Do you love your walking pad but feel ready to take your workouts up a notch? If you’re looking to upgrade to a treadmill, we tested the Kuipers R1 treadmill, a perfect mix of performance and style. With its distinctive wooden frame and reliable running features, it delivers both substance and aesthetic appeal. Priced at 770,00 EUR, it sits comfortably in the mid-range category, appealing to those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Testing the Kuipers R1 treadmill
This review is based on testing the Kuipers R1 treadmill with the LED display version, allowing for frequent use over an extended period. Here’s a comprehensive evaluation of its performance, features, and potential areas for improvement. Thanks to Kuipers for sending us a unit for this purpose.
Unique design and user experience
One of the defining characteristics of the Kuipers R1 is its wooden frame. This sets it apart from more conventional treadmills, making it as much a design piece as a piece of fitness equipment. The wood provides a polished, premium aesthetic, blending seamlessly into modern home interiors. While this aspect enhances its visual appeal, the treadmill also delivers where it matters most: walking and running.
The running surface (120 x 45 cm) accommodates a variety of users, offering a smooth and stable experience. Both walking and running feel intuitive and enjoyable, making it easier to overlook certain shortcomings. Users looking for a well-rounded fitness machine will find the Kuipers R1 excels in these core functions, particularly for those advancing beyond beginner-level training.
Pricing and positioning
At 770,00 EUR, the Kuipers R1 treadmill is competitively priced for the range of features it offers. It sits comfortably between budget models that may lack durability or functionality and high-end options aimed at professional settings. This pricing positions the R1 as a viable choice for discerning home fitness enthusiasts.
Key features and performance
Motor and running capability
The treadmill features a 2.5 PS motor that supports speeds ranging from 0.8 to 14.0 km/h. While not entirely quiet, the noise levels remain manageable for home use. The addition of a 1-15% incline function ensures a versatile platform for workouts, catering to varied fitness goals such as cardio improvement and strength training.
Display options
The Kuipers R1 is available with two display variants:
- LED: This option, tested for this review, provides essential metrics like speed, distance, and calories burned. While functional, the LED display feels redundant as these metrics are also visible on the control panel.
- TFT (recommended): A more advanced 10.1” touchscreen display that includes pre-installed apps such as Netflix and YouTube, appealing to users seeking an engaging workout experience.
Compact design
A key advantage of the R1 is its hydraulic folding system, which reduces the device’s footprint to just 1 square meter when not in use. Combined with built-in transport wheels, this feature supports efficient storage and positioning, particularly in smaller spaces.
Additional features
The treadmill includes a heart rate sensor, Bluetooth functionality, and compatibility with Kinomap for virtual training. However, during testing, the heart rate sensor produced inconsistent readings, and the Bluetooth feature failed to connect reliably. These issues detract from the overall user experience and represent areas for improvement. For health data tracking, it might be good to use a smartwatch or a similar external device if you encounter connectivity issues.
Comparative insights: Kuipers R1 vs. Kuipers K1
Having previously tested the Kuipers K1 walking pad, it is clear that these products are targeted at different user levels. The K1 is designed for use with height-adjustable desks, catering to individuals who want to maintain light activity during work hours. It serves as an ideal entry point for fitness beginners or those seeking a low-impact solution.
The R1, by contrast, is tailored for users looking for more intensive workout options. With faster speeds, incline capabilities, and a larger running surface, it offers a significant upgrade for those transitioning from walking pads to dedicated running equipment. Serious fitness enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate the added flexibility and performance of the R1.
Areas for improvement
During testing, several areas stood out as opportunities for refinement:
- Connectivity issues: Bluetooth functionality was inconsistent and failed to work as advertised. Improving the reliability of this feature would enhance user satisfaction.
- Setup and documentation: The included manual lacked clarity, making assembly and operation unnecessarily complex. Additionally, the pre-programmed workout routines remain unexplained, forcing users to experiment to understand their functionality.
- Control accessibility: Adjusting speed and incline using the control panel proved difficult during high-speed runs. A wrist-mounted remote control, similar to those included with other Kuipers products, could resolve this issue.
- Power consumption: The treadmill’s amp and speakers remain powered on in standby mode, potentially wasting energy. Implementing an automatic shutdown feature or separate switch for the speaker would improve energy efficiency.
- Delivery experience: Delivery was handled by a third-party logistics provider, which presented challenges. Packaging arrived damaged, though the treadmill itself remained operational. Buyers are strongly advised to inspect packages thoroughly before signing for delivery.
Recommendations and use cases
The Kuipers R1 is most suitable for fitness enthusiasts and serious runners who need a balance of performance and style in their workout equipment. Beginners are likely to benefit from starting with the Kuipers K1 walking pad for its simplicity and work usability, eventually transitioning to the R1 for more advanced training.
For potential buyers, opting for the TFT version is highly recommended to capitalize on its enhanced functionality and entertainment options. If you don’t want to go all in on the TFT option, you can still use the LED display as a stand for your smart device or laptop for a bit of entertainment if you are looking for that.
Verdict
The Kuipers R1 treadmill delivers a premium walking and running experience, complemented by its unique wooden design and versatile features. While areas like connectivity, heart rate monitoring, and documentation require attention, the treadmill’s core strengths, such as smooth performance, incline functionality, and compact storage, justify its 770,00 EUR price point as of right now.
For users ready to advance beyond beginners’ equipment, the R1 represents a step forward, offering a blend of functionality and style suited for a modern home gym. With thoughtful refinements in future versions, the Kuipers R1 could easily establish itself as a benchmark in the mid-range treadmill category.
Video: Promotional clip by Kuipers, showcasing the device and the features
Photo credit: Images shown have been edited by Christopher Isak for TechAcute.
Editorial notice: We received a test unit from Kuipers but were not paid to do the test or publish this review article.
