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Merach is the budget brand that has earned a place in the UK walking pad conversation. Founded in 2018 and now one of Asia’s largest home fitness equipment companies, Merach has quietly built a UK range of walking pads and treadmills that prioritises affordability and feature density, most notably powered auto incline from just £109.99.
Where premium brands like WalkingPad focus on build quality and refined engineering, Merach focuses on packing as many features as possible into the lowest possible price point. The result is a range that starts at £99.99 and tops out at £598 for a full-size treadmill with 18% incline.
The company holds over 120 patents and sells across 30+ countries under the tagline “All you need for smart home fitness is Merach.” Their UK presence is primarily through Amazon UK, though they also operate a European store at uk.merachfit.com. What they lack in brand recognition they compensate for with aggressive pricing and a feature set that consistently punches above its weight class — auto incline, Bluetooth app connectivity, high weight capacities (which, in turn, points to robust build quality), and a free companion app with scenic routes and multiplayer features that most brands charge a subscription for.
The trade-off is brand maturity. Merach is a lesser-known name in the UK market, and long-term durability data is limited compared to established players like WalkingPad, Reebok, or JLL. UK Fitness Reviews gives their products a 4.5-star average and describes them as “good value for money” while noting durability as the primary unknown. Gym Tech Review calls them a “lesser-known brand in UK” but acknowledges their position as a “leading fitness equipment provider in Asia.” This is a brand worth buying from — but it is also a brand worth understanding before you commit.
This guide covers every Merach walking pad and treadmill currently available in the UK, from the £99.99 budget walking pad to the £598 heavy-duty running treadmill with 18% incline. We will explain what each model does, who it suits, and where it sits against the competition.
Understanding the Range: Four Product Tiers
Merach’s ten UK models split into four clear tiers based on capability and price:
Budget Walking Pads (£99–£169) — Four models ranging from a no-frills flat walking pad to a hybrid with a folding handle. All are compact, lightweight, and designed for under-desk or living room walking. Incline appears from the second model up, starting at just £109.99. These compete directly with UREVO’s budget range and offer strong value for buyers on a tighter budget than WalkingPad’s premium range.
Heavy-Duty Walking Pads (£279–£369) — Merach’s heavy-duty walking pad range, including the T25 and the NovaWalk W50 series. These are not standard walking pads — they are built for heavier users (up to 181 kg / 400 lb on the top model), feature auto incline up to 12%, wider belts, reinforced decks, and marathon-length runtime. Merach positions the W50 models as “TrekPads” that bridge the gap between walking pads and full treadmills. Nothing else in the UK market offers this combination of weight capacity and incline at this price.
Foldable Treadmills (£299–£369) — Two versions of the T12 foldable treadmill. The T12A offers manual 6% incline at a lower price point, while the T12 steps up to 15% powered auto incline. Both reach 7.5 mph for genuine running capability and fold to approximately 5 square feet for storage. These are Merach’s answer to buyers who want a proper treadmill but do not have the space for a permanent one.
Heavy-Duty Running Treadmill (£598) — The T31, Merach’s flagship. A proper full-size foldable treadmill with 18% auto incline, 8.7 mph top speed, a 46 × 120 cm running belt, and 158 kg capacity. This is a genuine gym-quality treadmill at a fraction of the price brands like NordicTrack and Peloton charge for comparable incline capability.
Most models in the range connect to the free Merach App and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Warranties range from one to two years depending on the model. The walking pads arrive fully assembled; the foldable treadmills require some assembly.
