I’ll be honest—when I first stumbled across the ElseLuck Walking Pad, I was intrigued. A compact, foldable treadmill with a 2-in-1 design that promises to keep you active while working or chilling at home?
Sounds like a dream, right?
But here’s the kicker: after digging into reviews and trying it out myself, I’m not sold. The burning smells, motor meltdowns, and spotty customer service I’ve encountered—and heard about—make me say, “Buyer beware!” Save your cash and skip this one; there are better options out there.
Let’s unpack why.
My Experience With The ElseLuck Walking Pad
Picture this: It’s late January 2025, and I’m unboxing my shiny new ElseLuck Walking Pad.
I’d been cooped up indoors, desperate to move more without braving the cold.
The promise of walking while I work from home had me buzzing with excitement.
Setup was a breeze—I plugged it in, unfolded it, and marveled at how it slid right under my desk.
The transportation wheels?
A nice touch for scooting it around my small apartment. I popped on the remote, hit start, and off I went at a brisk 3.5 mph. For the first week, I was hooked. I’d rack up 4 miles a day, tapping away at emails while my legs kept busy.
It felt like I’d cracked the code to multitasking fitness.
But then, things took a turn. Around month two, I noticed the belt slipping a bit when I stepped on. No biggie, I thought—I grabbed the manual, adjusted it, and added some of the included lubricant. It seemed fine for a while.
Then, one chilly morning in March, a faint whiff of something odd hit me mid-walk. Was that… burning?
I brushed it off as my imagination, but by lunchtime, my office smelled like an overheated appliance store. My roommate even poked his head in, asking if I’d left the toaster on. Nope, just my walking pad throwing a tantrum.
By the next week, the smell was undeniable, and the motor started cutting out. One day, I’m strolling along at 4 mph, and bam—it screeched to a halt, nearly sending me face-first into my monitor.
The display flashed “E05,” and no amount of unplugging or pleading brought it back to life. I reached out to ElseLuck’s customer service, hoping for a quick fix. Crickets. Days turned into a week, and still no reply. I was stuck with a $270 paperweight that smelled like regret.
That’s when I started scouring reviews and realized I wasn’t alone. This thing had more red flags than a bullfight.
Pros of the ElseLuck Walking Pad
Okay, let’s give credit where it’s due. The ElseLuck Walking Pad isn’t all doom and gloom—there are some perks that had me hopeful at first. Here’s what I liked before the wheels (and motor) fell off.
- Compact and Portable Design
I’ve got a tiny apartment, so space is gold. This walking pad’s foldable design was a lifesaver. When I wasn’t using it, I’d tuck it under my couch or prop it against the wall—no bulky gym equipment eating up my living room.
The transportation wheels made it a cinch to roll around, too. I’d shuffle it from my desk to the TV without breaking a sweat. For anyone tight on space, this feature’s a win—assuming it doesn’t break down on you.
- Easy Setup and Use
I’m no tech wizard, so I loved how straightforward this thing was. Out of the box, it was ready to go—no assembly headaches or cryptic instructions. Plug it in, unfold it, and you’re walking. The remote control was simple, too—just a few buttons to tweak the speed.
I’d adjust it on the fly while answering emails or watching Netflix. For a newbie to fitness gear, it felt welcoming… until it didn’t.
- Quiet Operation (At First)
When it worked, this pad was surprisingly hushed. I could walk at 3 mph during Zoom calls without my boss hearing a peep. My downstairs neighbor never complained, either, which is saying something in my creaky old building.
The quiet motor was a big selling point—perfect for sneaking in steps without disturbing the peace. Too bad that peace got shattered by burning smells later on.
- 2-in-1 Functionality
The idea of a 2-in-1 design hooked me. You can use it flat under a desk or pop up the handle for a more traditional treadmill vibe. I’d switch between working at my standing desk and walking in front of the TV.
It felt versatile, like it could fit into any part of my day. If only it had stayed functional long enough to keep that promise.
- Affordable Price Point
At around $270, it’s not the priciest walking pad out there. Compared to some brands charging $500 or more, it seemed like a steal. I figured I was getting a budget-friendly way to stay active without splurging on a gym membership.
But you know what they say—cheap can come at a cost, and boy, did it.
Cons of The ElseLuck Walking Pad
Now, let’s get real. The honeymoon phase with this walking pad ended fast, and the downsides piled up like dirty laundry. Here’s why I can’t recommend it.
- Burning Smell and Motor Issues
That burning smell?
It wasn’t a one-off. It started subtle, like a distant campfire, but soon it was like I’d torched a plastic factory. I tried adding more oil, thinking I’d skimped on maintenance, but nope—the motor was frying itself.
Other users online echoed this—motors overheating, melting parts, even scorching carpets. Mine quit entirely, leaving me with a stinky, useless hunk of metal. Not cool, ElseLuck.
- Unreliable Durability
I used this thing for maybe four months before it tanked. Four months! I’m not a marathon runner—just a guy walking a few hours a day. Yet the belt slipped, the motor burned out, and the whole unit gave up. Reviews mention similar timelines—some folks got six months, others barely three. For $270, I expected it to last longer than my New Year’s resolutions.
- Spotty Customer Service
When my pad died, I emailed ElseLuck, hoping for help. Nothing. I tried again—still nada. Some users online got refunds after pushing hard, but others, like me, were ghosted.
If a company can’t back up its product, that’s a dealbreaker. I shouldn’t have to beg for support on a warranty that’s supposed to cover me.
- Safety Concerns
Here’s where it gets scary. One reviewer said their speed button got stuck, ramping up uncontrollably until they yanked the safety tag. Mine cut out mid-stride, nearly tripping me. Another user sliced their toes when it stalled. These aren’t quirky glitches—they’re hazards. I don’t trust this thing near my feet anymore, and neither should you.
