| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Incline | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merax L501C Check Discounted Price | L:56.3" W:25.2" H:42.1" | 240 lbs | 1.5 HP, 0.5-8 MPH | No | 12 |
If you’re looking for an affordable treadmill for home use, the Merax L501C is definitely one to consider. It’s similar in terms of features to the Merax W501 that we’ve already covered here, but has a different console design and lacks the USB charging port feature. Its console offers 12 preset programs which is quite a plus for a machine in this price range, as many only have a basic console without any programs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56.3L x 25.2W x 42.1H inches (143L x 64W x 107H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 43.3L x 15.7W inches (110L x 40W cm)
- Assembled weight: 73 lbs (33 kg)
- Supported weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
- Motor: 1.5 HP
- Speed range: 0.5 – 8 MPH
- Incline: No
- Console: 12 programs
Frame construction
Even though it’s not a heavy-duty treadmill like the NordicTrack T 7.5 S or the ProForm 800i, the 
Merax L501C still offers a pretty decent construction. It features a durable steel frame with the front upright masts slightly curved for improved aesthetics. Also, there is an additional bar that connects the two upright bars for extra reinforcement. This bar can also serve as support for your workout towel.
All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black with the “Merax” logo painted white. These are the only colors available for this treadmill (at least for the moment).
Of course, the machine also incorporates several ABS parts in its construction. For example, the motor cover, the side rail covers, and the console dashboard are made of durable ABS plastic.
The fully assembled machine is not extremely large compared to other treadmills. It is only 56.3″ (143 cm) long, and 25.2″ (64 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the deck, and at least three feet of clearance at its rear, for safe usage and ease of access.
This treadmill has a foldable frame. With the deck folded up, is footprint becomes approx. 23.6″D x 25.2″W (60 x 64 cm), but you’ll still need a slightly larger area than that because the deck only folds at an angle, not in a completely vertical position.
The treadmill is not extremely heavy either. It only weighs approx. 73 lbs (33 kg), so it can be assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved via the small wheels integrated into its front base bar.
Deck construction and running surface
To begin with, the Merax L501C doesn’t have a super large running platform. It is only 43.3″ (110 cm)
long, and 15.7″ (40 cm) wide. This being said, it may not be the best fit for taller users than 6’2″ (188 cm). The tread belt is multi-layered. Its top layer is rubberized to provide a superior grip and prevent slippage.
The machine does not have an incline system. Therefore, you cannot adjust the incline of the deck. However, it is important to mention that its deck is not fully horizontal. It is slightly inclined by 1-2 degrees. This adds a bit of extra difficulty to your workouts.
Although the machine’s deck doesn’t have visible cushions as it is the case for other treadmills, such as the Sunny SF-T7705, for example, its deck does have several internal shock absorption elements. They’re all concealed by the side rail covers and they’re placed at key points on the side of the deck in order to alleviate the impact generated during each footstrike.
The machine’s walking platform has a pretty low profile. It is approx. 5″ (13 cm) from the floor at the front. This being said, stepping on and off the track can be done with ease. It is recommended, though, to place and use the unit in a room with a ceiling that is at least 10″ – 12″ (25 – 31 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive motor
The Merax L501C is a light-capacity treadmill designed for walking and jogging workouts. Therefore,
it doesn’t have a super powerful motor. However, its motor does offer a 1.5 horsepower output which is not bad for a trainer made for home use. A flywheel element is also integrated into the motor in order to improve stability and reduce vibration.
The unit’s drive motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 8.0 MPH, but it’s important to mention that its console is set to metric units (km/h and kilometers). The speed adjustment increments are approx. 0.1 MPH, so the transition from a speed level to another is done smoothly, without jerks or belt slips.
The unit’s console does not have quick selection speed increments. Therefore, you can only adjust the speed of the belt gradually, either from the controls on the console or from the ones integrated into its right handgrip.
Since the machine’s motor only offers a peak power output of 1.5 HP, its power consumption is also minimal. This being said, even if you will be using it daily, it shouldn’t add more than a few dollars to the electricity bill. Also, the motor itself doesn’t generate a lot of noise when in use, but depending on how fast you go, your cadence may generate more or less noise.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the Merax L501C does have a slightly better console than other treadmills
in this price range, as it can change speed automatically and has several workout programs. It features an LED display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though. In other words, it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into its side grips. It is not compatible with any ANT or Polar HR chest bands.
The console makes available 12 preset workout programs. The segment layouts of the programs are shown on each side of the LED display. Each program is designed to address a certain type of workout. For example, some of the programs are interval-based, others aim to help you burn more calories, while others progressively increase the speed then they gradually reduce it.
The console also has three goal-setting functions. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is selected, the console will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero, notifying you that you have completed your goal.
Among other console features, we can count the sound system, the device holder, and the two bottle holders. The sound system consists of two speakers placed on each side of the unit’s LED display and an AUX port on the bottom left corner. Therefore, you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the console and play your music through the integrated speakers.
The device holder consists of a small shelf at the base of the LED display. And finally, the two bottle holders are molded into the console dashboard, placed one on each side of the console.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s deck, with the motor, belt, rollers, and other elements, comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. You only need to connect the two upright bars and the console. This shouldn’t take longer than 30-40 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, the belt requires periodic lubrication (typically every few months if the machine is used on a daily basis). A bottle of lubricant is included with the trainer. The belt also must be kept clean to prevent any debris from being caught into the motor or the rollers. Other than this, it’s also recommended to periodically check the machine’s joints and re-tighten any loose bolts if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy deck for a walking treadmill – can support users up to 240 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable levelers on the front base;
- Shock absorption elements integrated into the deck;
- Speed settings up to 8.0 MPH;
- Pulse reading function available;
- Start/Stop and speed controls integrated into the handlebars;
- Low power consumption;
- LED display console which tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- 12 preset workout programs;
- 3 workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned;
- Tablet holder included;
- Accessory trays included;
- Sound system included;
- Very easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No incline system (manual or automatic), but the deck is slightly inclined by default;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Merax L501C is an electric treadmill made for home use. It is equipped with a 1.5 HP motor, offering a speed range between 0.5 – 8.0 MPH. Its console offers 12 programs and 3 workout goals for time, distance, and calories. Although it’s not a heavy-duty machine, it still offers the possibility to tone muscles, build stamina, lose weight, and improve your overall cardiovascular health. It’s also one of the most affordable electric treadmills.