Motor: 2.0 HP Brushless | Speed: 0.5–7.5 mph | Incline: None (flat) | Deck: 119 × 42 cm | Max User Weight: 120 kg | Folding: Yes (handlebar folds flat) | Price: £399.99
The JLL Helius Lite Smart is a 2-in-1 treadpad — an under desk walking pad that doubles as a light running treadmill when you raise the handlebar. It is manufactured by Sunny Health & Fitness and distributed in the UK by JLL Fitness, a Birmingham-based brand with a showroom and established support network. At £399.99, it sits at the top end of walking pad pricing but below the cost of most full-size folding treadmills.
The standout feature is the brushless motor. Unlike the brushed DC motors found in every other treadmill we have reviewed on this site, a brushless motor eliminates the friction between internal brushes and commutator.
So, the result? Genuinely quieter operation, less heat, no carbon dust, and a longer expected motor lifespan. If you want a walking pad you can use in a living room while someone watches television, or under a standing desk during video calls, the noise difference matters.
The compromise is everything a walking pad always compromises. No incline. A narrow 42 cm deck. A 119 cm running surface that limits your stride at pace. A 7.5 mph speed cap that rules out serious running.
At £399.99, you are paying the same money that would buy a Reebok GT40z or Jet 100z with 12-level incline, a wider deck, a faster motor, and proper workout programs. But the Helius Lite is not a treadmill substitute, it’s first and foremost a cracking little walking pad.
As a desk companion that can handle a light jog when called upon, and judged on those terms, it does the job incredibly well. Use the quick nav below to jump through this article.
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JLL Helius Lite Smart Specs
| Motor | 2.0 HP Peak DC, Brushless |
| Speed Range | Walking mode: 0.5–3.7 mph | Running mode: 0.5–7.5 mph |
| Incline | None (fixed, flat) |
| Running Deck | 119 × 42 cm (47 × 16.5 inches) |
| Max User Weight | 120 kg (18 st 13 lb / 265 lb) |
| Min User Weight | 45 kg (7 st 1 lb / 99 lb) |
| Machine Weight | 36 kg (79.4 lb) |
| Assembled Dimensions (handlebar up) | 147 × 68 × 103 cm |
| Folded Dimensions (handlebar down) | 152 × 68 × 11 cm |
| Deck Height | ~7.3 cm |
| Display | Backlit LED — time, speed, distance, calories, steps |
| Programs | None (manual speed control only) |
| Cushioning | Shock absorption deck |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, SunnyFit® App |
| Controls | Handlebar buttons + wireless remote control (for desk mode) |
| Device Holder | Yes (on handlebar) |
| Safety | Emergency stop, safety key, floor stabilisers |
| Folding | Handlebar folds flat; transport wheels for repositioning |
| Lubrication | Manual (silicone oil included); smart reminder every 188 miles |
| Warranty | 24 months parts and labour (via JLL UK) |
Key Features
The 2-in-1 Concept
The Helius Lite has two distinct operating modes, and how you switch between them is dead simple: raise the handlebar for running mode, fold it flat for walking/desk mode.
With the handlebar up, the full speed range of 0.5–7.5 mph is available. You control speed via the handlebar buttons, and you have the safety of handrails and the emergency stop key. The device holder sits on the handlebar, so your phone or tablet is at eye level for app-guided workouts or streaming.
With the handlebar folded down, the machine becomes a flat walking pad that slides under a standing desk. Speed is capped at 3.7 mph (a brisk walk) for safety. There are no rails to hold in this mode, so higher speeds would be reckless. You control everything via the included wireless remote, which means you can adjust pace without bending down. The overall height drops to just 11 cm, low enough to fit under most standard desks and let you work at a laptop without raising them too much, but for longer work walks, you’ll need a standing desk of course.
The transition between modes takes about a minute. The handlebar unscrews (it is not a quick-release mechanism), which is the only mildly annoying part of the design. If you plan to switch modes daily, you will wish it were a latch rather than a bolt. If you tend to use one mode most of the time and occasionally switch, it is a non-issue.