The Full UK Range at a Glance
| Model | Type / Max Speed / Max Incline / Max User Weight | UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Walking Pad (T26B1) | Walking pad · 3.7 mph · No incline · 120 kg | £109.99 |
| Walking Pad 6% Incline | Walking pad · 3.7 mph · 6% auto · 120 kg | £119.99 |
| Walking Pad 9% Incline (T14) | Walking pad · 3.7 mph · 9% auto · 120 kg | £199.99 |
| Hybrid Walking Pad (Handle) | Hybrid 2-in-1 · 7.5 mph · 6% auto · 120 kg | £239.99 |
| Heavy Duty Walking Pad (T25) | Heavy-duty walking pad · 3.7 mph · 9% auto · 180 kg | £279.99 |
| Merach Heavy Duty W50 | Heavy-duty walking pad · 3.7 mph · 12% auto · 181 kg | £289.99 |
| Foldable Treadmill 6% (T12B1) | Foldable treadmill · 7.5 mph · 6% manual · 120 kg | £249.99 |
| Foldable Treadmill 15% (T12B2) | Foldable treadmill · 7.5 mph · 15% auto · 136 kg | £369.99 |
| Foldable Treadmill 18% (T31B1) | Foldable treadmill · 8.7 mph · 18% auto · 159 kg | £659.99 |
Note: All prices are from Amazon UK at the time of writing. The T12A price varies — check the Amazon listing for current pricing as Merach may be phasing out this model in favour of the 15% auto incline version. Some models share Amazon listings with different variants, so check product options carefully. The T25 is the production model number for Merach’s heavy-duty walking pad line — it may also appear under the “NovaWalk W50” branding depending on the listing.
Budget Walking Pads: £109–£169
Four models that cover the full spectrum from flat walking to incline walking to hybrid jogging, all under £170. The value here is remarkable — particularly the jump from the £99.99 no-incline model to the £109.99 6% incline model, which is one of the best £10 upgrades in the entire walking pad market.
Walking Pad — No Incline (~£109.99)
Merach’s entry-level walking pad is a flat, no-frills machine that does exactly one thing: it moves a belt beneath your feet at up to 3.7 mph. At £109.99, it sits at the very bottom budget of the UK walking pad market for its specs, roughly in line with UREVO’s cheapest models and well below premium options from WalkingPad. The question is not whether it is any good. For the price, it is. The question is whether you should spend the extra £10 for the 6% incline version instead. (You should. But let us cover this one first.)
The Merach Walking Pad uses a 2.75 HP peak motor, an integrated die-casting frame for structural rigidity, and a 5-layer non-slip belt. At 18 kg and just 13 cm tall, it is lightweight and slim enough to slide under most furniture when not in use. The 120 kg weight capacity matches or exceeds most walking pads at this price point.
Speed is controlled via the included magnetic remote or the Merach App over Bluetooth. The LED display on the machine shows time, distance, speed, and calories. There is no incline, no handle, and no pretence of being anything more than a flat surface that walks. It arrives fully assembled, plugs in, and goes.
The limitation is the lack of incline, which matters because the 6% incline version costs just £10 more. Walking on an incline burns significantly more calories, engages different muscle groups, and better simulates outdoor walking where the ground is rarely perfectly flat. At £99.99, the T26B1 is not a bad machine — it is just an unnecessary compromise when the next model up costs less than a takeaway more.
RunRank: 2.5 / 5.0 — A competent budget walking pad, but the 6% incline version at £10 more makes this almost impossible to recommend. Incline (or decline) training is one of the best forms of exercise and you’ll quickly outgrow this machine and wish you’d forked out the extra tenner.
Best for: Buyers on the absolute tightest budget who genuinely cannot stretch to £109.99. Everyone else should spend the extra tenner.
Walking Pad — 5% Incline (~£119.99)
This is the model to buy if you wan’t a walking pad that you won’t outgrow. For £119.99 — just £10 more than the flat version — Merach adds 5% manual incline to the same walking pad platform. That single upgrade transforms the value proposition from “decent budget walking pad” to “nothing else in the UK market comes close at this price.”
To put the pricing in perspective: most incline walking pads in the UK market cost £250–£400. Merach is offering an incline walking pad with all the trimmings for £119.99. At this price, it is the most affordable quality walking pad from a recognised supplier available in the UK by a significant margin.
The 5% maximum incline is modest compared to higher-end incline treadmills, but it is meaningful for walking. A 6% grade is roughly equivalent to walking up a moderate hill. Enough to noticeably increase heart rate, engage your glutes and calves more actively, and boost calorie burn by an estimated 40–60% compared to flat walking at the same speed. For under-desk walking where you are ambling at 1–2 mph while working, 6% incline turns a gentle stroll into a genuine workout without requiring you to walk faster or pay attention.
The rest of the specification mirrors the no-incline model: 2.75 HP peak motor, 120 kg capacity, LED display, magnetic remote, Merach App connectivity, no assembly required. The incline adjusts through the app or remote — you set the angle and it moves automatically.
