JOROTO ME20 Elliptical Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
JOROTO ME20 Check Discounted Price	L:53" W:28" H:66"	250 lbs	14.5 lbs	Magnetic, 32 levels	12 programs, BMI, Recovery

The JOROTO ME20 is an elliptical trainer within the same feature range as the Gold’s Gym 350i or the ActionLine A83809. However, it offers more levels of resistance and a longer stride. It’s a motorized unit with a mid-range console which offers several preset workouts to keep you motivated. It doesn’t offer online connectivity, but on the other hand, it costs quite a few $100s less than other models with Bluetooth, sound system, and other amenities of the sort.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 53L x 28W x 66H inches (135L x 71W x 168H cm)
• Assembled weight: 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 14.5 lbs (6.5 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
• Stride: 18″ (46 cm)
• Incline: No
• Drive mechanism: Belt
• Resistance: Eddy current, 32 levels
• Console: 12 pre-set programs, recovery function, body fat index function
• Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder

Frame & parts

The JOROTO ME20 features a heavy-duty frame made of steel tubing. Its pedals bars and crankset are rated for a user capacity of 250 lbs (113.3 kg). The machine is pretty compact and sturdy, with an assembled weight of 122 lbs (55.3 kg). All this weight plays an important role in its overall stability. On top of that, its rear base is equipped with a set of adjustable levelers with rubber pads which enhance the unit’s overall stability on any type of floor. The front base also rests on two rubberized pads, but these are non-adjustable.

Despite its weight, the unit is not too difficult to move, once it is assembled. Its front base features two small transport wheels which facilitate its relocation.

Compared to other units, such as the Life Fitness E1 Go, for example, this JOROTO elliptical trainer takes less usage space. It’s only 55.3″ (135 cm) long, and 28.4″ (71 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the moving arms which reach a height of approx. 66.5″ (168 cm) above floor level. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the unit, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and rear to be able to perform all the workouts without any hindrance.

The JOROTO ME20 elliptical is equipped with a set of large pedals, made of durable ABS material. They’re non-adjustable, nor they have any articulation or extra cushioning like the more expensive models. However, they’re large enough to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They also have an inner edge that also covers the front and rear sections, providing extra foot stability.

In terms of handlebars, this trainer has two sets, on mobile and one fixed. Both sets of handlebars have a multi-grip design and feature a layer of rubber foam material in order to deliver a secure and comfortable grip. The mobile handlebars are longer than the fixed ones and also have ovalized grips at the top. The fixed handlebars integrate stainless steel pulse sensors; therefore, if you hold them during your workout, the console unit can track your heart rate, and run its Recovery function at the end of the workout in order to determine your level of fitness.

The joints between the mobile handlebars, console mast, pedal bars, and cranks are equipped with heavy-duty ball bearings. This way, not only that the pedaling motion is smoother, the unit’s joints have a much longer lifespan, as their wear and tear level is reduced.

One last aspect to mention here regards the trainer’s paint finish. All the steel parts in its construction are double coated with a rust-resistant and scratch-resistant paint. The color used is white, with the JOROTO logo painted black. Of course, the unit’s frame also has several ABS parts, such as the covers of the flywheel, or several other small covers, but these don’t diminish the unit’s overall sturdiness.

Stride, elliptical path & step-up height

The first aspect to mention here is that the JOROTO ME20 does not have an incline system. Also, since it’s a rear-drive elliptical trainer, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, the pedaling motion may seem like going down on a soft ramp.

Since it’s not a commercial model, this JOROTO elliptical doesn’t have an adjustable stride, such as the Octane Fitness Q47x, for example. But on the other hand, it offers a slightly longer stride than other similar units. Its stride length is approx. 18″ (46 cm) which results in a more consistent workout due to the longer range of motion. Also, this is a stride length which should be perfect for users between 5’0″ and 6’0″ (152 – 183 cm). Of course, it may be a bit long for shorter users than 5’0″, or a bit short for users taller than 6’0″. However, regardless of your height, you should still be able to get an excellent, low-impact cardio workout from this machine.

The machine’s pedals are placed at approx. 8″ (21 cm) above floor level, at their lowest point. At their highest point, they’re about 7-8 inches higher. Therefore, to avoid any ceiling height issues, it’s best to place and use the elliptical in a room with a ceiling that’s at least 20″ higher than your own height.

Drive & resistance

As we’ve mentioned above, the JOROTO ME20 features a rear-drive. Its crankset is highly durable, equipped with steel arms. The pulley is fairly large, which results in an ampler motion and a higher elevation for each pedal.

