If you are short on space at home, then finding space for home gym equipment is likely going to be a struggle. Especially if you like to run because treadmills can take up a lot of room.
This is where our treadmill of the day comes into play. The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill is a compact and lightweight treadmill perfect for those small spots, and in this review we'll see if it's worth the price tag.
WalkingPad X21 Features & Highlights
Let's take a quick look at the main features and highlights of the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill.
- 1.0 HP Motor
- 7.5 MPH/ 12 KPH Top Speed
- Double Folding Design for Space Efficiency
- LED Display
- Bluetooth Compatibility
- Quick Adjustment Dial
- Tracks Time, Speed, Distance, Calories and Steps
- Features a Child Lock
- Unfolded Dimensions: 1007mm (H) x 711mm (W) x 1420mm (L)
- Folded Dimensions: 1007mm (H) x 711mm (W) x 225mm (L)
- Product Weight: 37kg
- Running Area: 460mm x 1210mm
- Maximum User Weight: 110kg
WalkingPad X21 Treadmill Review
Let's now take a much closer look at the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill to see exactly what it's all about, including its construction quality, functionality, portability, and more.
Portability and Convenience
Starting with the most positive feature that this treadmill possibly has to offer, it's small, compact, and lightweight. As we mentioned before, this particular unit is perfect for those small spaces where you just don't have much real estate to spare.
The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill Comes in at just over 90 lbs, which effectively makes it by far one of the lightest treadmills on the market. Just as a reference point, most other treadmills weigh well over 200 or even 300 lbs.
This is the kind of treadmill that if you had to, you could pick it up and move it around all by yourself. Luckily, you don't have to do that, because it comes with a set of wheels that allows you to push it around from one spot to another. It’s a very mobile treadmill that is ideal for small spaces like apartments.
Something else that makes it so ideal for small spaces is the fact that it folds in half. It folds in half right down the middle, which effectively cuts its size in half as well. But then can be stood in an upright position reducing its footprint dramatically.
On that note, the mechanism used to fold the treadmill in half is very easy to use. It's more or less just a button that you have to press, and a handle that's used to fold and unfold the deck. It really doesn't get much easier than that.
What it really comes down to is that this is a treadmill designed for people who need to get some daily cardio in, but don't want to go to the gym, and don't have much space to spare either.
Its small size and lightweight design are by far the best features. The fact that it's so easy to set up anywhere in your apartment is of course a massive bonus.
Motor and Performance
Of course, something that everybody wants to know about a treadmill like the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill is how powerful it is and what the motor is like.
What you get here is a 1 horsepower brushless motor, which as you might be able to tell, isn't all that powerful. Your average full-sized treadmill is normally 2+ HP.
With that being said, what's quite impressive is that even though it's just a 1 horsepower motor, it can still move at speeds of up to 7.5 mph, which is a pretty brisk jog and will have you tired out in no time.
Plus, the motor is very quiet when being used and produces only 75dB of noise when running at top speed. So you can work out without waking the entire house.
If you're somebody who wants to do some light walking or jogging, then the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill is certainly a good model worth considering.
It's not something made for anyone looking to do HIIT sprint training, but it works perfectly fine for your average person who just wants a good home workout.
As far as performance is concerned, what also needs to be said is that this treadmill doesn't have any kind of incline or decline features. One of the drawbacks of its compact and lightweight nature is a distinct lack of special features, like an incline.
With that being said, this treadmill isn't designed for heavy exercise anyway, so it's likely not much of an issue either way.
Durability
WalkingPad prides itself on the quality of their equipment and the X21 is no exception.
Considering that the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill weighs only 37kg, it really is impressive that it can hold a person up to 110kg.
Yes, there are treadmills out there that can hold much heavier people, but you will be lucky to find one under 50kg that can.
The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill is made with a variety of high-quality and durable metals, as well as some high-end plastics. Considering the level of quality and durability you are getting, it is a very reasonable price. When it comes to treadmills we tend to find that the quality drops off dramatically once you start going under the £500 price point.
