Is a Walking Pad Loud? Noise and Your Neighbours
At walking speed (1 to 6 km/h), a walking pad sounds much like normal footsteps around a room, and it is quieter than a washing machine on spin. At running speed (10 to 14 km/h), the motor and your footsteps get louder and are more likely to carry through the floor, especially in older buildings.
Where the noise comes from
There are two sources. The motor hums steadily and gets louder as the speed rises. Footstep impact is the bigger factor for neighbours below, because impact travels through a concrete floor much more than motor hum does.
Your floor type makes a big difference
| Floor type | Noise passed on | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet over concrete | Low | Best case, the carpet absorbs impact |
| Tile over concrete | Medium | Common in Kenyan apartments |
| Bare concrete or screed | Medium to high | More impact passes through without a rug |
| Timber or suspended floor | Highest | Rare in Kenyan apartments |
Most Nairobi apartments have tiled concrete floors. That puts them in the middle: noticeable downstairs at running speed, much less so at walking speed.
How to cut noise for neighbours below
- Put a rubber gym mat or thick rug under the walking pad. This makes the biggest difference by absorbing impact before it reaches the floor.
- Keep running to daytime hours, when there is more background noise.
- Keep it away from a shared wall, so motor vibration does not travel into a neighbour's flat.
- Walk early in the morning and late at night, and save faster intervals for hours when neighbours are up and about.
If you live upstairs
On an upper floor in a Nairobi apartment block, walking-pace sessions are unlikely to cause complaints. Running at 8 km/h and above is more likely to be heard below. A mat helps a lot, so try one before assuming it will be a problem. Our guide to the walking pad for apartments covers space and power too.
Frequently asked questions
Is a walking pad loud? At walking speed, no. It sounds similar to normal footsteps. At running speed, it is louder, mainly from footstep impact.
Will a walking pad disturb my neighbours? At walking speed, usually not. At running speed, it is more likely to be heard below, especially on tiled concrete without a mat.
Does a mat under a walking pad reduce noise? Yes. A rubber gym mat or thick rug greatly reduces impact noise through the floor, which matters more than motor hum.
What time of day is best for running in an apartment? Daytime, when background noise is higher and neighbours are less likely to be disturbed.
Thinking about one for your apartment? See the foldable walking pad treadmill, KSh 24,800.
Foldable Walking Pad Treadmill, KSh 24,800
Walks at 1 to 6 km/h under a desk and runs up to 14 km/h with the handrail up. Folds flat, no assembly. Delivered in 3 hours in Nairobi and to any town in Kenya.
