In this era of smart devices, consumers are always looking for gadgets that are convenient and easy to use. And as we lean towards a sedentary lifestyle, we have to actively take care of our health.

Treadmills are an excellent option for staying fit, but they need a dedicated space as well as a significant upfront investment. This is where the Xiaomi Youpin backed WalkingPad R1 Pro comes to your rescue. It solves two major issues associated with traditional treadmills: bulky and heavy form factor and expensive price tag.

WalkingPad R1 Pro Hands-on: Design

The WalkingPad R1 Pro is a foldable new-age treadmill that’s super-portable too. Yes, I said portable, because the R1 Pro folds in two stages to convert itself into the size of a long but extremely thin suitcase. It’s so thin that storing it under your sofa or beside your cupboard is a cakewalk. It will even fit inside your car boot, which can be extremely handy if you travel often.

The WalkingPad R1 Pro features an aluminum alloy frame with EVA cushioning that softens the impact on your knees while walking/ running. The treadmill is comprised of two major parts: Deck & Handle. The deck is the heart of the treadmill which features the anti-slip running belt and the motor. The handle is added for balance and safety. You can fold the deck in half in the middle and lift it up to line up with the handle. The handle is further retractable and the treadmill folds down into a suitcase-sized device. WalkingPad team claims that this design saves space by nearly 90 percent! Plus, the treadmill comes with rolling wheels which makes it very easy to move it around the house.

Thanks to this design, the WalkingPad Pro R1 can be used practically anywhere right from your small bedroom, office, balcony, or even a yard. You should have no trouble using it outdoors provided you have a power outlet nearby.

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WalkingPad R1 Pro Hands-on: Features

Despite its super-compact form factor, the WalkingPad Pro doesn’t compromise on traditional treadmill features. The treadmill has two modes: Walking & Running and the company offers several ways to control it.

For example, you can connect your smartphone (via KS Fit app) to the treadmill to use it as a control panel. This would make for a solid setup especially when you place the phone or the tablet in the holder provided on the handle. Or you can use the provided remote button to control the speed. Finally, the WalkingPad Pro also comes with feet control, wherein you can simply change the position of your feet on the belt to increase, decrease, or maintain your speed.

The treadmill also comes with an LED display on the front will show you essential features such as running speed, distance covered, and workout time. It’s nothing fancy but gets the job done. The maximum speed in the running mode is 6.2 miles per hour (10kmph) and in the walking mode, it is 3.75mph (6kmph). The handle helps you keep your balance and there’s a safety clip too (just like a regular treadmill) that acts as an emergency stop in case you lose your balance.

WalkingPad R1 Pro Hands-on: Price

The WalkingPad R1 Pro is currently available on IndieGoGo for $429 with worldwide free shipping. The project has already crossed 6743% of its initial goal with a few hours left. That’s an extremely competitive price, so make sure to check out their project for more details.

Meanwhile, would you like to see us check out more such smart gadgets from China? We would love to hear your opinion.

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