it under a desk. Quick-adjust buttons allow you to find your groove quickly and not have to repeatedly press buttons to find the speed you're comfortable with. A magnetic lanyard attaches to the front of the handrail and clips onto your clothing while running; pulling on this lanyard cuts power to the motor and stops the machine within a few seconds.

Ease of Assembly

The Strol 1 Pro arrives completely assembled and ready to go. This model is up and running with minimal effort and requires mostly just unpacking. After the packaging was removed, we folded the handrail up, attached the device shelf, and plugged it in; all told, it took us 7 minutes from unboxing to getting in our first steps.

While this is a compact treadmill, its delivery box can still feel like a bit much for one person. The 76-pound shipping box arrived at our front door, and we scooted it to the assembly area. After reading all of the reviews of this and other compact treadmills, it's clear that many people have experienced belts that are unevenly tightened and shift to one side. Our treadmill did not suffer from this issue, but it does include a hex wrench that allows you to adjust the belt's tension and alignment, a process that takes some practice to perfect.

Storability

One of the things I like most about these compact treadmills is how easy they are to store. Most people won't use a machine like this every day, and having it not occupy a ton of space while not in use is a major plus. With the handle folded down and the incline feet retracted, the Strol can easily be rolled and stowed out of the way.

Even with the machine in its open position, it's pretty compact. Measuring 50.7" long x 28.5" wide, the top of the railing measures 40.5" high; it's significantly less imposing than a full-sized treadmill. When the handrail folds down, it sits at the back of the treadmill, extending its length by 2.8 inches, giving the machine a total footprint of 1525 square inches. If storability is your top priority, the Sperax Walking Pad has a footprint of just 878 square inches but lacks the comfort and functionality of the Strol.

Noise Level

The Strol 1 Pro registered a half decibel louder than the UREVO 2 in 1 but quieter than the Sperax Walking Pad. At a belt speed of 4 mph, our sound meters picked up 61.5 dB of sound. Removing the runner from the deck lowered the noise level to 59 dB; we tested this both ways to understand how much noise a user's footfalls create on the deck material.

Should You Buy the UREVO Strol 1 Pro Folding Treadmill?

This treadmill likely has the perfect mix of features for many people. If you want to devote less than a bedroom to a walking machine but still want some incline capabilities, the Strol answers the call. I spent quite a bit of time running on this machine, and while I found it suitable for a jog, runners wanting to stretch their legs will do better with a longer tread deck. If your primary objectives are quiet, comfortable indoor walking, the Strol 1 Pro is worth your consideration. Using this machine under a desk while still adjusting the incline helped mix up the stride and keep it interesting. Like other folding machines, its best feature is apparent when not in use.

What Other Treadmills Should You Consider?

While we thought this machine was great, it does have some limitations. If your ambitions are bigger than its running deck, check out the Echelon Stride, which still folds but has the longest running surface of any treadmill we've tested. It also features a fold-down handrail but can't be used under a deck like the other compact treadmills in our test. If you don't want or need the incline adjustability, the Urevo 2 in 1 is an excellent choice and saves you some money and space.