It might not be your commercial-grade machine, but it also doesn't cost thousands of pounds, and it doesn't even weigh 50kg. For any average person doing light to moderate physical activity, this treadmill will certainly be more than enough. As long as you don't try to actively break it, it will last for many years to come.
Just for reference, we had somebody who is 6’3” and roughly 95kg run at 6 mph on this treadmill for about 10 miles, and it had no issues at all.
It wasn't wobbly, it didn't make any funny noises, and the motor had more than enough power to keep the running belt smooth.
By all means, this treadmill performs very well for its speed range.
Functionality and Comfort
When it comes to compact folding treadmills like this, we sometimes see the quality of life features have to take a backseat. But that isn't the case with the X21.
The running deck has plenty of room to stretch your legs with a running area of 460mm x 1210mm. They have also paid extra attention to ensure that the running deck is 100% flat when you walk on it, even though it folds in half.
Some people note that there is a very slight seam that you might feel a little bit when you walk on it, but it's really no big deal. Most people say that the little seam in the middle of the deck really doesn't bother them at all, and it also has to do with the treadmill's belt.
The included belt, both durable and long-lasting, is made to handle a bit of impact, which could explain why most people don't feel the seam in the middle of the deck even though it's clearly there. The belt absorbs a good deal of shock and therefore provides you with a surprisingly soft running surface.
Admittedly, it doesn't have quite as much padding as some larger or more commercial-style treadmills might have, but this is the tradeoff that you get for such a lightweight and compact unit that folds in half.
As far as other functionality and comfort features are concerned, what you do need to be aware of is that there aren't any handles or railings. This means that you need to be comfortable running without any kind of side support.
Once again, this should be perfectly fine for most people, especially for anybody who just wants a bit of cardio. It's really not a deal breaker as far as we're concerned, and once again, that trade-off of being so compact is really worth it.
Related: See our Review of the WalkingPad C2 Mini Treadmill
The Display, Console, and Apps
If you enjoy minimalist designs, then you'll love the console on the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill.
In simplest terms, what you get is a horizontal rail that sits in front of you and acts as a display. The display is just a couple of inches deep and about as wide as the belt of the treadmill. It's designed to provide you with various pieces of information, really just the basic metrics such as calories burned, distance, speed, and time.
However, unlike other higher-end machines nowadays, it doesn't have any sort of actual screen where you can view images or media. Instead, it has a simple dial that allows you to control the speed of the treadmill simply by turning it to the right to speed it up, or turning it to the left to slow it down.
If you're looking for a super easy-to-control treadmill that features only a single dial to turn it on and off, and to control the speed, then this is the treadmill for you. It is simplicity at its finest.
Some people may not like this lack of display, but you do get a tablet holder that can sync to the KS fit app to show your workout information more traditionally but you will need your own smart device such as a tablet. You can also adjust the treadmill speed through the app if you want to, although the turn dial is by far the easiest way.
The KS Fit Application also has a variety of workouts to help keep your workouts interesting.
We are hoping that they will eventually open access for the treadmill to connect to other workout apps like Zwift which will add even more variety to the workout experience.
Related Post: WalkingPad A1 Pro Review - High Capacity Walking Pad
WalkingPad X21 Treadmill Review – Final Thoughts
When all has been said and done, the bottom line is that the WalkingPad X21 Treadmill is the pinnacle of compact cardiovascular exercise equipment.
It's about as small and lightweight as any treadmill could possibly be, and it even folds in half, so you can put it in any closet in your apartment or living space. The fact that it comes fully assembled is of course a massive bonus as well.
It might not have a whole lot of fancy features, but it still goes fast enough for a good jogging pace, a simple console to allow you to control the unit, and it's more than comfortable enough to use on a regular basis. Let's not forget that it also comes in at a more than reasonable price.
