An elliptical is a highly popular workout tool. It’s often recommended for burning calories and maintaining health.
If you’re considering purchasing one for your home, a potential challenge is transporting it. Whether you’re moving it from the store to your home or from one house to another, relocating an elliptical over long distances usually requires a vehicle.
Like many pieces of gym equipment, ellipticals are sizable and can be quite heavy, making their transport not exactly straightforward.
So, can an elliptical fit in a car?
Most ellipticals won’t fit into compact vehicles like sedans or hatchbacks. However, they might fit into some SUVs or minivans, depending on the vehicle’s model and the elliptical size. Beyond SUVs, pickup trucks and cargo vans are often the best for transporting an elliptical due to their ample cargo space for carrying large items.
In this article, I will delve deeper into the topic of transporting ellipticals and discuss which vehicles are best suited for the task. Additionally, I’ll provide alternative solutions for those times when your car can’t accommodate the elliptical.
Table of Contents
Elliptical Dimensions
Knowing the dimensions of what you’re going to fit into your vehicle is very useful. So, before attempting to fit an elliptical into the trunk of your car, it’s a good idea to discuss elliptical sizes briefly.
Simply put, ellipticals are divided into three size categories: Standard, Compact, and Hybrid.
Standard ellipticals are the most commonly used and are often seen in gyms or stores. These types offer a full range of motion and stability but tend to be larger and heavier than other varieties.
In general, the average standard-size elliptical is 165 cm (64.9 inches) long, 72 cm (28.3 inches) wide, and 166 cm (65 inches) high.
Compact ellipticals are designed with space-saving in mind. They are smaller and lighter, making them suitable for smaller workout spaces or transportation. However, due to their reduced size, they may not have as many features as standard ellipticals.
Hybrid ellipticals often combine the features of an elliptical trainer with other exercise equipment, such as a stationary bike. These can vary in size and shape, so it’s crucial to know the specific dimensions of the hybrid you’re considering.
As I alluded to earlier, understanding the dimensions of the elliptical you’ll be loading is important in determining if it can fit in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to take manual measurements using a measuring tape or a similar tool to do this.
Vehicles Cargo Dimension
In addition to knowing the size of the items you plan to load, understanding the dimensions of your vehicle’s cargo space is equally important. This time, we will briefly discuss the cargo capacity of various types of vehicles.
Different types of vehicles offer varying amounts of space, and having these dimensions at hand will assist you in finding the best fit.
Cars (Sedan and Hatchback)
Sedans are known for their compact size and often have limited cargo space. While some sedans feature spacious trunks, others may have more restrictive dimensions.
Hatchback cars offer a unique advantage with their rear hatch design, providing more versatile cargo space compared to traditional sedans. However, the available space can still vary significantly among different hatchback models.
SUVs
SUVs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact models to full-size SUVs. Generally, SUVs offer more cargo space than sedans or hatchbacks.
SUVs typically have foldable seats, with some even capable of folding flat with the floor, significantly increasing their cargo space capacity.
Vans
Vans are renowned for their spacious interiors and trunks, making them an excellent choice for transporting large items like ellipticals. There are currently two common types of vans: minivans and cargo vans.
Minivans are family vehicles primarily used for daily transportation. They often feature removable seats, some of which can be folded flat, similar to those found in the Chrysler Pacifica, allowing you to create additional cargo space when needed.
Cargo vans, as the name suggests, are specifically designed for transporting goods and are ideal for carrying ellipticals.
Which vehicles can fit the Elliptical?
We’ve covered elliptical sizes and the cargo capacities of different vehicle types. Now, let’s explore which vehicles can accommodate ellipticals.
Cars – It Took a Lot of Adjustment
Fitting an elliptical into a car, particularly a sedan or hatchback, can be pretty challenging due to limited cargo space. It’s essential to compare the measurements of your elliptical with the dimensions of your car’s cargo area.
In some cases, you may need to make adjustments, such as folding down the rear seats or partially disassembling the elliptical.
SUVs – A More Favorable Choice
SUVs, whether compact or full-size, generally provide more cargo space compared to cars. Evaluate whether your elliptical dimensions align with the available space in your SUV.
The versatility of SUVs often makes accommodating an elliptical more manageable, and you may require minimal adjustments.
Vans – The Best Options
Vans, particularly cargo vans, excel in accommodating large items like elliptical trainers. With their substantial cargo space, vans offer the most straightforward solution.
Minivans, featuring removable seating, strike a balance between passenger and cargo space, making them a suitable choice for transporting fitness equipment.
Alternative When Your Car Can’t Fit Elliptical
If your car doesn’t have enough room for your elliptical trainer, there are other ways to make sure you can transport it safely and efficiently. Here are three good options to consider:
Disassembly Option
One effective solution is to take apart your elliptical. This sounds challenging, but many elliptical trainers are designed to be taken apart. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather the right tools, like screwdrivers, wrenches, and maybe Allen wrenches.
- When you take your elliptical apart, make sure to keep track of all the parts and screws. Use bags or containers to keep them organized and label them. This will make it much easier to put everything back together.
Taking apart your elliptical not only makes it easier to fit in your car but also makes it lighter and smaller, which makes it easier to handle.
Renting a Bigger Vehicle
If your elliptical is too giant for your car, think about renting a larger vehicle. This can be especially useful when you only need the bigger vehicle for a one-time transport. Check out local rental options, like moving vans or trucks, which can provide the space and safety your elliptical needs. Keep in mind that renting a larger vehicle may cost you extra money.
Using Delivery Services
Another convenient option is to get help from a professional delivery company. Many stores that sell fitness equipment offer delivery services. This way, your elliptical trainer can be safely delivered to your destination without the hassle of transporting it yourself.
When you choose delivery services, consider the cost compared to the convenience. While there may be a fee, it can save you a lot of time and effort. Plus, professional delivery teams know how to handle fitness equipment, reducing the chances of damage during transport.
Tips for Safely Transporting Your Elliptical
Transporting your elliptical safely is important to prevent damage to the equipment and ensure your vehicle’s safety. Follow these simple tips to make the transportation process smooth and secure:
1. Properly Securing the Equipment
- Use strong straps, like heavy-duty or ratchet straps, to secure your elliptical trainer. Tighten them well to prevent any movement while you’re on the move. Put the straps in multiple places to evenly spread the weight.
- To protect your elliptical from scratches and bumps, use soft padding materials like foam, blankets, or moving pads. Pay extra attention to delicate parts like the console and handles.
2. Balancing the Weight
- Make sure the weight of your elliptical is evenly spread inside your vehicle. This helps keep your vehicle stable and balanced during the journey. Don’t load too much on one side or corner.
- Secure your elliptical firmly so that it doesn’t shift or tilt during the ride. This reduces the risk of equipment damage and keeps you safe on the road.
3. Getting Help
- Ellipticals can be heavy and tricky to handle. It’s a good idea to have at least one extra person to help with loading and unloading. This not only makes it safer but also easier.
- When you’re lifting and moving the elliptical, use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your back or getting hurt. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs.
Verdict
In summary, fitting a piece of fitness equipment like an elliptical into your vehicle is possible. However, it can be a bit challenging with a car, although disassembling the elliptical could be a solution. SUVs and vans are better options because they provide more cargo space.
