| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Resistance | Performance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Doufit EM-01 Check Discounted Price | L:36" W:20" H:62" | 250 lbs | 12" | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Total distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The Doufit EM-01 is a basic elliptical trainer made for home use featuring a manual magnetic resistance system. It offers a similar range of features and design as the Efitment 005 model but offers a slightly better weight capacity. Needless to say, since it’s a basic model, it’s also one of the most affordable elliptical machines available at the moment.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 36″L x 20″W x 62″H (91L x 51W x 157H cm)
- Assembled weight: 58.4 lbs (26.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Stride: 12 inches (30 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, scan, goals
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
Frame construction
The Doufit EM-01 elliptical machine features a frame made of steel tubing. The only notable non-metallic parts in
its construction are the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the pedal trays, and the performance monitor. The machine combines cylindrical and rectangular tubes in its construction, all coated with a durable, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is white, this being the only color available for this model.
This Doufit elliptical trainer does not fold, but on the other hand, it doesn’t take too much floor space. Its footprint is 36″L x 20″W (91 x 51 cm), but its pedals extend forward by about 10″ (25 cm). Therefore, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of access and correct usage.
The fully assembled unit is not too heavy either. Its net weight is only approx. 58 lbs (26.5 kg). Therefore, it can be assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by using the small wheels incorporated into its front stabilizer. Also, its rear stabilizer features polygonal caps which can be rotated and used as levelers.
Like most other elliptical trainers, the Doufit EM-01 features two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. The mobile handlebars have long, rubberized grips, with ball grips at the top. They reach approx. 62″ (157 cm) above floor level. The fixed handlebars have shorted grips. They attach directly to the front mast of the machine so they’re non-adjustable. They also integrate metallic pulse sensors.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
First of all, the Doufit EM-01 does not have an incline system. This means that the position of its elliptical 
path and the length of its stride are non-adjustable. Its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward (by 1-2 degrees). Therefore, the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft ramp. This can be a plus as the pedaling motion offers a better workout for the glutes and thighs.
Due to the small size of this elliptical, its stride is also pretty short. The machine only offers a stride of 12″ (~30 cm). This being said, it is not recommended for users taller than 5’9″ (175 cm). Taller users may not benefit from a complete and satisfying range of motion, but they should still be able to use the machine.
The pedal trays are made of heavy-duty thermoplastic material. They are attached to steel bars and they’re rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg). This also stands for the machine’s crankset. The pedals don’t have any additional cushioning or articulations, but they do have a non-slip, textured surface and front guards for improved foot stability.
The pedal step-up height is approx. 6″ (15 cm), while the highest point reaches a height of approx. 12″ (31 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 15″ (38 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The Doufit EM-01 elliptical trainer is equipped with a standard magnetic resistance system with manual 
action. This means you don’t need an adapter for it or an external power source. But on the other hand, its console cannot automatically adjust the resistance.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front upright bar of the frame. By turning the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the internal flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling load.
There are 8 tension settings marked on the elliptical’s tension knob. The first 1-3 settings generate light resistance great for low cardio, stamina development, and recovery training. The top 7-8 settings, although they don’t provide an extreme tension like commercial machines, they still offer the possibility to achieve a more intense cardio workout.
Similar to the Doufit EB-02 recumbent bike, the EM-01 elliptical features a belt drive system. This type of transmission offers a few advantages over a chain drive. For example, it does not require periodic lubrication. It also delivers a smooth pedaling motion, with less vibration than a chain.
Needless to say, the elliptical has an internal flywheel. Its exact weight and diameter are not specified. But considering that the cross trainer only weighs approx. 58 lbs (26.5 kg), the flywheel itself probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted to provide a more consistent momentum. It is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can alternate forward pedaling sessions with backward pedaling sessions to focus different muscle groups. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected tension level.
Performance monitor
The Doufit EM-01 elliptical comes with a performance monitor similar to the one included
with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607. It features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in metric units (kmh, kilometers) and unfortunately, they cannot be set to English units (mph, miles). Also, the monitor unit is not telemetric. This means it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors. It cannot read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap.
The performance monitor unit does not have Bluetooth, pre-set programs, or online connectivity. However, it does offer target settings for time, distance, and calories. If a target is selected for any of these, the monitor will show the remaining value until it reaches zero.
The monitor unit features the standard three-button configuration. The buttons are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the values and select the one you want to view. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the values. The Set button is for selecting workout goals, and finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the performance monitor unit to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries as its power source, which are included. It starts up when you begin pedaling, and also turns off automatically if it does not detect any movement on the elliptical.
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 attach the two base stabilizers, 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 clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
The internal parts of the machine do not require lubrication. So, in terms of maintenance, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts, and lubricate the joints in case they begin to squeak.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and ball grips at the top;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with three adjustment positions;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- LCD display console that can track time, distance, calories, pulse, speed, and odometer;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor display;
- A tablet place on the device holder will cover the monitor’s LCD display.
Summary
The Doufit EM-01 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 difficulty levels, a set of large pedals, a weight capacity of 250 lbs, and a console that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s a fairly decent machine for light to medium-intensity cardio workout, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable cross trainer, offering excellent value for the price.