Brushless Motor
This is the feature that separates the Helius Lite from budget walking pads. A brushless motor works fundamentally differently from the brushed DC motors found in conventional treadmills. In a brushed motor, physical carbon brushes press against a spinning commutator to transfer electrical current. That contact creates friction, heat, noise, and gradual wear. The brushes eventually degrade, carbon dust accumulates inside the motor housing, and the motor loses efficiency over time.
A brushless motor uses electronic switching instead. No physical contact between moving parts means no brush friction, no carbon dust, no brush replacement. The motor runs cooler, quieter, and more efficiently. Sunny Health & Fitness describe it as “odourless and whisper quiet,” which is marketing language but directionally accurate — brushless motors genuinely produce less noise and no burning smell, even at sustained use.
For an under-desk treadmill, this matters more than it does for a garage gym machine. If you are walking during a phone call, a Teams meeting, or while your partner watches television two metres away, every decibel counts. Users consistently report the Helius Lite is noticeably quieter than brushed-motor walking pads at comparable speeds. The motor is not silent — your feet hitting the belt are louder than the motor itself — but it removes the mechanical whine that cheaper walking pads produce.
The 2.0 HP peak output is modest but appropriate for the machine’s purpose. It handles walking loads comfortably and sustains 7.5 mph without strain for users well under the 120 kg weight limit. Heavier users pushing the speed ceiling may notice the motor working harder, but for typical walking-pad use (2–4 mph, sustained), it is more than sufficient.
Running Deck
At 119 × 42 cm, the deck is compact by any measure. For walking, it is perfectly adequate. You naturally stay centred, your stride is short, and the 42 cm width provides enough lateral room. Even at a brisk 3.5 mph desk walk, you will not feel cramped.
For running, the limitations emerge quickly. The 42 cm width is a centimetre narrower than the Reebok Jet 100z (43 cm), which we already criticised as the narrowest in the Reebok range. At jogging pace (5–6 mph), 42 cm is workable for smaller users but feels noticeably tight for anyone with broad shoulders or a wider natural gait. At 7 mph and above, you are very aware of the edges. But then, it’s not a full treadmill like the Reebok Jet.
The 119 cm length is more limiting than the width for taller users. A 5 ft 10 runner at 7 mph has a natural stride length of roughly 120–130 cm. That means your stride either extends to the very end of the belt or you unconsciously shorten it. Neither scenario is comfortable for sustained running. Below 5 ft 6, the length is manageable. Above that, running feels constrained — which is fine, because this machine is not designed to be your primary running treadmill.
The deck sits just 7.3 cm off the floor, which gives it a ground-level feel that some users genuinely prefer. There is no step-up like you get with a traditional treadmill, reducing the perceived height when the machine is in use and making it less intimidating for older users or those recovering from injury.
Shock absorption is built into the deck surface. It is not as sophisticated as Reebok’s Air Motion or Energy Transfer systems, but it provides a softer landing than a bare board. For walking-pace use, the cushioning is more than adequate.
Speed and Training Modes
Two speed ranges depending on mode. Walking mode (handlebar down): 0.5–3.7 mph. Running mode (handlebar up): 0.5–7.5 mph.
A speed of 3.7 mph is a brisk walk for most people. It is enough for an active desk session and will burn more calories than sitting, which is the entire point of a walking pad. If you have used a walking pad before at 2.5–3.0 mph, you know the sweet spot, fast enough to feel active, slow enough to type or take calls without losing your train of thought. The Helius Lite covers that range comfortably.
At higher speeds of 7.5 mph (an 8:00/mile pace, or roughly 12 km/h) you’ll reach the running ceiling. For context, that is a moderate training pace for an intermediate runner. It rules out sprint intervals, tempo runs above 8-minute miles, and any serious speed work. What it does support is light jogging (5–6 mph), brisk interval walking (alternating 3.5 and 2.5 mph), and recovery runs.