- Weight Capacity Woes
It’s rated for 220 pounds, but I’m around 205, and it struggled. The motor got hot fast, and the belt felt like it was screaming for mercy. Other heavier users reported the same—burning smells, sluggish performance. If you’re close to the limit, this pad might not handle you, despite what the specs say.
Maintenance Tips For The ElseLuck Walking Pad
If you’re stuck with this walking pad—or any treadmill, really—keeping it alive takes some TLC. Here’s what I learned (the hard way) to stretch its lifespan, though with ElseLuck, it might still be a losing battle.
- Lubricate Regularly
The manual says to oil the belt every so often, and they include a little bottle for it. I’d squirt some in every month, especially after that burning smell kicked in.
Spread it evenly under the belt with a cloth—don’t overdo it, or it’ll get sloppy. Too bad it didn’t save my motor, but it might buy you time.
- Keep It Clean
Dust and sweat can gunk up the works. I’d wipe mine down with a damp cloth after every session—belt, frame, everything. Vacuum around it to nix stray dirt. A clean machine runs smoother, though with ElseLuck, “smooth” is relative.
- Store It Right
When I wasn’t using it, I folded it up and stashed it under my couch. Keep it dry—moisture’s a motor killer. Don’t stack stuff on it, either; the frame’s not as tough as it looks. Proper storage might’ve kept mine happier longer, but who knows?
- Check the Belt Tension
That slipping belt drove me nuts. Grab the manual and tweak the adjustment screws if it shifts or skips. I did this a few times, and it helped briefly. Just don’t crank it too tight—you’ll stress the motor more. (Spoiler: Mine died anyway.)
- Monitor Heat Levels
If it feels hot or smells funky, stop. I ignored the warning signs, and my pad paid the price. Let it cool off for an hour before trying again. If the burning persists, ditch it—this thing’s not worth a house fire.
Comparison of ElseLuck Walking Pad With Other Brands
Alright, let’s pit the ElseLuck Walking Pad against some heavy hitters—Denise Austin Walking Pad, Sperax Walking Pad, and KingSmith WalkingPad Pro. I’ve been burned (literally) by ElseLuck, so I’m curious how it stacks up.
Here’s how they compare, head-to-head, in a showdown you can actually follow.
- ElseLuck Vs. Denise Austin Walking Pad
The Denise Austin Walking Pad caught my eye with its celebrity backing—Denise knows fitness, right?
It’s priced around $350, a bit steeper than ElseLuck’s $270, but it’s built tougher.
I’ve heard it handles daily 4 mph walks without breaking a sweat—or smelling like a bonfire.
ElseLuck’s 2-in-1 design is neat, but Denise’s model offers a steady 6 mph max and a cushioned belt that’s kinder to my joints.
No horror stories of motors melting here—just consistent hums. Customer service? Denise’s team replies fast, unlike ElseLuck’s radio silence. I’d trade the gimmicks for reliability any day.
- ElseLuck Vs. Sperax Walking Pad
Next up, Sperax Walking Pad—it’s a budget champ at $250, undercutting ElseLuck by a hair. Don’t let the price fool you; this thing’s a workhorse. It’s got a 2-horsepower motor (ElseLuck’s is weaker, though specs are vague) and tops out at 6 mph.
I walked on ElseLuck for months before it died, but Sperax users rave about its longevity—no slipping belts or smoky meltdowns. It’s not foldable like ElseLuck, but it’s slim enough to slide under furniture. Plus, Sperax throws in a responsive support team.
After ElseLuck ghosted me, that’s a game-changer. I’d pick Sperax for the bang-for-buck grit.
- ElseLuck Vs. KingSmith WalkingPad Pro
Now, KingSmith WalkingPad Pro—this one’s the premium pick at $499.
It’s a splurge compared to ElseLuck’s $270, but it’s like comparing a scooter to a sports car.
The WalkingPad Pro folds in half (like ElseLuck), but its 1.25-horsepower motor runs smoother and quieter—perfect for my Zoom calls.
It caps at 7.5 mph, blowing ElseLuck’s 6.3 mph out of the water, and supports 300 pounds without whining (ElseLuck struggled at 205). No burning smells or sudden stops here—just sleek design and a 2-year warranty.
ElseLuck’s affordability tempted me, but KingSmith’s polish makes me wish I’d saved up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Tough call, but I’d lean toward the WalkingPad P1. It’s got a solid track record, folds up tight, and doesn’t seem to spontaneously combust like my ElseLuck did. DeerRun’s a close second if you want a beefier warranty. ElseLuck? Not even in the running after my experience.
Yep, they can! I got my steps in and felt less sluggish when mine worked. Studies say walking at 3 mph can burn calories and boost your heart health. But if it dies—or catches fire—it’s just an expensive rug. Pick a reliable one, and you’re golden.
Where do I start? Mine had a burning smell, a kaput motor, and sketchy safety issues—like sudden stops that almost took my toes. They’re also not great for running, and if you’re near the weight limit, good luck. Cheap ones like ElseLuck amplify those risks.
You could—I dropped a couple pounds in my first month. It’s all about consistency; 7,000 steps a day can chip away at fat. But if your pad breaks like mine, you’re back to square one. Pair it with decent eating, and you’ve got a shot.
Conclusion: Steer Clear And Save Your Money
Look, I wanted to love the ElseLuck Walking Pad—it sounded perfect for my work-from-home grind. But between the burning stench, dead motor, and ghosting customer service, it’s a hard pass.
You deserve better than a treadmill that quits (or risks your safety) in months. Spend a bit more on a WalkingPad or DeerRun—something that won’t leave you high and dry. Trust me, your wallet and sanity will thank you