Product test
Alpina Brighton helmet – visibility, safety and neck training in one
by Martin Jungfer
An outdoor stepper for fitness on three wheels
12.6.2023
Translation: machine translated
A Danish inventor has created a new machine that combines a stepper and a bike to get fit while you're on the move. His machine gave me the motivation to move around like a kangaroo.
How do you get an outdoor activity fan like me on a stepper? Well quite simply by equipping the fitness machine with wheels and making it a combined fitness machine and means of transport.
The Me-Mover actually looks like a stationary stepper, like the ones you've probably seen in gyms. Equipped with three wheels and a clever transmission system, it rolls over asphalt and forest and country paths, as long as they're not too rocky or bumpy.
The Me-Mover is the invention of Dane Jonas Eliasson, who wanted to develop a piece of sports equipment and a means of transport that he could take with him everywhere. Many prototypes later, the first Me-Movers were ready for fitness fans and people who wanted to get from the bus stop or train to their place of work quickly. And all without batteries, apps or other gadgets.
Carving, single-legs and kangaroo jumps
What fascinated me about this machine was the upright position as well as the ability to move both legs independently of each other, each leg separately or together like kangaroo jumps. This means I can vary my training and never get bored. What's more, the Me-Mover videos gave me the impression, at first glance, that riding was really fun. Especially with the slalom. Since then, I've had time to try it out and yes, I love it.
So about two years ago I ordered a Me-Mover from Denmark, on which I've since covered several hundred kilometres (according to my Garmin watch, 1878.2 kilometres in total, including about 90 kilometres last week alone). This figure is proof positive that I'm enjoying myself.
Compared to cycling, I find the position more comfortable for my back and neck. The core muscles are also exercised throughout the activity; you also have to keep your balance, which is fun and at the same time strengthens the core. My favourite exercises are carving and kangaroo jumps: the former because it allows me to roll down small hills in complete relaxation and the latter because it's both fun and very strenuous.
Balance and new movements
Thoughtful transmission and disc brakes
The centrepiece of the Me-Mover and what took Jonas Eliasson the longest to develop is its sophisticated transmission. When you sink your foot lower, you change gear and can ride faster in a straight line or downhill. When you're climbing a hill, you can simulate a shorter walk by making quick, less sweeping movements.
One thing is certain: the Me-Mover is not a mountain bike. It excels mainly on relatively flat terrain. Hills are tough and I reach my limits fairly quickly, although some people manage to climb hills of 15% or more. Over longer distances, I reach an aerobic speed of between 16 and 18 km/h, with a heart rate of 130 to 150 beats per minute. The maximum speed of the Me-Mover is around 35 km/h, a speed I reach from time to time on moderate gradients.
The wheels are fitted with disc brakes at the rear and front. Both models are suitable for people weighing up to 100 kilograms and up to around two metres tall. As the Me-Mover works by pressing on the pedals, it is not suitable for children under 30 kilograms.
The mobile stepper works solely by muscle training and has no motor. I like the well-thought-out details, such as the parking brake, thanks to which the device doesn't roll away when I get off briefly. The manufacturer sells other accessories such as a luggage rack. The bell, lights and helmet make for a safe ride.
Real fans have competition fever
Meanwhile, the Me-Mover is also used by people who want to get back into training after an injury, as the non-impact movement on the asphalt is gentler on the joints than jogging.
For me, the Me-Mover is a piece of sports equipment that I like to use alongside cycling and jogging. As I like to share my enthusiasm, the supplier has made four Me-Movers available to me on loan, on which I offer trials and training. Unfortunately, the Me-Mover is not yet available from Galaxus, but I'll be sure to let you know when it is.
Headline photo: Stefan Munsch
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