The machine’s internal flywheel is not extremely heavy. It weighs 14.5 lbs (6.5 kg), so it doesn’t deliver a highly aggressive inertia, like the Fitness Reality X-Class 710, for example. Therefore, the pedaling motion generates almost no impact on the joints. But on the other hand, the flywheel is heavy enough to provide a bit of momentum. It’s also balanced, so the pedaling motion is smooth and steady.

The unit’s transmission is made available by a durable, stretch-resistant rubber v-belt. It offers an excellent traction, and as opposed to a chain drive, you don’t have to lubricate it. It also generates considerably less vibration than a chain drive, and the usage of the machine is whisper-quiet.

The JOROTO ME20 elliptical trainer is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This means you have to connect it to a power circuit. The control of the resistance is done exclusively from the console. Also, in case you use one of the onboard exercise programs, the machine will adjust its resistance automatically.

The unit’s resistance system consists of a small servo motor and magnetic brake. As you adjust the resistance from the turn-knob on the console, the motor will shift the position of the brake in relation to the flywheel which adjusts the intensity of the internal magnetic field. This results in more or less resistance on the pedals.

As opposed to other trainers in this price range, this JOROTO elliptical offers an impressive 32-level resistance range. The first few levels generate very little resistance, which makes them adequate for recovery training, or very light cardio workouts. On the other hand, the 28+ resistance settings give you the possibility to train on a more intense level, in order to improve stamina and strength.

Console

The machine’s console is pretty much identical with the model on the JOROTO MB20 upright bike. It features a 5″ LCD display with LED backlight, which is divided into several sub-sections. It shows time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse on its bottom section, while the large grid in its mid-section shows the profiles of the program in use.

This console unit is not telemetric. It cannot read your pulse via a Polar or other type of HR chest strap transmitter. Therefore, in case you want to track your pulse during your workout or keep in a certain pulse range, you will have to use the integrated EKG sensors.

The console does not have any online connectivity but does have 12 built-in workout programs. These programs cover pretty much all the types of workouts that can be performed on an elliptical trainer. For example, its program database includes interval programs, hill programs, fat burning programs or heart rate focused programs.

The unit also has a Recovery function and a Body Mass Index function. The Recovery program gives you the possibility to measure your level of fitness at the end of the workout. The console will analyze the time it takes for your pulse to come to normal after the workout and provides you with a fitness rating between F1 (Excellent) – F6 (Poor).

The Body Mass Index function uses a scale to measure if you have a healthy weight for your height. In order to calculate it, the console will prompt you to input your weight and height. Also, since you can input your weight and height, the unit can make a more accurate calculation of the calories you burn during your workout.

The console is very easy to operate. It has 5 buttons. The two left buttons cover the BMI and Recovery functions. The middle button has a double function. By pressing it down you can access the Mode function of the unit for selection and programming. However, you can also rotate it in order to increase or decrease the machine’s resistance or to make program adjustments.

The top-right button covers the unit’s RESET function. By pressing it down you can clear all the values on the console to zero and start fresh. The bottom-right button covers the Start/Stop functions. It gives you the possibility to pause and resume your workout, which can be useful especially if you alternate elliptical workouts with other types of workouts.

One last aspect to mention with regards to the machine’s console is its integrated tablet holder. This accessory is placed between the controls and the LCD display. It’s large enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone.

Assembly & Maintenance

The base of the JOROTO ME20 trainer, with the flywheel, resistance elements and the other internal parts, comes pre-assembled. You only have to add the pedals, the console mast, the moving and stationary handlebars, and the console. This may take more than an hour. However, the manual provides very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions. Also, a basic toolkit for assembly is included.

For maintenance, you may need to lubricate the joints of the machine’s arms, in case they develop squeaking noises. The internal parts come lubricated from the factory and they don’t require any further lubrication. It’s also recommended to periodically check the unit for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if needed.

The Pros

• Solid construction, excellent stability;
• Can support users up to 250 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Fixed and mobile handlebars;
• EKG pulse sensors built-in the fixed handlebars.
• Balanced, 14.5 lbs flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
• Extra-large, durable pedals;
• Easy-to-use console unit; 
• 32 levels of eddy current resistance.
• 12 pre-set workout programs;
• Recovery function;
• Body Mass Index function;
• Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• Distance and speed readings are calculated only in km and km/h;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder may cover most of the console display.

Summary

The JOROTO ME20 is a mid-range elliptical trainer designed for home use. It offers 32 levels of motorized, eddy current resistance, and 12 workout programs on the console. It’s a sturdy machine being able to support users up to 250 lbs. It’s perfect for light to medium cardio workouts, weight loss, interval training, endurance training, and recovery training. In all, it’s a fairly decent cardio training machine, offering an excellent value and quality for the price.