RunRank: 4.0 / 5.0 — Probably the best-value walking pad with incline in the UK market. Manual 5% incline at £119.99 is a price point no other brand matches. The easy recommendation for budget buyers.
Best for: Anyone who wants a walking pad under £150 with incline. Desk walkers, those in flats, beginners, and budget-conscious buyers who want auto incline without stretching into the £250+ range.
Walking Pad — 0–9% Auto Incline, T14 (~£199.99)
Be careful here. If you’re buying from Amazon, the base model walking pad is listed alongside these other incline walking pads under the same listing name. Ensure you’ve chosen the right variant!
The T14 steps up the incline range to 9%, a steeper gradient that adds genuine hill-walking intensity. The speed range tops out at approximately 3.7 mph, with a belt measuring 40 × 102 cm. This positions the T14 firmly as a dedicated walking machine rather than anything approaching jogging territory. The trade-off is intentional: steeper incline at walking speeds targets users who want an intense walking workout rather than faster-paced exercise.
The motor is rated at 2.5 HP peak, and the weight capacity remains 120 kg. The T14 comes with a magnetic remote control for speed and incline adjustment, and Bluetooth connects to the Merach App for workout tracking, scenic route programmes, and incline control. Like every Merach walking pad, it arrives assembled and ready to use. With over 1,000 reviews on Amazon UK at an average of 4.5 stars, this is one of the most popular and well-reviewed models in the range.
The 9% incline is where walking starts to feel genuinely challenging. At 2–3 mph on a 9% grade, you are simulating a steep hill walk that will have most people breathing noticeably harder within minutes. This makes the T14 a better fitness tool than the 6% model for users whose primary goal is calorie burn or cardiovascular conditioning rather than simply accumulating steps.
At £199.99, the T14 costs £80 more than the 5% manual incline model. Whether the auto incline and extra 3% incline justifies the premium depends on how seriously you take incline walking as exercise. For casual desk walkers, the 5% model at £109.99 is probably enough, but if you do find you like the incline you’ll soon get bored of manually changing the manual incline. So the T14 offers a big benefit here.
For users who specifically want steep-gradient walking workouts, the T14 delivers meaningfully more intensity.
RunRank: 3.5 / 5.0 — The steeper incline adds genuine workout intensity, and the price remains excellent. Less versatile than the 5% model due to the slightly narrower belt, but a better pure fitness tool for dedicated incline walkers. Doesn’t score as highly overall because of the price, and at 9% incline you’d expect a bit more speed.
Best for: Users who want steep incline walking for fitness and calorie burn rather than casual step accumulation. The 9% grade turns walking into a proper workout.
Hybrid Walking Pad — 0–6% Incline + Folding Handle (~£239.99)
The hybrid is the most versatile machine in Merach’s budget range. It is a 2-in-1: fold the handle down and it functions as a flat walking pad for under-desk use; raise the handle and it unlocks its full 7.5 mph speed for jogging and running with 6% auto incline. At £169.99, it offers both walking pad mode and running capability at a budget price point — though buyers should understand that the build quality reflects the price.
The 3.0 HP peak motor is the strongest in the budget range, which it needs to support running speeds. The 120 kg weight capacity is consistent across the budget line. The folding handle mechanism converts between modes — handle down for walking at up to approximately 3.7 mph, handle up for the full speed range with incline control.
This is a genuinely interesting machine at £169.99. The concept mirrors WalkingPad’s R-series hybrids (£569–£699), which also fold between walking pad mode and running mode with a raising handlebar. The WalkingPad R-series machines justify their higher price with brushless motors, longer belts, and substantially better build quality — but for buyers who want to test whether a hybrid walking pad suits their lifestyle before committing to a premium machine, the Merach hybrid is a low-risk way to find out. If you discover you love the hybrid format, upgrading to a WalkingPad R2 later gives you the premium build to match.
The 6% incline is available with the handle raised, adding gradient capability to running mode. At 7.5 mph on a 6% incline, you are running uphill — a workout that most commercial gym treadmills would charge you a monthly membership to access.
RunRank: 3.5 / 5.0 — Extraordinary value for a hybrid 2-in-1 with incline. Build quality will not match machines three times the price, but the feature set is genuinely impressive at £169.99.
