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Feel like you don’t have enough space for a running treadmill? Think again! This review of the WalkingPad R2 2-in-1 Treadmill takes a close look at one of the smallest running treadmills on the market. Read on to learn more.
Updated: August 4, 2023
I only wish I had known about WalkingPad back when I was running endless laps around my apartment trying to escape the smoke of wildfires or negative temperatures. The WalkingPad R2 2-in-1 Treadmill certainly could have saved my and my cats’ sanity, so now I am here to save yours. If you think you don’t have enough room for a running treadmill, I am here to suggest that you do. The WalkingPad R2 has an incredibly small footprint. It has two modes: walking and running, so you can get your miles in or reach your step goal. The console even folds down, so the treadmill can be used under a standing desk. This review of the WalkingPad R2 2-in-1 treadmill introduces you to an innovative brand solving walkers’ and runners’ space problems.
The WalkingPad R2 has a unique folding frame. It is extraordinarily compact. When folded, it takes up less than 8 square feet of space. For reference, running treadmills without the WalkingPad’s unique folding design take up 14 square feet at minimum. Despite its small size, the frame is fairly sturdy, because it sits so close to the floor.
The console and rail combination is not as sturdy. The rail does not provide enough support and stability to save a walker or runner from a fall. Do not depend on the R2’s rail if you have balance limitations or are a fall risk. The rail adjusts in height and can be folded up or down during exercise. To run, the rail must be raised, placing the treadmill in run mode.
The footrails are not as wide as I would like them to be. They are covered in rubber dots which increase the traction between the rail and your shoe. This intervention helps, but the rails are much narrower than the standard running shoe. I lost my balance a couple of times trying to stand on them. Fortunately, the deck is so close to the ground, most users should be able to step right off the treadmill without falling
The WalkingPad R2 has a brushless motor. This motor is very quiet, but it is not as powerful as you will find on most dedicated running treadmills. We aren’t sure exactly how much mileage the WalkingPad R2 can reliably handle but we will update this review if we get more information. Our experience with treadmills indicates the R2 may be better for low-mileage running and beginner runners.
The running surface is better than it may appear at first. It measures only 17 by 47 inches. This is considerably smaller than typical running treadmills. If you are a large user with a long stride, the R2 will not be sufficient for running. Keep a higher cadence (more steps per minute) to increase your speed. Increasing your running step cadence works better with the treadmill and it is also more efficient, as most new runners have a low running cadence. 180 steps per minute is the general recommendation, though this will vary depending on your speed and stride length.
The running surface is pretty firm. There isn’t much space for shock absorption on the R2. I didn’t mind the cushioning when I was testing it, but users expecting a soft and bouncy surface may not be satisfied. I did not feel the seam where the belt and deck folds while walking or running. If you do feel it, try pressing down on the deck to make sure it lays completely flat. If there is any more stability, check the leveling feet to make sure the treadmill is not tilting from side to side. The belt may need to be adjusted more regularly when used for running. WalkingPad includes an Allen wrench that can be used to adjust the belt at the end of the deck.
The WalkingPad R2 has a very compact design. Its console and handrail combination folds down to the deck to also function as a transportation handle. The deck and belt fold in half to give the R2 an almost square shape.
To unfold the treadmill for the first time, place the treadmill flat with the console screen pointing up. Flip the clasps at the top of the handrail and extend it fully. You can do this while the handles are flat, or if it is easier, raise the handles first by turning the knobs at the bottom of the rails. When the knobs are fully unscrewed, the handles can be lifted to their vertical position. Make sure to lock them back into place. The deck can then be unfolded.
Warning: the deck and belt make a loud noise when unfolded. This is not a problem, as the treadmill is safe. It is just the lubricant sticking the belt to the deck. It will not harm the R2. The deck also bangs loudly to the ground. I wish WalkingPad could figure out how to make the deck lower quietly and softly. If you are worried about your floor or the deck, place the R2 on a treadmill mat. These mats can reduce the noise of the treadmill, too.
The WalkingPad R2 is easy to transport. It has two transport wheels. While the treadmill is in a vertical, folded position, you can wheel it around on hard flooring. Carpet makes the process a lot harder. Some users may be able to get around this problem by lifting the treadmill up. It only weighs 80 lbs. The R2 can then be stored against a wall, in a closet, or even under furniture.
The WalkingPad R2 2-in-1 Treadmill is meant to be as small and compact as possible, so we can hardly blame the brand for how few features the R2 has. You won’t find loads of storage or a giant touchscreen here. The R2 is slim on features and accessories for good reason.
Your metrics and any machine messages are displayed on the LED screen on the motor hood. The numbers have great contrast, so it is not too difficult to see them from so far away. The screen will display your time, speed, distance, calories, and steps. There are three buttons on the motor hood. These buttons are the power button, manual mode, and auto mode.
The R2’s handle doubles as a console of sorts. Here, you will find the safety key and a storage compartment. The safety key can be stored in this compartment when the treadmill is not in use. When the R2 is in use, the storage compartment doubles as a phone holder. You could also fit a few other small items inside. It is not large enough for a tablet.
The WalkingPad R2 comes with a remote control. It is very simple to use. There are plus and minus buttons for changing speed. The center button starts or stops the treadmill. Finally, the bottom button switches the treadmill between auto and manual mode. This button only works while the treadmill is in walking-only mode.
The WalkingPad R2 is a great solution for runners who simply don’t have the space or budget for a larger running treadmill. That said, it lacks the belt size and shock absorption that many users will want or need on a running treadmill. I don’t feel like I can compare the two, because the WalkingPad R2 does solve problems that cannot be solved with a larger machine. For this reason, I really like the R2. I can firmly answer ‘yes’ to the question: ‘Can you run on this treadmill?’
The R2 can be a little tricky to set up with some components getting stuck and needing to be wiggled a bit to loosen them up. The main culprit is the handrail. The clasps that secure the handle height can be a bit finicky, so be mindful of them when making adjustments.
The highlight of the WalkingPad R2 is its versatility. With the handle in the vertical position, the treadmill is placed in running mode. The speed limit is 7.45 mph or 12 kph in this mode. When the handle is down, the speed is limited to 3.7 mph or 6 kph. In walking mode, you can choose between manual mode, which allows the user to adjust the speed with the remote. The WalkingPad R2 can also be placed in auto mode, which changes speeds based on the user’s foot position. If you walk near the front, the belt will speed up. Walking near the back will slow it down or bring it to a stop while walking in the middle of the belt maintains the current speed.
I am not a huge fan of the auto mode. It is difficult to get the hang of, and it doesn’t seem to offer an improvement in performance. I foresee most users walking at a steady pace. Especially if you are using this treadmill for under-desk walking, the manual mode will be much more intuitive to use.
The WalkingPad R2 doesn’t really have any training content. There is an app called ‘KS Fit’ that you can pair the treadmill with. This app displays your metrics, controls your speed, and records your distance walked. It is a very basic app. It connects via Bluetooth very quickly, but it can also become disconnected frequently. If you are having trouble seeing the metrics on the motor hood, the KS Fit app is an alternative.
The WalkingPad R2 is a problem solver. The treadmill deck folds in half to drastically reduce the space the treadmill takes up. For its small size, it is also a decent running treadmill with a maximum speed of 7.45 miles per hour. The 2-in-1 portion of the R2’s name is owed to its utility as a walking and running treadmill. When the handrail is folded down, the treadmill is in walking mode and can automatically adjust the speed depending on your foot position. The R2 can also be used as an under-desk treadmill. For such a small cardio machine, the R2 is surprisingly versatile.
