The WalkingPad R1 Pro — a foldable treadmill — is fast becoming one of the most successful campaigns on the crowdfunding site, Indiegogo.
The project has already fulfilled it’s flexible funding goal of $25,000, outdoing it by 55x the initial objective, and rasing a monumental total of $1.12 million in pledges. As of the time of writing, the project has 2,795 backers, revealing an average $400 pledge per backer.
The benefits of the WalkingPad R1 Pro
The WalkingPad R1 Pro is likely to appeal to those who wish to get in shape but don’t have the time — or maybe even the money — to join a gym. One of the main benefits of the treadmill is the ease of access it affords the user.
These days it can be nigh on impossible to find time to juggle every facet of life, be it social, romantic, work, or otherwise. Often one or more of these elements has to take a hit. Unfortunately, exercise is often the first to get the boot.
Joining a gym is not only costly but can also be fairly time inefficient. This is one of the key use cases for the WalkingPad R1 Pro. It eliminates the effort required to go to the gym and is more appealing than running in the rain or cold.
The treadmill is designed with convenience in mind. A particular emphasis on saving space allows what is typically an enormous piece of equipment to be stored easily. According to the fundraising page, the WalkingPad R1 Pro is 90% smaller than the average treadmill at a depth of 6 inches when collapsed.
VIDEO:
Several other benefits include rolling wheels to help maneuver the treadmill, as well as a phone holder — enabling the user to watch videos on the run (or walk). An LED panel monitors workout time, speed, and distance.
The WalkingPad R1 Pro has three modes to control the pace. First is a foot-based control that allows the user to increase or decrease speed by moving toward the front, or the back of the treadmill. The second is a proprietary app that allows wireless control of the treadmill. The last is a handheld remote control.
The treadmill’s max speed for walking mode is a reasonable 4 miles per hour (MPH), with a max speed of 6.5 MPH for running.
In terms of protection, the WalkingPad R1 Pro comes with a safety clip that turns the machine off if tugged and a front handlebar, which provides balance.
The frame is made out of aluminum to keep the machine light, and the anti-slip mat is designed to reduce the impact to the knees.
The downsides of the WalkingPad R1 Pro
While a versatile and reasonably convenient product, the Walkingpad pro does have some issues.
The importance placed upon space-saving means that a fair few features have been cut out that are otherwise available with traditional treadmills.
This includes, for example, a heart rate monitor, which is standard with many treadmills. Moreover, Running/walking modes such as incline control are also missing, and the maximum speed of only 6.5 MPH leaves a lot to be desired.
These pitfalls aside, at a price of $430, and given its versatility, the WalkingPad R1 Pro is likely to hold broad appeal, despite its lack of features.