Best for: Buyers who want both desk walking and running capability on a tight budget. First-time walking pad buyers unsure whether they will want running capability later — this lets you try both modes at minimal cost before deciding whether to invest in a premium hybrid like the WalkingPad R2.
Heavy-Duty Walking Pads: £279–£369
Merach’s heavy-duty walking pad range is unlike anything else in the UK market. These are not standard walking pads with a few extra features bolted on — they are purpose-built machines designed for heavier users, longer sessions, and steeper inclines than any conventional walking pad can deliver. The range spans from the T25 at £279.99 to the NovaWalk W50 at £369.99, with weight capacities reaching 181 kg and auto incline up to 12%.
All three Merach heavy duty treadmill UK models share wider-than-standard belts, reinforced decks, multi-layer shock absorption, and brushless motors for quieter, longer-lasting operation. These are walking pads that can genuinely replace a treadmill for users whose primary exercise is walking — particularly those who are heavier, older, or rehabilitating, and who need a machine built to handle sustained daily use at higher loads.
Heavy Duty Walking Pad — T25, 9% Auto Incline (~£279.99)
The T25 is the entry point to Merach’s heavy-duty walking pad line, and it is a substantial step up from the budget range. The headline specification is the 180 kg weight capacity — the joint highest of any walking pad we have reviewed — combined with 9% powered auto incline and a 42 × 102 cm belt that is meaningfully wider than the budget models.
The T25 is closely related to the NovaWalk W50 series (Merach uses T25 as a production model number across the heavy-duty line), but the Amazon UK listing at £279.99 offers 9% auto incline rather than the W50’s 12%. At £90 less than the W50, the T25 provides the heavy-duty construction and weight capacity at a more accessible price point, with the trade-off being 3% less maximum incline.
Speed ranges from 1 to 6 km/h (approximately 0.6 to 3.7 mph) — firmly walking territory. The machine comes with a magnetic remote control for speed and incline adjustment, LED display, and Merach App connectivity. Like the rest of the walking pad range, it arrives fully assembled. The quiet brushless motor operates under 25 dB according to Merach, making it suitable for use during calls, in shared spaces, or while watching television.
For users weighing between 120 and 180 kg, the T25 is one of very few walking pads actually designed and rated for their weight. Most walking pads cap at 100–120 kg. Using a 120 kg machine at or near its limit accelerates wear on the motor, belt, and frame. The T25’s 180 kg rating provides genuine headroom, which translates to better stability, longer machine life, and a more confident walking experience.
RunRank: 4.0 / 5.0 — The best-value heavy-duty walking pad in the UK. The 180 kg capacity at £279.99 is exceptional, and 9% auto incline adds genuine workout intensity. The W50 offers more incline for £90 more, but the T25 is the smarter buy for users who want heavy-duty construction without stretching to the W50’s price.
Best for: Heavier users (up to 180 kg) who want a walking pad built for their weight. Users who want heavy-duty construction and incline at a mid-range price. Anyone upgrading from a budget walking pad that felt flimsy or unstable.
Merach W50 — 12% Auto Incline (~£289.99)
The W50 is the flagship of the heavy-duty walking pad range and arguably the most impressive walking pad available in the UK market at any price. The numbers tell the story: 181 kg (400 lb) weight capacity, 12% powered auto incline, 3.5 HP peak motor (1.25 HP continuous) with brushless engineering, 16.5-inch wide belt, 15.3 mm reinforced deck, 10 hours of continuous runtime, and a claimed 25 dB operating noise level. At £289.99, it costs less than most premium walking pads that offer a fraction of these specifications.
The 181 kg capacity is extraordinary. This is not just “high” — it is the highest weight capacity of any walking pad we have reviewed on HomeTreadmill.co.uk. Most walking pads cap at 100–120 kg, and even premium options like the WalkingPad A1 Pro top out at 136 kg. For users in the 120–180 kg range, the W50 is one of very few walking pads that is actually designed and rated for their weight rather than being used near its operational limit.
The 12% auto incline simulates a steep hill walk — significantly more challenging than the T25’s 9%. At 12%, you are walking up a gradient that would have most people leaning forward and breathing hard within a few minutes. Combined with the wide belt and heavy-duty construction, the W50 is designed for users who want to walk hard — not just accumulate gentle steps.
