Second Hand Walking Pad or Treadmill in Kenya: What to Check

A second hand walking pad or treadmill can save you money, but only if the motor, belt and deck are still in good shape. Test it running before you pay, never send M-Pesa for a machine you have not seen working, and remember that a used machine usually comes with no warranty.

The 10 checks before you buy a used walking pad

1. See it running. Ask the seller to run it at slow and at top speed while you watch. If you cannot meet, ask for a video that shows the display and the belt moving at full speed.
2. Listen to the motor. A healthy walking pad hums. Grinding, clicking, squealing or a burning smell point to a worn motor or a dry belt.
3. Walk on it for five minutes. The belt should move smoothly. If it slips or jerks when you push off, the belt or the motor belt is worn.
4. Check the belt is centred. A belt that drifts to one side needs adjusting, and one that has rubbed against the frame may be frayed at the edges.
5. Feel under the belt. Lift the edge of the belt and touch the deck. It should feel slightly slippery. A dry, rough or shiny deck means it was rarely lubricated. Our lubrication guide explains why this matters.
6. Ask when it was last oiled. Owners who know the answer usually looked after the machine.
7. Test the remote and display. Many walking pads cannot change speed without the remote. A missing remote can be hard to replace.
8. Check the fold and the handrail. Fold and unfold it. Look for cracks around the hinge, loose bolts and a handrail that wobbles.
9. Inspect the cable and plug. Look for cuts, tape or a swapped plug. It should have a standard Kenyan 3-pin plug.
10. Confirm the model's real top speed. Many walking pads stop at about 6 km/h. If you want to jog, check it reaches the speed you need with the handrail up.

Common faults on second hand walking pads

• Worn belt and dry deck. The most common fault. It makes the motor work harder and can burn it out.
• Motor or control board failure. The machine powers on, but the belt will not start, or it stops at speed.
• A belt that keeps drifting. Fixable with the adjustment bolts, unless the belt is already damaged.
• Missing parts. Remote, safety key, handrail or the lubricant bottle.
• Damage from heavy use. A machine used above its weight capacity, or for long daily runs on a walking-only model, wears out early.

How to buy safely

• Meet in person in a safe, public place, or at the seller's home with a friend.
• Do not send a deposit by M-Pesa to "hold" a machine you have not seen working.
• Be careful with prices that look far too low. They are a common sign of a scam.
• Ask for the original receipt. It shows the model, its age and where it was bought.
• Ask whether any warranty is left, and whether the shop will honour it for a new owner.

Second hand vs new: a simple comparison

A used machine makes sense when the price is much lower than new, you can test it properly, and you are happy to do without a warranty. If a used walking pad costs close to a new one, a new machine with a warranty is usually the better deal.

Looking for a walking pad near you?

If you are in Nairobi, you can see a new walking pad treadmill running at our shop in Nairobi CBD, Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 6:00pm. It is a good way to know what a healthy machine sounds and feels like before you look at used ones. We deliver new units within 3 hours in Nairobi and within 24 hours to the rest of Kenya. See our treadmill for sale page or the best walking pad in Kenya checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying a second hand walking pad? It can be, if the price is much lower than new and you have tested it running at full speed. Without a warranty, a motor or board fault can cost more to fix than you saved.

What should I check on a used treadmill? Watch it run at slow and top speed, listen for grinding or clicking, walk on it, check the belt is centred and feel under the belt for a dry deck. Also test the remote, the fold and the power cable.

Do you sell second hand walking pads? No. Every walking pad treadmill we sell is new and boxed, with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

How long does a walking pad last? It depends on how often it is used and how well it is looked after. Regular lubrication, a clean belt and staying within the weight capacity make the biggest difference.