| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Funmily E970 Check Discounted Price | L:40" W:20" H:63" | 390 lbs | No | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Scan |
The FUNMILY E970 is pretty similar in terms of features and construction to the EM530 model that we’ve already covered here. However, it has a smaller footprint and fewer resistance levels. Also, its fitness monitor does not have a Recovery function. It’s a machine made for home use, one of the models released in 2021.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40L x 20W x 63H inches (102L x 51W x 160H cm)
- Assembled weight: 78 lbs (35 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 16 lbs (7.2 kg)
- Supported weight: 390 lbs (177 kg)
- Stride: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The FUNMILY E970 features a steel frame combining cylindrical and rectangular tubes in its construction.
All the steel tubes are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The casing of the drive and resistance elements is made from a tough ABS material. Most of it is also black, the only exceptions are the side panels of the main pulley which are gray. There are actually two versions of this machine, the other one features light green side panels. However, this is the only difference between the two models.
The E970 elliptical is not super large; therefore, it can fit pretty well even in a small room or apartment. Its footprint is 40″L x 20″W (102 x 51 cm), while its moving arms reach approx. 63″ (160 cm) above the floor. It still is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the unit for ease of access.
This elliptical trainer is not super heavy either. It weighs approx. 78 lbs (35 kg) so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved via the small wheels integrated into its front stabilizer.
Like most other elliptical machines within this feature range, the E970 has two sets of handlebars, one fixed, the other one mobile. The fixed handlebars attach directly to the unit’s front upright mast. They are non-adjustable and they’re equipped with metallic pulse sensors. The moving arms have much longer grips with ball grips at the top. They don’t have sensors or other controls, though. They attach both to the front mast of the machine and to the pedal bars and will move for as long as you pedal; they cannot remain stationary and cannot be locked.
Pedal construction, elliptical path, and stride
The FUNMILY E970 elliptical trainer is equipped with a pretty standard set of pedals. Their trays are made
of sturdy ABS material. They’re approx. 15″ (38 cm) and 6″ (15 cm). They have inner and front guards for improved foot stability. They also have a ribbed surface to provide a better grip for your footwear. They’re non-adjustable, though, and they do not have any extra cushioning.
Like most other elliptical trainers with a rear-drive system, the E970 has an elliptical path slightly inclined forward. Thus, the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft path. This can be a plus, as a workout on this elliptical puts more focus on your glute muscles, thighs, and calves.
The machine does not have an incline system. Therefore, you cannot adjust the angle of the elliptical path or the length of its stride. It provides a fixed stride length of 15″ (38 cm). This being said, the unit should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’3″ (190 cm).
Last but not least, the pedal step-up height of approx. 5″ (12 cm). Conversely, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level when they are at their highest point. 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.
Resistance system
The FUNMILY E970 elliptical machine is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, 
you don’t need a power adapter or a power cord for it. However, the trainer cannot adjust the resistance automatically. It also does not have pre-set programs like the machines with a motorized system.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel system and to the tension knob on the front upright mast of the trainer. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the magnets change their position in relation to the flywheel which results in more or less pedal tension.
The main advantage of the magnetic brake is that the brake pad does not touch the flywheel and there’s basically no internal friction between the resistance elements. This leads to a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing the brake pad.
The trainer offers 8 difficulty levels. On the lowest level, it provides an easy ride, great for recovery training or for a warm-up before a more intense workout. Conversely, the 8th tension level delivers considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to burn more calories.
Drive system
The FUNMILY E970 integrates a 16-lb (7.2 kg) flywheel which has a perimeter-weighted structure. This
type of flywheel construction leads to improved inertia and a more consistent overall pedaling motion. Evidently, it’s not as heavy as for a spin bike, or as for an elliptical with an open flywheel, such as the Fitness Reality 710ST. But nonetheless, due to the magnetic resistance, it provides a pretty decent pedal tension.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, you can alternate reverse pedaling sessions with forward pedaling sessions if you want to focus different muscle groups. It’s important to mention that the flywheel continues to spin for as long as you pedal, so you cannot coast on this machine. Also, when pedaling backward, the resistance remains constant and the monitor keeps recording your distance traveled, speed, etc.
This FUNMILY elliptical is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 390 lbs (177 kg). Although the pedals, the crank arms, and the pulley are pretty durable, this might be a bit of a stretch. That’s because many other similar machines have a 250 – 300 lbs (113 – 136 kg) weight capacity. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend this elliptical to anyone heavier than 300 lbs (136 kg).
The unit’s drivetrain consists of a poly-v belt. This type of drive system delivers slightly less vibration than a chain drive. Thus, it contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride. Also, the belt does not need periodic lubrication.
Fitness monitor
The FUNMILY E970 includes a fitness monitor that offers a few extra features over a basic unit. To begin
with, it features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance (odometer), calories, and pulse. The pulse reading function is grip only. The monitor unit is not telemetric, does not have Bluetooth, and cannot read pulse from a wireless transmitter. So, if you want it to monitor your pulse, you will have to hold on the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars of the machine.
The unit does not have online connectivity; it is not compatible with any fitness apps and does not have pre-set programs. However, it has a goal-setting function. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned. Once a goal is set, the monitor will count down from the selected values.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons: Reset, Mode, and Set. The Reset button clears all the data to zero, except the odometer. The Mode button covers the selection function. And finally, the Set button covers the goal-setting function.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It begins monitoring your data when it detects pedal movement. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than 4 minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the elliptical comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedal bars, the pedal trays, the front mast, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This may take up to two hours, but the task is pretty straightforward. Also, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts and lubricate the joints in case they begin to squeak. It’s also recommended to keep the machine clean and wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 390 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base bar;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and ball grips at the top;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with front and rear guards for improved foot stability;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, and speed;
- Target-setting function for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor display;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The FUNMILY E970 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a 16-lb internal flywheel, and an exercise monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has a pretty solid construction offering a maximum user weight limit of 390 lbs (177 kg). It’s a great machine for light to high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.