Treadmills can vary significantly in price, quality, and features, but no matter how you slice it, purchasing a home treadmill is a significant investment with many factors to consider. If you’re in the market for one of the best treadmills, chances are you already know to look for relevant features, the right size, and the right motor output at a cost you can afford. But don’t overlook a key factor in purchasing expensive fitness products like ellipticals and treadmills — the warranty.

The warranty can be a good indicator of the quality and the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. If nothing else, it can provide peace of mind that replacement parts, repairs, and manufacturing defects will potentially be covered. But because all warranties are not created equal, we’ve compiled this treadmill warranty guide to share what constitutes a great warranty. We also discuss valuable warranty information, including what’s included in most warranties, the different types of warranties, and things that can void them.

Best Treadmill Warranties

Ideally, you want to purchase a treadmill that will need minimal repairs throughout your ownership, but considering the complexity of a treadmill and the impact it takes over time, it’s not uncommon for one to need repairs or replacement parts.

While there is some correlation between high-end treadmills and great warranties, that’s not a hard and fast rule. Some of the best budget treadmills from Sole Fitness and Horizon Fitness offer lifetime warranties on their frames and motors. So, how do you know what’s a “good” warranty? 

BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto suggests “looking for 10 years on the frame, at least 2 years on parts, and at least 1 year for labor” for optimal warranty coverage.

What’s Included in a Treadmill Warranty

Treadmill product warranties are typically broken down into four components: frame, motor, parts/electronics, and labor. Often, each will have its own warranty duration. Manufacturers differentiate warranties based on the cost and complexity of the component.

Parts that are more prone to general wear and tear — like running belts and treadmill decks — have shorter warranties. (Just in case you needed another reason to stay on top of our tips for treadmill maintenance.)

Two important notes on treadmill warranties:

• Different models from the same manufacturer can have different warranties.
• Treadmills built for home use will have different warranties than those built for commercial use.

Below is a breakdown of standard warranties on different components from well-known fitness equipment brands. 

Frame

The frame of a treadmill can be compared to the frame of a car — the solid structure that holds it all together. Since the frame doesn’t have moving parts and is often constructed of durable materials — steel or aluminum — manufacturers tend to offer a longer warranty than on other components. 

Out of all the cardio equipment on the market, treadmills receive an enormous amount of impact from the continuous pounding of feet so a sturdy, well-constructed frame is vital for an enjoyable workout. For a standard frame warranty, you’ll ideally want a model that offers at least 10 years.

Motor

The drive motor in a treadmill produces the mechanical energy to rotate the walking belt around the treadmill deck. Without your treadmill motor, it would be rendered useless.

The drive motor plays an important role in how fast a treadmill can go, how much weight it can sustain, and for how long it can sustain it. Not every treadmill user needs the kinds of powerful CHP motors you’ll find on the best treadmills for running, but exercise equipment with one will surely have a higher price tag.

On less expensive treadmills, you can expect a lower-quality motor — hence why some warranties on these models can be shorter. Look for a motor warranty that’s at least 5 years.

Parts and Electronics

The parts and electronics of a treadmill typically have a shorter warranty period, as these components are more likely to need replacement over a period of time. These components typically rely on the user to perform regular maintenance, know how to lubricate a treadmill, and handle the fitness equipment with proper care.

Even in high-end treadmills, wear items like belts, rollers, bearings, and wires will need to be periodically replaced over the course of ownership so the warranty period is inevitably shorter. (Some as short as 90 days — yikes!)

Look for at least a one-year parts warranty period, but note that many offer much longer. Brands that offer quality workmanship typically have more confidence in their product. 

Labor

Let’s just tell it like it is — labor is expensive. And the older your beloved cardio equipment gets, and the more miles it racks up, the more likely it’s going to need labor-intensive repairs.

Because of these reasons, manufacturers typically offer a year warranty, although some higher-end brands offer a two-year labor warranty. But all of this is irrelevant if you’re purchasing one of the best Sole treadmills, which boasts a lifetime labor warranty. (And a lifetime warranty on just about everything else…. showoffs.)

