A walking pad can be one of the best upgrades for your home office or living room – but only if you choose the right one.
Many first-time buyers pick a model that is too small, too loud or simply doesn’t fit their daily routine. In this guide, we cover 5 common mistakes people make when buying a walking pad and how you can avoid them.
If you are still not sure whether a walking pad or a treadmill is better for you, you can also read: Walking Pad vs Treadmill – Which Is Better for Home?
Mistake 1: Ignoring Your Height and Stride Length
One of the biggest mistakes is buying a walking pad with a deck that is too short for your natural stride.
When the deck is too short, you may:
- Feel like you have to take tiny, uncomfortable steps
- Constantly look down to avoid stepping off the back
- Feel less safe at normal walking speeds
How to avoid it
- Check the walking area length in the product specifications.
- Taller users usually need a longer deck for a natural stride.
- If in doubt, choose the slightly larger model for more comfort and safety.
At CITYSPORTS, we list the usable deck size for each walking pad so you can quickly see which models fit your height and walking style.
Mistake 2: Not Checking the Maximum User Weight
Another common mistake is ignoring the maximum user weight. This number is important for both safety and long-term durability.
If you choose a walking pad with a limit that is too low, you may:
- Put extra stress on the frame and motor
- Wear out the belt and deck faster
- Void the warranty if something breaks
How to avoid it
- Always check the max user weight before you buy.
- Leave yourself a little margin above your current weight.
- If multiple people will use the walking pad, base your choice on the heaviest user.
Choosing a model with a suitable weight rating helps the machine stay stable, quiet and safe for years.
Mistake 3: Forgetting About Noise and Your Building
Many people focus only on speed and price – and forget to think about noise. In an apartment, this can quickly become a problem.
Even a good walking pad will make some sound from the motor and your footsteps. In older buildings with thin floors, vibration can travel to your neighbours below if you are not prepared.
How to avoid it
- Choose a walking pad with a quiet motor designed for home use.
- Plan to use a floor mat under the walking pad to absorb vibration.
- Start at lower speeds and walk softly instead of stomping.
For a deeper dive into this topic, read our full guide: Walking Pad Noise Levels – Can You Use One in an Apartment?
Mistake 4: Not Thinking About Storage and Daily Use
It’s easy to fall in love with pictures online and forget to ask a basic question:
“Where will this walking pad live when I’m not using it?”
If you only think about where to put it today, you may end up with a machine that is always in the way – and that you stop using after a few weeks.
How to avoid it
- Measure the space where you will walk (for example in front of your desk).
- Measure the space where you will store the walking pad (under a bed, sofa or against a wall).
- Check the folded size and weight in the product specs.
- Look for wheels and handles that make it easy to move.
The easier it is to set up and put away your walking pad, the more likely you are to use it every day.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Warranty, Returns and Support
Buying a walking pad is an investment. Many people focus only on the product and forget to look at what happens after the purchase.
Common issues when this is ignored:
- Complicated returns or high return shipping costs
- No clear warranty information
- Difficult or slow customer support
How to avoid it
- Check the warranty period and what it covers.
- Read the returns policy – especially who pays for return shipping and where returns are sent.
- Look for brands with EU-based warehouses and support.
At CITYSPORTS, we offer a clear returns and warranty policy and handle support from within the EU, so you know exactly what to expect. You can find all details on our Returns & Warranty page.
A Bonus Mistake: Buying a Machine You Won’t Actually Use
The last “mistake” is more personal: choosing a walking pad that doesn’t fit your daily life.
Ask yourself:
- Will I really walk while working, or do I prefer separate workout time?
- Do I want very simple controls, or lots of programs and tracking?
- Will more than one person use this walking pad?
Sometimes, the “best” model on paper is not the one you will truly enjoy using. It is better to choose a machine that fits your habits and feels easy to live with.
How to Choose the Right Walking Pad
To avoid these mistakes and find a walking pad that fits you, focus on five key points:
- Deck size that matches your height and stride
- Maximum user weight with some safety margin
- Noise level and a good mat for your type of floor
- Storage and ease of moving the machine
- Clear warranty, return policy and local support
If you want a deeper comparison between walking pads and treadmills, read: Walking Pad vs Treadmill – Which Is Better for Home?
Next Step: Compare CITYSPORTS Walking Pads
When you are ready to choose, start with a clear overview of the models available.
👉 Visit: CITYSPORTS Walking Pad Collection
There you can compare:
- Deck size and overall dimensions
- Maximum user weight
- Speed range and features
- Folding and storage options
A bit of careful thinking before you buy will help you avoid common mistakes – and make sure your walking pad becomes a daily habit, not just another piece of equipment in the corner.