There are no built-in programs. No preset intervals, no warm-up sequences, no target-based modes. You set a speed and walk or run at that speed. You change speed manually via the handlebar buttons or remote control. For many walking-pad users, this simplicity is a feature rather than a bug. You step on, press a button, and walk. But if you want guided workouts, you are entirely dependent on the SunnyFit app.
Connectivity and the SunnyFit App
The Helius Lite connects to the SunnyFit® app via Bluetooth. SunnyFit is Sunny Health & Fitness’s free companion app, available on iOS and Android. It offers over 1,000 trainer-guided workouts, walking and running courses, virtual scenic routes, and progress tracking. No subscription fee — the app is free and stays free.
The app is where you get the structured training that the treadmill itself lacks. It provides guided walking workouts, interval sessions, and scenic virtual tours that adjust to your pace. Workout metrics from the treadmill (time, distance, speed, steps, calories) sync to the app for tracking over time.
The app is decent but not exceptional. It is not Zwift, Kinomap, or iFit. The production quality of the guided sessions is functional rather than premium. The scenic routes are passable. The tracking works reliably. For a free app included with a £399.99 machine, it adds genuine value — particularly for users who want some structure to their walking sessions without paying a monthly subscription.
One important note: unlike the Reebok treadmills we have reviewed, the Helius Lite does not connect to Zwift or Kinomap directly. Your third-party app options are limited to what SunnyFit offers. If app ecosystem diversity is important to you, this is a meaningful limitation.
Build Quality and Design
At 36 kg, the Helius Lite is heavier than most budget walking pads (which typically weigh 20–28 kg) but far lighter than any proper folding treadmill (60–80 kg). That weight translates to reasonable stability at walking pace and acceptable stability at jogging pace. It is not a machine that feels anchored to the floor the way a Reebok or JLL folding treadmill does, but it does not shimmy across your laminate either.
Floor stabilisers help keep the unit planted, and the steel frame feels robust enough for daily walking use. Transport wheels make repositioning manageable for one person — roll it out from under the desk, tilt it up, wheel it to where you want to run, fold up the handlebar. The whole process is less cumbersome than moving a 65 kg folding treadmill.
The LED display is basic but clear: time, speed, distance, calories, and steps. No heart rate monitoring (there are no pulse plates on this machine), no backlit LCD with colour graphics. It does what it needs to do and nothing more.
The remote control is a thoughtful inclusion for desk mode. Three buttons: start/stop, speed up, speed down. It means you can adjust walking pace without reaching down to the machine or taking your hands off your keyboard for more than a moment.
Who Should Buy the JLL Helius Lite Smart
Work-from-home desk walkers. This is the primary use case, and the one where the Helius Lite genuinely excels. The brushless motor is quiet enough for open-plan living rooms, the remote control allows hands-free speed adjustments, and the 11 cm folded profile slides under most desks. If your goal is 5,000–10,000 extra steps during the working day, this is a well-engineered solution. It’s one of the best under desk treadmills we’ve reviewed.
People who want minimal commitment to exercise. Step on, press a button, walk. No programs to navigate, no incline settings to configure, no complex console to learn. The simplicity of a walking pad removes every barrier to use. This matters — the best treadmill is the one you actually use, and friction-free start-up drives consistency.
Small flat / limited space buyers. At 152 × 68 × 11 cm folded, the Helius Lite stores under a bed, behind a sofa, or in a wardrobe. No folding treadmill comes close to this footprint when stored. If your home genuinely cannot accommodate a folding treadmill even when collapsed, a treadpad is the answer.
Light joggers who want dual-purpose. If you mostly walk but occasionally want a 20-minute jog at 5–6 mph, the 2-in-1 design handles both without requiring two machines. The handlebar provides genuine safety and control during running mode.
Who Should NOT Buy the JLL Helius Lite Smart
Anyone who wants incline. Check out these top UK picks for incline treadmills instead. Zero incline, full stop. No 12-3-30 workouts. No hill intervals. No gradient walking for calorie burn. If incline matters to you even slightly, spend the same £399.99 on a Reebok GT40z or Jet 100z with 12-level power incline.