Types of Treadmill Warranties

Different types of warranties provide varying coverage and protection. Here are some important factors to check in warranties. 

• Coverage Period: The coverage period, which tends to start from the date of purchase, is the period in which the manufacturer will cover repairs or replacements. The coverage period can vary widely depending on the product and manufacturer.
• Covered Components: This speaks to the specific components that are covered, such as the frame, treadmill motor, labor, and parts. 
• Exclusions: These are the specific things not covered. 
• Conditions: These are the conditions that must be met for the warranty to be valid. For example, you can void your warranty on some treadmills by keeping them in a room that isn’t climate-controlled. 

Manufacturer’s Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind to the consumer and gives confidence that the product is free from manufacturing defects or poor workmanship. A product warranty can provide value by assuring the consumer that the manufacturer stands behind its product and will essentially “make things right” if something goes wrong.

Limited Warranty

Federal law requires that all warranties disclose whether they are “full” or “limited.” (1) A limited warranty is more restrictive than a full warranty. It covers certain things, for a certain amount of time, to a certain extent.

Lifetime Warranty

A lifetime warranty is a guarantee that the product or part will be repaired or replaced for as long as the original purchaser owns it. You’ll still want to check the stipulations, though, as they vary from brand to brand. Here are some important factors of a lifetime warranty. 

• It typically only covers the original purchaser.
• Some manufacturers have varying definitions of “lifetime.”
• It’s often contingent on proper use, product registration, and proof of purchase.

Extended Warranty

If you’ve invested in one of the best high-end treadmills and you plan to grow old with it, or you simply see the value of protecting your assets, you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty.

It acts as an extension of the standard warranty and may include additional services and benefits, a longer warranty duration, additional covered components, or enhanced services.

Used Treadmill Warranty

Buying a used treadmill can have its advantages, like a lower cost and not having to eat the depreciation on a brand new big-ticket item. But it comes with disadvantages, too — like not having a warranty or assurance on the quality of the treadmill parts.

Most warranties from well-known fitness brands, including NordicTrack, Horizon, and Life Fitness, only apply to the original owner and aren’t transferable. However, some extended warranties may transfer.

If you want the assurance of a treadmill warranty but purchased it secondhand, companies like Upsie.com offer coverage for new and used treadmills, ellipticals, and other fitness equipment.

Voiding a Treadmill Warranty

Imagine having something go wrong with your new treadmill and finding out it’s not covered because of something you did (or didn’t do) that voided the warranty. You may break out your tiny violin.

Check the specifics of your warranty by contacting customer service with your make, model, and serial number. 

Below are some common ways you can void a treadmill warranty. 

• Exceeding the weight limit
• Lack of maintenance (ie: lubrication, cleaning, and belt care)
• Exposure to moisture or high temperatures
• Storing it in a non-climate-controlled environment
• Improper transportation
• Rough use
• Using improper voltage
• Improper usage (ie: home treadmill in a commercial setting)

[Related: Best Walking Treadmills]

Final Word

An awesome warranty can provide peace of mind and assurance, but the best warranty is the one you never (or rarely) have to use. Treadmill warranties vary from brand and model and differentiate the duration and coverage based on the treadmill component.

A hefty price tag doesn’t always mean a great warranty, and a budget treadmill doesn’t always mean a poor warranty. Be diligent in learning about what is covered under your potential new treadmill’s warranty and for how long it’s covered. Cover your bases by verifying with customer service what will void a warranty to ensure you can take full advantage of its coverage should anything go wrong with your fitness equipment.

Treadmill Warranty Guide FAQs

References

1. Amy Loftsgordon. “What’s the Difference Between a ‘Full’ Warranty and a ‘Limited’ Warranty?” Lawyers.com, May 16th, 2023. https://legal-info.lawyers.com/consumer-protection/warranty-rights/difference-between-full-warranty-and-limited-warranty.html