Walking pads are everywhere in the UK now, and they don't all do the same job. The "best" one depends on where you'll use it, how fast you want to go and who's going to be on it. Here's a plain guide to choosing, including who our own 3 Series is not for.
What is a walking pad?
A walking pad is a slim, low treadmill built for walking, usually with no tall console. It slides under a sofa, bed or wardrobe when you've finished. Some are made for gentle desk walking only. Others, like ours, are built tougher and go faster. If you're comparing with a full treadmill, read walking pad vs treadmill.
7 things to check before you buy
1. The motor
Look for a brushless motor. It runs more smoothly and quietly than an older brushed motor. A stronger motor strains less, which matters if you're heavier or want to go faster. Very light motors can feel jerky under a firm stride.
2. Top speed
Many walking pads stop at 6 km/h, which is fine for a stroll at a desk but not for a brisk walk or a light jog. If you'd like room to speed up, check the maximum. The KTQ 3 Series runs from 1–10 km/h.
3. Belt size
The belt is the part you walk on. Around 40 cm wide is a sensible minimum, and a longer belt lets you take a full stride. The 3 Series belt is 100 × 42 cm.
4. Incline
Most walking pads are completely flat. Incline makes a walk feel harder without going faster. The 3 Series has 8 Level Auto Incline, which you change with the remote or console while you walk. Find out more in our incline walking guide.
5. Maximum user weight
Choose a pad rated comfortably above your weight. The 3 Series is rated to 160 kg. Our treadmill weight limits guide explains why that matters.
6. Noise
If you share a flat or work from home, noise counts. A brushless motor and a shock-absorbing base both help. The 3 Series runs under 45 dB and has a double-layer shock-absorbing base. More tips in quiet treadmills for flats.
7. Storage
Check the folded height against the gap under your furniture. The 3 Series folds flat to 11 cm and weighs 25–26 kg, so you can wheel it away on its transport wheels. See will a treadmill fit under my sofa or bed?
Which type of walking pad suits you?
| If you want | Look for | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| A slow stroll at a desk | Any quiet pad with a low starting speed | Most pads cover this. See our desk walking pad guide |
| Daily brisk walks and a bit of jogging | Higher top speed, 40 cm+ belt, strong motor | 3 Series |
| Harder walks without more speed | Auto incline | 3 Series |
| Users over about 100 kg | A high weight limit and solid frame | 3 Series (160 kg) |
| To run properly | A full treadmill, not a pad | 1 Series, 2 Series or 4 Series |
Our pick: the KTQ 3 Series walking pad
The 3 Series walking pad (£289) is a heavy-duty walking pad, not a basic one. It's functional and versatile: a 4HP brushless motor, 1–10 km/h, 8 Level Auto Incline, a 100 × 42 cm belt, a remote control and a handrail. It folds flat to 11 cm and comes with free UK mainland delivery and a 60-day free home trial.
Who the 3 Series is NOT for
- You only want a very gentle desk shuffle at the lowest price. Simpler pads cost less, and a heavy-duty machine may be more than you need.
- You want to run regularly. At 10 km/h it will take a light jog, but a proper running machine is a better fit. See can you run on a walking pad?
- You want a pad with handlebars and a big console. The 3 Series keeps things slim on purpose.
Not sure a pad is right?
Our guide Is a walking pad worth it? goes through the pros and cons. On a budget? See the best treadmill under £300. You can also compare every treadmill and pad side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best walking pad in the UK?
It depends on how you'll use it. For gentle desk walking, most quiet pads will do. For brisk walks, a bit of jogging, incline and heavier users, look for a stronger motor, a higher top speed and a higher weight limit, as on the KTQ 3 Series.
Can I use a walking pad in a flat?
Yes. Look for a brushless motor and a shock-absorbing base to keep noise down. The 3 Series runs under 45 dB and folds to 11 cm to store under furniture.
What speed should a walking pad go up to?
A stroll is around 2–3 km/h and a brisk walk is faster. A top speed of 10 km/h, as on the 3 Series, gives you room to speed up as you get used to it.
Do walking pads have incline?
Many are flat, but some have it. The 3 Series has 8 Level Auto Incline, adjusted from the remote or console.
Is delivery free?
Yes. KTQ offers free UK mainland delivery in 3 to 5 working days, and our courier will be in touch to arrange it.