Regular runners. The 42 cm deck width, 119 cm deck length, and 7.5 mph speed cap make this unsuitable for anyone running three or more times per week. You need a proper treadmill — the JLL T350 (£549.99), a Reebok, or similar.
Taller users who want to run. Above 5 ft 8, the 119 cm deck length starts to feel restrictive at running pace. For walking, height is irrelevant. For running, it matters.
Users who want structured programs. No built-in workouts means no console-guided sessions. The SunnyFit app fills some of this gap, but if you want the treadmill itself to control speed and interval patterns, look elsewhere.
Buyers who expect a full treadmill experience. At £399.99, the Helius Lite costs the same as a Reebok GT40z — a proper folding treadmill with incline, wider deck, faster speed, 43 workout programs, Bluetooth, Zwift, Kinomap, and a lifetime frame warranty. If you have space for a folding treadmill, the GT40z is categorically more capable. The Helius Lite only makes sense when space or noise constraints rule out a full treadmill.
JLL Helius Lite Smart vs JLL Pegasus vs Reebok GT40z
| Feature | JLL Helius Lite | JLL Pegasus | Reebok GT40z |
| Price | £399.99 | £499.99 | ~£499 |
| Type | 2-in-1 Treadpad | Folding Walking Treadmill | Folding Treadmill |
| Motor | 2.0 HP Brushless | 2.5 HP Peak | 2.0 HP DC (Brushed) |
| Top Speed | 7.5 mph | 7.5 mph | 11.2 mph |
| Incline | None | None | 12 levels power |
| Deck Size | 119 × 42 cm | ~130 × 51 cm | 130 × 45 cm |
| Max User Weight | 120 kg | 120 kg | 110 kg |
| Machine Weight | 36 kg | ~38 kg | 61 kg |
| Folded Height | 11 cm | ~11 cm | ~146 cm (upright fold) |
| Programs | None (manual) | 15 preset | 43 |
| App | SunnyFit (free) | SunnyFit (free) | Zwift, Kinomap, Reebok Console |
| Remote Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Under-Desk Use | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 24 months P&L (JLL UK) | 24 months P&L (JLL UK) | 10-year frame, 10-year motor, 2-year P&L |
The Helius Lite is £100 cheaper than both the JLL Pegasus and Reebok GT40z, which makes it the budget entry point. But the three machines serve genuinely different purposes.
If you need a walking pad that fits under a desk and the brushless motor matters, the Helius Lite is the pick. If you want a walking pad with a wider, more comfortable deck and built-in programs, the Pegasus justifies the extra £100 — the 51 cm belt is 9 cm wider than the Helius Lite’s 42 cm, which is a substantial comfort upgrade for walking and a major one for jogging. If you want an actual treadmill that can run, incline, and deliver structured workouts, the GT40z is a different class of machine entirely.
Where to Buy the JLL Helius Lite Smart in the UK
The best place to buy any JLL or Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill and walking pads is from JLL Fitness direct (jllfitness.co.uk) — £399.99, free delivery to UK mainland. You’ll have the option of paying Klarna, which really helps budget your new walking pad.
This is the primary UK stockist and the most reliable source for warranty support. JLL has a physical showroom in Birmingham where you can see the machine before buying. 30-day money-back guarantee on all products.
Final Verdict — 3.8 RunRank
The JLL Helius Lite Smart is a competent walking pad with a genuine standout feature in its brushless motor. For under-desk walking during the working day, it does exactly what it promises: quiet, compact, simple to use, and effective at turning sedentary hours into active ones. The 2-in-1 design adds flexibility that pure walking pads lack, and the SunnyFit app provides free guided content that most competitors charge monthly for.
But it earns a 2.5 RunRank because it is competing for your money with machines that do far more. At £399.99, you are in Reebok GT40z territory — a proper treadmill with 12-level incline, a wider deck, 11.2 mph top speed, 43 programs, Zwift and Kinomap compatibility, and a warranty that covers the frame for a decade. If you have space for a folding treadmill, the GT40z is a fundamentally more capable piece of fitness equipment.
