Motorised Treadmills – Electric Powered Treadmill

There are two main categories of treadmill. These are the “manual” style machines, or the more popular motorised treadmill (also known as an electric treadmill). The manual treadmill is pretty much what it says, as you run/walk on the belt it moves therefore it is self-powered. The belt speed is regulated by the runner and the belt is moved by your feet as you move, the faster you go the faster the machine goes. A motorised or electric treadmill has a motor which actually powers the belt that you run on, so instead of you pushing the belt with your feet, the motor pulls the belt for you. The speed of the motor is usually set by an onboard computer which allows you to set the speed and duration of your exercise routine.

What to look for in a motorised running machine

When choosing a motorised running machine one of the main things to take note of is the HP (horsepower) of the actual motor on the machine. At the budget end of the treadmill market the HP of the motor is usually around 1.25 to 1.75 HP, whereas the professional/commercial ranges that are more expensive will typically  have a motor rated at around 3HP.

So beyond the fact that the HP rating is higher, why would you want a treadmill with a stronger motor? Usually the higher the HP number, the more weight the treadmill can pull. If you examine the maximum weight a running machine with a motor with 1.5HP against a commercial treadmill with a HP of 3+ you’ll notice that the maximum weight recommended for the more powerful treadmill is much higher than that of the lower powered treadmill.

If you are in a fitness showroom you’ll be able to test this theory by starting up the treadmill at its slowest speed and simply standing on the running platform. If the motor feels like it’s struggling when it’s pulling you, then consider getting a motorised treadmill with a higher HP.

A motorised treadmill with an on-board computer

Even the most basic treadmills have on-board computers. Most will have a decent selection of programmes as well. For example, my machine has a programme that ramps the speed up of the treadmill, has a sustained period of high speed, followed by a period where the speed is decreased. This allows you to warm into the run and warm-down a little near the end.  So the on-board computer is managing that change in speed that the motor goes. Obviously a manual running machine has no capability to do this.