Treadmills are expensive purchases that can be daunting to make. It’s a huge commitment, and there are so many options available. As a treadmill reviewer, I find that my current favorite is always changing and evolving with my training and preferences. One of the first steps in finding a treadmill that you can commit to for the next several years is evaluating the treadmill warranty. A warranty helps you discern whether or not the treadmill will actually last all of those years you hope it will.
Our goal at Treadmill Reviews is to help you find the best treadmill or piece of gym equipment possible. Our content is aimed to help in every aspect possible and finding the best treadmill warranty is a big aspect of that.
How Long a Treadmill Warranty Should Be
Treadmill warranties are divided into categories. Each of these categories has different standards of how long they typically last. As you research these warranty lengths, keep in mind that they don’t tell the whole story. A long warranty that covers very little may not be superior to a shorter warranty that covers wear and tear.
Frame
A treadmill should last about ten years. For this reason, we want to see frame warranties of 10 years or more. While 10 years is common, you may also see anything from 5 years to a lifetime warranty. Brands tend to be very vague about what “lifetime” entails. In general, treadmill owners should expect their treadmills to last around 10 years. Bowflex has a good treadmill frame warranty.
Motor
Motors have an even broader warranty coverage range than frames. If the motor warranty is not specified, it is normally included in the “parts” warranty. Thus, motor warranties may range from lifetime warranties to as little as 1 year. We certainly hope to see motor warranties of 10 years or more.
Parts
Treadmill parts are usually only covered for 1 to 2 years. Treadmill shoppers should look for coverage of 2 to 3 years. ProForm‘s parts are covered for 1 to 2 years.
Labor
Labor is usually only covered for 1 year, maybe two. This is the industry standard and exceptions are rare.
Other
Other categories of treadmill warranties may include cosmetic parts, electronic parts, belt, and deck. These warranties vary, but we expect them to be comparable to the parts warranty of 2 to 3 years. The exception is cosmetic parts which are typically only covered for 30 to 90 days.
What a Treadmill Warranty Covers
A treadmill warranty is designed to cover issues that arise from manufacturing defects in the machine. If the treadmill is not operating as intended when stored and maintained properly, these are the sorts of issues that treadmill warranties cover. Most treadmill warranties do not cover wear and tear, improper use, damage by the user or others, natural disasters, and improper storage. One of the most frustrating aspects of treadmill warranties is the ambiguity of the “lifetime” warranty. While these are typically the best warranties, they usually do not mean your lifetime. Instead, they refer to the expected lifetime of the machine. Horizon is a brand known for their lifetime warranties.
Steps to Ensuring Your Treadmill is Covered by Its Warranty:
- Register your treadmill immediately and keep the receipt. Consider scanning in a digital copy of the receipt should you lose the original. Establishing a paper trail is important.
- Don’t buy a used treadmill, and consider buying from the manufacturer. Treadmills bought from third-party sellers, especially if the treadmill is used, will probably not be covered.
- Store your treadmill inside. Keeping your treadmill in the garage can void the warranty, because it is not a climate-controlled environment.
- Keep up with your treadmill’s maintenance. Follow the treadmill’s maintenance schedule as recommended by the manual. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer.
- Do not modify the treadmill. Any unauthorized modifications may void the warranty.
- Don’t exceed the maximum user weight capacity. Unfortunately, exceeding the maximum user weight capacity is potentially dangerous to you and will likely void your warranty due to possible damage to the treadmill.
- Follow proper usage guidelines. Most home treadmills are for residential use only. Using a residential treadmill for commercial purposes will void your warranty.
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty?
A lot of brands offer extended warranties. Because there are so many things excluded from coverage under most warranties, you should consider the likelihood of an extended warranty covering any problems that should arise. Extended warranties will likely not protect you from issues that arise due to wear and tear. Before purchasing an extended warranty, read what it covers to decide if it is right for your circumstances.
A Comparison of Popular Treadmill Brands
Here, I have compiled a summary of the typical warranties provided by a few of the top home treadmill brands. Some of their treadmills may be covered by different warranties, so keep in mind that these summaries do not apply to all products offered by the brand. Additionally, comparing the length of each brand’s warranty may not tell the full story. Some brands may cover more than others, but in general, we find them to be comparable.
NordicTrack and ProForm
- Frame: 10 years
- Parts: 2 years
- Labor: 1 year
Sole
- Frame: Lifetime
- Motor: Lifetime
- Deck: 2-3 years
- Parts: 2-3 years
- Wear Items: 2-3 years
- Labor: 1 year
- Cosmetic Items: 90 days
Horizon
- Frame: Lifetime
- Motor: Lifetime
- Parts: 1-5 years
- Labor: 1-2 years
Bowflex
- Frame: 10-15 years
- Mechanical parts: 3-5 years
- Electronics: 1-3 years
- Labor: 1-2 years<
Peloton
- Touchscreen: 12 months
- Frame: 5 years
- Drive Motor: 3-5 years
- Belt: 3-5 years
- Components: 12 months
- Labor: 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best treadmill warranty?
As far as reasonably priced home treadmills go, I have to pick Sole as the best treadmill warranty. Their warranty covers the frame and motor for life. While most fitness brands have a mountain of negative reviews about the repair and warranty claim process, I find that Sole seems to be generally responsive and as timely as possible. I also recommend manual treadmills like the TrueForm Trainer and Runner, because they have great warranties. A manual treadmill also has fewer components that could break or malfunction.
Which treadmill brands have a lifetime warranty?
Sole and Horizon have lifetime warranties on their frame and motor. High-end and commercial brands like Life Fitness, Matrix, and True Fitness offer lifetime warranties on many of their products, but they are very expensive. NordicTrack, ProForm, and Bowflex have decent warranties in some categories but could stand to be improved in others.
Are treadmill warranties transferable?
Treadmill warranties are not transferable. If you are not the original purchaser, the treadmill will not be covered under warranty. Most manufacturers require that you present documentation of purchase and register your warranty within a set amount of time to be covered.
What voids a treadmill warranty?
Many things can void a treadmill warranty. Shoppers should review the specifics of each brand before making a purchase and upon acquiring their treadmill. Some of the most common reasons treadmill warranties are voided include storing the treadmill in the garage, exceeding the maximum user weight limit, not following the maintenance schedule, using the treadmill incorrectly, and using a residential treadmill for commercial purposes. Treadmills are also rarely covered when damaged by natural disasters or other extreme circumstances.
How many years should a treadmill last?
A treadmill will generally last around 10 years. It can be hard to make generalizations about home treadmill longevity due to differences in use and maintenance. Many treadmill owners do not keep up with their treadmills’ maintenance and store their machines in the garage. Both of these can drastically reduce the longevity of a treadmill.
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