DKN EcoRun Folding Treadmill Review

Having tested many ‘DKN Technology’ products in past reviews, we can speak from experience when we say that DKN like to push the envelope in terms of innovation.

Typically, DKN machines are slightly higher priced than their peers, but feature premium components. The EcoRun marks DKN’s entry into the highly competitive budget treadmill market and we were eager to learn whether they’ve compromised the premium approach.

The EcoRun comes virtually pre-assembled, requiring you to complete a couple of quick and easy steps that should be a doddle for even the most inept DIY’ers! You simply lift the console support frame to upright, tighten a few bolts to secure, attach the console and the EcoRun should be ready for action in the time it takes your kettle to boil and your cuppa to brew!

So how does this machine fare among the competition at this price point? If you’re making detailed comparisons of the spec sheets, you may notice that the EcoRun has a motor power output figure of 1.5 HP continuous duty, which isn’t the highest we’ve seen among budget treadmills. Therefore, it’s worth highlighting that occasionally motor power output figures of some manufacturers are somewhat ‘optimistic’! However, in this instance, having had the motor cover off and inspected more closely, we can confirm that the EcoRun easily has the largest (ie. most powerful) motor of any budget treadmill we’ve come across to date! The sheer power of the motor becomes apparent when the machine is running: it’s very quiet relative to similarly priced (and much higher priced) treadmills 🙂

Considering the price, we were delighted to discover the presence of user-defined profiles which allow up to 2 users to set and store their gender, age, height and weight to ensure more accurate calorie consumption feedback.

The EcoRun is compact form factor treadmill. Typically, the running area of these types of treadmills are 40 cm by 120 cm. DKN have broken away from this and have made the running area approximately 5% larger in both width and length, which makes a noticeable difference when running, rather than jogging.

So, what’s the EcoRun like to use?

You can be assured of a comfortable feeling underfoot thanks to an orthopaedic, 2mm thick belt running over a 20 mm thick running deck and cleverly engineered cushioning system. As with the motor, the shock absorption can really only be fully appreciated when seen in use. On paper, it is simply said to feature 6 shock absorbing supports, however when you start to jog or run, the frame supporting the deck is also cleverly engineered to ‘give’ with a slight movement to enhance the cushioning effect of every stride. Plus there are wheels mounted at the rear of the deck to allow this action to occur smoothly without rubbing the floor covering where the machine is sited.

The well thought-out design extends to the convenient controls and intuitive console. The large, slimline console gives an added touch of class to this budget machine. The controls are as well-laid out as are the dedicated feedback areas on the screen, plus being white digits over a bright blue backlit LCD display, means that everything is crystal clear. There is also a handy menu beneath the screen showing the course profiles on offer to assist you in making your selection.

To keep you within easy reach of speed and incline adjustments there are handlebar thumb controls on either handrail or you have quick key controls up at the console allowing you to make one-touch adjustments (great for interval training!).

As well as having pulse sensors on the handlebars, the console has an Polar compatible wireless heart rate receiver, which when used with a compatible chest-belt transmitter provides ECG accurate heart rate feedback on the console.

The EcoRun has a good array of programs including Manual (based around a 400 m race track) as well as 12 pre-set programs (the duration of which can be set by the user). In addition there is the option of creating a custom workout for added variety. Surprisingly, for a budget treadmill, the selection of standard programmes includes heart rate control! We’re big fans of HRC training as it enables very efficient, goal orientated workout sessions.

All these options will undoubtedly make the EcoRun stand out among strong competition that exists in the sub-£500 category, but the aspect that’s really unexpected is the presence of Bluetooth control function in the console! There are a number of compatible apps that work with DKN machines with the best one being Kinomap which features a lot of rolling videos.Boring ‘same ol’ sessions are now a thing of the past! The EcoRun manages to combine fitness, fun and affordability. Plus, with a small footprint and easy lift folding mechanism, it’ll save you floor space as well as money 🙂

Best Price

The DKN EcoRun is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

Compact form factor treadmills typically equate to lower quality. With the EcoRun, DKN have rewritten the rulebook, creating the first truly premium treadmill with a compact form factor. Even without the impressive tablet functionality, the EcoRun has has a lot going for it: user profiles for more accurate calorie estimation, nicely cushioned deck and heart rate control in addition to stylish looks. At the current offer price, this DKN is hard to beat!

DKN EcoRun Specifications

  • 1.5hp continuous duty motor
  • 0.8 – 16km/h (0.5-10mph) speed range
  • 12 levels of incline
  • 42cm (16.5″) x 125cm (49.2″) running area with 20mm cushioning
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 162cm (63.8”) x 71cm (28”) x 138cm (54.3”)
  • Dimensions folded (L x W x H): 94cm (37”) x 71cm (28”) x 147cm (57.9”)
  • Slim LCD console providing feedback on speed, time, distance, calories, incline, HR
  • 15 programme profiles (12 pre-set workout programmes, 1 manual, 1 custom and Heart Rate programme)
  • 2 User Profiles
  • Heart rate measurement via hand pulse sensors or a wireless receiver (chest belt has to be bought separately)
  • Compatible with Kinomap application
  • 100kg (220.4lbs) maximum user weight
  • 66.5kg (146.6lbs) product weight
  • 2 years warranty

DKN EcoRun Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

DKN EcoRun Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Remarkable value for money
  • Innovative and effective shock absorption
  • Heart Rate Chest Strap compatible
  • 2 User profiles
  • A good selection of programs as standard

The Cons

  • No storage space for a water bottle
DKN EcoRun Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 9
Appearance - 8
Running Area - 8
Comfort - 8.5
Reliability - 8.5
Noise - 7.5
Ease Of Use - 8.5
Controls - 8
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 9.5
Best Price

The DKN EcoRun is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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