WalkingPad R1 Pro 2-in-1 Review: The Foldable Treadmill That Reinvents Home Fitness

Home fitness has exploded in recent years. We’ve swapped gyms for living rooms, barbells for resistance bands, and Sunday runs for indoor HIIT sessions. But let’s be honest, traditional treadmills are a nightmare: bulky, ugly, loud, and destined to become expensive clothes racks in the corner.

The WalkingPad R1 Pro 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill promises to change that. Retailing at $799, it isn’t just another piece of cardio equipment, it’s a reimagining of what a treadmill can be. Foldable. Sleek. Whisper-quiet. Designed for both walking and running. And slim enough to slide under your sofa when you’re done.

Targeted at fitness lovers who want performance without the hassle, the R1 Pro is part treadmill, part lifestyle upgrade. Over several weeks of testing, it became clear: this is not just a gadget, it’s a revolution in how we think about indoor training.

Design & Build: Foldable Innovation Meets Everyday Style

The standout feature, and the reason so many people are buzzing about the R1 Pro, is its patented foldable design. Unlike the clunky machines you’ll find in most gyms, the R1 Pro literally folds in half. That means you can store it upright against a wall, slide it under a bed, or tuck it neatly in a closet. For apartment dwellers, this alone is a game-changer.

Despite being foldable, the treadmill doesn’t feel flimsy. The build is solid, with an aluminum alloy frame that supports up to 242 lbs (110 kg). It weighs in at around 75 lbs, which makes it substantial but still manageable to move thanks to its integrated transport wheels.

Visually, it’s sleek and minimal. Available in a matte black finish, the R1 Pro doesn’t scream “fitness machine.” Instead, it looks like it belongs in a modern home: stylish, discreet, and unintrusive.

Performance: Walk or Run, It’s Got You Covered

The “2-in-1” in its name isn’t marketing fluff. The R1 Pro has two distinct modes:

• Walking Mode: With the handrail folded down, it works as an under-desk walking pad. The speed ranges from 0.5 to 3.7 mph (0.8–6 km/h), making it perfect for stacking steps while working, watching TV, or taking calls.
  
• Running Mode: Flip up the handrail, and suddenly you’re in treadmill territory. The speed bumps up to 6.2 mph (10 km/h), which isn’t elite marathon pace, but it’s ideal for sprints, intervals, or steady-state cardio.

The transitions between modes are seamless. I used it under my standing desk for slow walking during the day, then ramped it up in the evening for a sweaty 30-minute run. Having both options in one device is liberating.

And unlike some budget treadmills, the motor is whisper-quiet. You can walk at 2 mph on a Zoom call, and no one will suspect you’re literally taking steps during the meeting. Even at higher speeds, the noise is minimal compared to traditional treadmills.

Features: Smart, Simple, and Functional

This treadmill keeps things straightforward but smart:

• LED Display: Integrated into the base, it tracks speed, time, distance, and calories. It’s easy to read even in dim lighting.
• Remote Control: Comes with a handy wireless remote for adjusting speed without fumbling mid-walk.
• KS Fit App Integration: Syncs with the app via Bluetooth for progress tracking and customized plans. Not essential, but a nice bonus for data nerds.
• Auto Mode: In walking mode, the treadmill adapts its speed to your pace. Walk faster, it speeds up; slow down, it eases off. This feels intuitive and makes casual walking effortless.

Safety isn’t forgotten either. There’s a safety clip to stop the treadmill instantly if you stumble, and the textured belt gives enough grip without being harsh on shoes.

Comfort & Usability

The R1 Pro’s running surface measures 47 x 16.5 inches (120 x 42 cm). While not as expansive as a gym treadmill, it’s generous for a foldable unit. Walking feels natural, and running, even at higher speeds, doesn’t feel cramped once you adjust to the slightly narrower deck.

Shock absorption is decent too. The multi-layer belt provides enough cushioning to reduce joint impact compared to pounding pavement. I found it comfortable for 30–40 minute runs without knee or ankle complaints.

For usability, the design wins big points. It takes seconds to unfold, power on, and start moving. No assembly nightmares, no tools required, just plug it in and go.

Market Comparison: How It Stacks Up

The WalkingPad R1 Pro sits in a unique sweet spot. Here’s how it compares:

• Vs. Traditional Treadmills: Standard treadmills like the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si offer higher max speeds (up to 10 mph) and incline features, but they’re massive, noisy, and cost over $1,000. The R1 Pro trades some performance for sleekness, portability, and price.
• Vs. Desk Walkers (like the WalkingPad A1 Pro): The A1 Pro is cheaper and smaller but limited to walking speeds. If you want the option to run, the R1 Pro is worth the upgrade.
• Vs. Premium Smart Treadmills (like Peloton Tread): Peloton’s machine offers streaming classes, incline, and studio vibes—but it’s $2,995. For home fitness lovers who want practicality without selling a kidney, the R1 Pro is unbeatable value.

In short: the R1 Pro balances affordability, design, and functionality better than almost anything else in its category.

Shortcomings: What is Missing

No product is perfect, here is where the R1 Pro could do better:

• No Incline: If you love hill training, this treadmill won’t scratch that itch. It’s flat only.
• Narrow Deck: While fine for walking and moderate runs, taller users or those with a wide gait may find it restrictive.

But here’s the thing: these aren’t deal-breakers. They’re trade-offs for the convenience of a treadmill you can literally fold and store under a bed. And if you’re the target market, fitness enthusiasts who want daily, practical cardio indoors, these shortcomings barely matter.

Who Is It For?

The WalkingPad R1 Pro is made for people who want fitness to be part of their lifestyle, not a hassle. It’s perfect for busy professionals who spend long hours at a desk but still want to sneak in steps during the day. It’s a great fit for apartment dwellers or anyone short on space who still craves the option to walk or run indoors without a bulky machine taking over their living room.
And it’s ideal for casual runners, walkers, or fitness enthusiasts who want a reliable way to stay active at home without committing to a massive gym-style treadmill. In short: if you want cardio that fits around your life instead of forcing you to reorganize your life around cardio, this is the treadmill for you.

Why You Should Buy It

The WalkingPad R1 Pro isn’t just a treadmill, it’s a lifestyle enabler. Here’s why it’s worth every penny:

1. Space-Saving Genius: Perfect for apartments, studios, and homes where every inch counts.
2. 2-in-1 Flexibility: Seamlessly switches from under-desk walker to treadmill runner.
3. Quiet & Discreet: Train any time, without waking your partner, kids, or neighbors.
4. Ease of Use: No assembly, no fuss. Just unfold, plug in, and start moving.
5. Affordable Innovation: At $799, it brings premium design and practicality at half the cost of bulky alternatives.

For fitness lovers who want to stay active without leaving home, it’s a dream. For professionals working long hours at a desk, it’s a sneaky way to hit 10,000 steps. And for casual joggers, it’s the treadmill you’ll actually use, not one that collects dust.

Final Verdict: The Future of Home Cardio

The WalkingPad R1 Pro 2-in-1 Foldable Treadmill delivers on its promise: an innovative, practical, and genuinely enjoyable way to bring cardio into your home. It’s sleek enough to disappear when you don’t need it, robust enough to support daily workouts, and versatile enough to suit both walkers and runners.

Sure, it lacks incline and won’t satisfy hardcore marathoners, but for 95% of at-home fitness lovers, it hits the sweet spot. It makes staying active easy, accessible, and, most importantly, sustainable.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a treadmill that fits your lifestyle instead of dominating it, the WalkingPad R1 Pro is the one. This is the foldable treadmill that proves innovation isn’t about gimmicks, it’s about making fitness fit your life.