| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxKare ET-KPR201 Check Discounted Price | L:41.2" W:18.7" H:56" | 242 lbs | 11 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The MaxKare ET-KPR201 is one of the elliptical trainers released in 2020. It’s a light-capacity machine designed for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Doufit EM-01, or the Efitment 005.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.2L x 18.7W x 56H inches (105L x 47.5W x 142H cm)
- Shipping weight: 60 lbs (27 kg)
- Supported weight: 242 lbs (110 kg)
- Stride: 12 inches (30.4 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The MaxKare ET-KPR201 elliptical machine features a frame made of steel tubing. It combines cylindrical 
and rectangular tubes in its construction. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model.
Of course, the trainer also integrates several parts made of sturdy thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the pedal trays and the covers of the drive system.
This MaxKare elliptical machine is fairly small. With all the parts assembled, its footprint is approx. 33″L x 18.7″W (84 x 47.5 cm). However, when in use, the joint section of the moving arms and the pedal bars extends forward past the front base of the machine which results in a total length of 41.2″ (105 cm). It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for ease of access.
The fully assembled trainer is fairly light as well. It weighs less than 60 lbs (27 kg) so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, its front stabilizer has transport wheels for easy relocation.
This elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One set is mobile, the other one is fixed. The fixed handlebars have short grips. They attach directly to the front mast of the machine so they’re non-adjustable. They also integrate metallic pulse sensors. The mobile handlebars have long, rubberized grips, with ball grips at the top. They reach approx. 56″ (142 cm) above floor level.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
First of all, the MaxKare ET-KPR201 elliptical machine does not have an incline system. Therefore, the 
angle of the elliptical path and its stride cannot be adjusted. Since it’s a pretty small elliptical, it also has a fairly short stride of approx. 12″ (30.4 cm). Therefore, the recommended maximum user height is 5’8″ (173 cm). Of course, taller users should still be able to use the machine but they won’t benefit from a complete range of motion.
Like most other elliptical trainers with a rear-drive system, the MaxKare ET-KPR201 features an elliptical path that is slightly inclined forward. This means that the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft path. It also means that a workout on this trainer will put a bit more focus on your glutes.
The machine is equipped with two fairly large pedals. They are 13.8″ (35 cm) long, and 5.9″ (15 cm) wide. This being said, they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have a textured surface and side guards (inner, front, back) for improved foot stability. Also, the crankset of the machine and the pedals are rated for a maximum user weight limit of 242 lbs (110 kg).
Last but not least, on their lowest position the pedals are approx. 7″ (18 cm) above floor level. Conversely, at their highest point, they are at approx. 15″ (30 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The MaxKare ET-KPR201 integrates a perimeter-weighted metallic flywheel. This flywheel construction
is meant to improve inertia and provide extra motion stability. Of course, since the entire elliptical is not too heavy, the flywheel is fairly light as well. It only weighs 11 lbs (~5 kg). It is bi-directional, though. So you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The machine uses a belt drive system. The exact belt type is not specified, but as a general idea, the trainer integrated a ribbed rubber belt. This type of drivetrain comes with a few advantages. First of all, you don’t need to lubricate it. Second of all, it generates less vibration than a chain drive. And third of all, you won’t experience problems like stiff chain link locks.
The MaxKare ET-KPR201 elliptical trainer is equipped with a standard manual magnetic brake system. This means it does not integrate a servo motor like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320002, for example. It also means that it cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not require an external power source.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front upright bar of the machine through a steel cable. As you turn the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the internal flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
There are 8 distinct difficulty levels available on this MaxKare elliptical trainer. The lowest one offers a fairly low resistance level, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 8th level, on the other hand, provides significantly more resistance, great for anyone who wants to break a sweat and reach a higher heart rate in a shorter period of time.
Performance monitor
Since it’s one of the affordable elliptical trainers, the MaxKare ET-KPR201 comes with a basic performance
monitor. It features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. The pulse reading function is grip contact only. The unit is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse if you wear a wireless heart rate chest strap.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has one button. To select the workout metric that you want to see, you have to press this button repeatedly. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also covers the unit’s reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up by itself when it detects pedal movement and also automatically turns off if it does not detect pedal movement for more than 4 minutes. You can also wake it up by pressing the button.
One last feature to mention here is the device holder. This consists of a small shelf above the unit’s display with a large backrest. This can serve as support for any tablet or smartphone. However, the performance monitor does not have Bluetooth connectivity and you cannot sync it with your device.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the two base stabilizers to the main body of the machine, then attach the pedals, the front mast, the moving arms, the fixed handgrips, and the console. This may take up to an hour of your time but the task is fairly simple. The manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
The internal parts of the machine do not require lubrication. It is recommended, though, to lubricate the joins when assembling the trainer to prevent squeaking. Other than this, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts from time to time, to make sure that your trainer still functions properly.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 242 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large, sturdy pedals;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- LCD display console that can track time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Device holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor display;
- No goal settings for time, distance, and calories.
Summary
The MaxKare ET-KPR201 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It’s a rear-drive machine, featuring an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, and a fitness monitor that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s a pretty standard cross trainer, great for light cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.