MERACH Under Desk Elliptical Machine - Quiet Electric Leg Exerciser with Remote Control & 12 Speed Levels, Portable Seated Pedal Bike for Home Office, Seniors & Physical Therapy - Perfect for Workout While Working or Watching TV

I looked at so many options before I ordered this Merach stepper elliptical machine and I'm thrilled with it! I wanted something basic yet effective, super quiet, easy to operate and lightweight. I got everything but the lightweight part, but thats subjective. For an old lady, this is not easy to lift and tote around, but it's possible (easier if you have sled dogs you can tie it to). I think I'll leave it where it landed cuz I use it there.The stepper has a remote control to run it but I've also discovered a certain channel put in my TV remote will turn the machine on too -- surprise!! That's kind of weird, especially because the machine remote has to be pointed directly at it to work. So the remote works fine and is easy to use or you can reach down and use the controls between your feet. There are different speeds and you can go forward and backward. The movement is smooth and very quiet, which are both important to me. Two other things I like about this: it doesn't have to be electrically powered to move but also works on human effort (and it requires real effort either forward or backward), and it has resistance handpulls that can be attached to both sides to work your arms too. This part is only through human efforts, so put your back into it and get a more thorough workout.This is a great product except for two things I don't like but never considered before buying. One is the darn plug cord is way too short!!! Like my new coffee maker, you're required to plug it into the most inconvenient spot available and that is super annoying! So mine is on an extension cord, but I don't appreciate the company being too cheap and lazy to make the plug humanely. The other thing is not just for this stepper elliptical but probably all of them. Never was height or angle talked about. You need to position this properly but you also have to be positioned properly. If you're vertically-challenged (uh, short) like many of us are, this is not as easy as it seems. The height is not adjustable, nor is mine, so I have to find the right chair and position and distance the machine according to my needs. Turns out that's a lot of work and effort so I was able to put off my workout that day. But make sure you consider ahead of purchase where the tiny plug can go and how you can reach it comfortably. The machine does come with a piece of nonslip stuff that's often used as shelf liner to keep your dishes from sliding. I haven’t used it because I put the machine on carpet and it sticks like glue. I can't even push it much so it's very stable here. I can't say about that small square of rubber shelf liner stuff.This review is honest based on my use, perceptions and flights of fancy, and I hope it helped you decide whatever or at least gave you more questions to help you make your excellent choice. Just because I'm happy with this purchase doesn't mean it's right for you -- do your due diligence and then buy it, lol!! Get moving and you might feel better!BTW, if your knees are iffy, start slow for just a minute or two several times a day and you can build up to more without causing pain. That worked for me!