The Helius Lite earns its place when — and only when — your circumstances specifically call for a walking pad. You work from a standing desk and want to walk while you work. Your flat cannot accommodate a folding treadmill even when folded. Noise is a genuine constraint. You need a machine that slides under furniture and weighs half what a treadmill weighs. In those scenarios, the Helius Lite is a solid choice at a fair price.
If you decide you want a walking pad but want more room to move, the JLL Pegasus (£499.99) gives you a much wider 51 cm belt and built-in programs for an extra £100. If you want a treadmill that can actually train you, save another £50–100 and get a proper folding treadmill with incline. The Helius Lite occupies a tight niche, and within that niche, it performs well.
JLL Helius Lite Smart FAQ
Is the JLL Helius Lite good for running?
For light jogging up to about 6 mph, it is workable for shorter users (under 5 ft 8). For regular running, no. The 42 cm deck width is too narrow for comfortable running form, the 119 cm length constrains your stride at pace, and the 7.5 mph speed cap limits training intensity. If you plan to run more than once or twice a week, you need a proper treadmill. The Helius Lite is a walking pad with running as a secondary capability, not the other way around.
Can I use it under a standing desk?
Yes — this is its primary design purpose. With the handlebar folded flat, the machine is just 11 cm tall. Most standing desks accommodate this without needing height adjustment, though you should measure your desk clearance before buying. In desk mode, speed is capped at 3.7 mph and controlled entirely via the wireless remote, so you never need to reach down to the machine.
How loud is the brushless motor?
Quieter than any brushed-motor treadmill we have reviewed. Users consistently report that at walking speeds (2–3.5 mph), the motor is near-silent and the dominant sound is feet contacting the belt. At higher speeds (6–7 mph), motor noise increases but remains below the level of a typical brushed-motor walking pad at equivalent speed. You can comfortably use it in a living room while someone watches television at normal volume.
Does the JLL Helius Lite have incline?
No. The deck is fixed and flat with no incline adjustment of any kind. You cannot do 12-3-30 workouts, hill intervals, or gradient walking. If incline is important to your training, the Reebok GT40z (12-level incline, ~£499) is the closest comparable option with full incline capability.
Do I need a subscription to use it?
No. The treadmill works fully without any app or subscription. The SunnyFit app is free (no monthly fee) and adds guided workouts, progress tracking, and virtual walking routes, but it is entirely optional. The machine itself has no paywall on any feature.
What is the difference between the Helius Lite and the JLL Pegasus?
Both are sold by JLL, both connect to SunnyFit, and both have no incline. The Pegasus (£499.99) has a significantly wider 51 cm running belt versus the Helius Lite’s 42 cm, a more powerful 2.5 HP motor, 15 built-in programs, pulse-rate sensors on the handlebar, and a longer deck. The Pegasus is the better machine for light jogging and walking comfort. The Helius Lite is £100 cheaper and has the brushless motor advantage for quieter desk-mode operation.
How does the warranty compare to JLL’s own treadmills?
JLL’s own-brand folding treadmills (T350, T450, S300, S400) come with a lifetime frame warranty, 5-year motor warranty, and 2-year parts and labour. The Helius Lite, manufactured by Sunny Health & Fitness, comes with 24 months parts and labour via JLL’s UK warranty — no separate frame or motor warranty is specified. This is significantly weaker coverage than JLL’s own range, and worth factoring into your decision at the £399.99 price point.
How heavy is it, and can one person set it up?
36 kg assembled. One person can unbox and set up the Helius Lite — it is roughly half the weight of a folding treadmill. Assembly involves attaching the handlebar and a few bolts; Sunny Health & Fitness estimate 15–20 minutes. You will need to apply the included silicone lubricant to the belt before first use. The machine has a smart reminder that alerts you to re-lubricate every 188 miles.
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