| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Incline | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merax W501 Check Discounted Price | L:55" W:23.6" H:55.5" | 240 lbs | 1.5 HP, 0.5-8 MPH | No | 12 |
The Merax W501 is a light-capacity treadmill made for home use. Due to its belt size, it’s not exactly a machine made for running, but does offer a maximum speed of 8 MPH. In terms of features, it can be compared with Efitment T013, but does not have any incline.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 55L x 23.6W x 43.3H inches (140L x 60W x 110H cm)
- Running surface: 43.3L x 15.7W inches (110L x 40W cm)
- Assembled weight: 65.8 lbs (30 kg)
- Supported weight: 240 lbs (108 kg)
- Motor: 1.5 HP
- Speed range: 0.5-8.0 MPH
- Incline: No
- Console: 12 programs, 3 workout modes
- Extras: Sound system, USB charging port, accessory holders
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Merax W501 features a steel frame and a pretty durable deck rated for a maximum user weight
capacity of 240 lbs (108 kg). All the steel tubes in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, this being the only color available for this model. The unit also incorporates several ABS parts. For example, the side rail covers, the console dashboard, and the motor cover are ABS-made.
The fully assembled treadmill isn’t extremely large. It is only 55″ (140 cm) long, and 23.6″ (60 cm) wide. Therefore, it can fit pretty well even into a small room. Plus, its deck can be folded up in case you need to save some space. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 27.5″ (70 cm).
Since it’s a light-capacity treadmill, the Merax W501 is also pretty light compared to other similar machines. With all the parts assembled, it weighs ony 65.8 lbs (30 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it can easily be relocated as its front base integrates a set of transport wheels.
Deck construction
First of all, the Merax W501 doesn’t have an incline system. So, you cannot adjust 
the angle of the deck. However, its deck is not completely horizontal; it’s inclined by approx. one degree (in other words, slightly higher at the front, and a bit lower at the rear). This adds a bit of difficulty to the ride.
The unit’s deck offers a walking surface of 43.3″L x 15.7″W inches (110L x 40W cm). It’s considerably smaller than for the treadmills made for running. However, for walking and light jogging it should accommodate users up to 6’0″ with no problem.
The treadmill features a multi-layered belt. Its top layer is highly resistant to abrasion and provides an excellent grip for any sports footwear. It also has a middle polyester mesh layer for static protection and a high-strength, anti-slip support layer.
The deck integrates several small shock absorption elements, but they’re all concealed by the plastic side rails. Therefore, a walk on this machine considerably reduces the impact on your joints.
This Merax electric treadmill features a pretty low profile walking platform. It is approx. 5″ (13 cm) from the floor. 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 12″ (31 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive motor
As we’ve mentioned above, the Merax W501 is a light-capacity treadmill designed for walking and light jogging workouts. Therefore, it doesn’t have a super powerful motor. However, it does offer a 1.5 horsepower output which is not bad for a machine in this feature and price range. The motor also integrates a small flywheel which reduces vibration and delivers a smoother motion for the belt.
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 unit’s motor is not extremely powerful, 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
The Merax W501 treadmill doesn’t have a super-advanced console, but does offers quite a few extra 
features over a basic one. To begin with, it features an LED display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories and pulse. As we’ve mentioned above, speed and distance are shown in metric units (km/h and kilometers). Also, the console is not telemetric; thus, it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the side handgrips. It cannot communicate with a wireless HR transmitter.
The console makes available 12 workout programs and 3 goal settings. Each workout program has its profile grid shown on the console. They’re designed to cover various workouts; some are better for interval training, others for weight loss, and others for stamina development.
The 3 goal settings, or workout modes, allow you to set up targets for time, distance, and calories burned. If a target is selected, the console will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This feature is great to have as you can challenge yourself for each workout, and keep track of your progress.
Among other notable console features we can mention the incorporated sound system, the USB port, and the two accessory trays. The sound system give you the possibility to connect your MP3 player or smartphone via AUX cable to the console and listen to your favorite music as you exercise. The two speakers provide slightly better sound quality than phone speakers.
The USB port is only for charging your phone or tablet. The console does not have online connectivity and it’s not compatible with any online fitness app. And finally, the two accessory trays are molded into the console dashboard; they’re large enough to accommodate most hydration bottles and many small accessories that you may want to have at hand as you exercise.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most treadmills come with their deck and motor pre-assembled and the Merax W501 makes no exception. In terms of assembly, you only have to attach the two upright bars and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the necessary instructions are covered by the manual, and a set of basic tools is included.
For maintenance, the belt requires periodic lubrication (typically every few months if the machine is used on a daily basis). 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;
- USB charging port feature;
- Very easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No incline.
Summary
The Merax W501 is a treadmill made for walking and light jogging workouts. 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. It’s an affordable treadmill, currently available for less than $300, offering fairly decent value and sturdiness for the price.