Merach claims 25 dB operation for the W50, which — if accurate — would make it whisper-quiet. For reference, 25 dB is roughly the sound of breathing. Even accounting for the difference between marketing claims and real-world conditions, the brushless motor and heavy construction should produce a very quiet machine at walking speeds.
The W50 carries a 2-year warranty versus the standard 1-year across the rest of the range, which signals Merach’s confidence in the build quality. The Merach App provides incline control, workout tracking, scenic routes, and the multiplayer features available across the range. The only issue is, it’s not available on Amazon currently.
RunRank: 4.5 / 5.0 — The highest-rated Merach walking pad and one of the most impressive in the UK market. The combination of 181 kg capacity, 12% incline, and a sub-£300 price is unmatched. The only thing preventing a 5.0 is the lack of long-term durability data for a brand this new to the UK.
Best for: The best walking pad Merach makes, full stop. Specifically valuable for heavier users up to 181 kg, serious incline walkers, and anyone who wants heavy-duty construction at a mid-range price. If you are choosing between the T25 and W50, the extra £90 buys 3% more incline, a wider belt, and a longer warranty — the W50 is the smarter purchase if your budget allows it.
Foldable Treadmills: The T12 – T31 Range (£249–£659)
Merach’s T12 foldable treadmill comes in two versions: the T12A with manual 6% incline, and the T12 with 15% powered auto incline. Both share the same frame, motor, and folding mechanism — the difference is the incline system and price. These are Merach’s bridge between walking pads and proper treadmills: they run at up to 7.5 mph, fold to approximately 5 square feet in 15 seconds via a hydraulic soft-drop mechanism, and support 136 kg (300 lb).
Merach T12B1 Foldable Treadmill with 6% Incline (£249)
The T12B1 is Merach’s entry into foldable treadmills, and at £249.99 it’s priced aggressively enough to tempt anyone who’s outgrown a walking pad but isn’t ready to spend £400+.
You get a proper running belt (108 × 42 cm), safety handles, heart rate monitoring, and a 5-layer shock-absorbing belt with six silicone pillars protecting your joints. The hydraulic folding system works with one hand — lift it, and the rod handles 90% of the resistance. Kick the foot pedal to unfold, and it lowers itself in five seconds.
The catch is obvious: the incline is manual. Three fixed positions (flat, 3%, 6%) that you set before your session, not during it. If you’re walking at a steady pace and want a slight gradient, that’s fine. If you want to simulate hill intervals or adjust incline mid-workout, you’ll need the T12B2.
At 120 kg capacity, it’s also the lightest-duty treadmill in the range. Adequate for most users, but heavier walkers should look at the T12B2 or T31B1 for more headroom.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a proper foldable treadmill with incline but don’t need automatic adjustment. A meaningful upgrade from any flat walking pad.
Merach T12B2 Foldable Treadmill with 15% Auto Incline
The T12B2 is what the T12B1 should have been — same frame, same belt dimensions, but with 15 levels of automatic incline that you control from the handlebar buttons or remote without breaking stride.
That single upgrade changes everything. You can programme hill intervals, gradually ramp gradient during a session, or let the Merach app’s coached workouts adjust incline automatically. Merach claims 70% more efficient calorie burn compared to flat walking, and while that exact number depends on pace and bodyweight, the principle is sound — incline training recruits more muscle groups and drives heart rate higher at the same speed.
The capacity jumps to 136 kg too, which suggests a sturdier frame despite the similar footprint. The motor remains a 2.5 HP brushless unit, and maximum speed stays at 7.5 mph — enough for jogging, though this isn’t built for serious running.
Reviews are positive (4.5+ stars across platforms), with consistent praise for sturdiness and quiet operation. The main criticism is belt width — at 42 cm, taller users or those with wider strides may occasionally clip the edges during faster running.
Best for: The sweet spot of the foldable range. Auto incline, decent capacity, compact storage, and enough speed for walking and jogging. If you can stretch past the T12B1’s price, this is where the real value sits.
Merach T31B1 Foldable Treadmill with 18% Auto Incline
The T31 is Merach’s flagship treadmill and the only machine in their UK range that is genuinely built for running at speed with serious incline. Where the T12 is a compact foldable treadmill with running capability, the T31 is a proper gym-grade machine that happens to fold for storage.
The specifications make the case: 18% powered auto incline across 18 levels, a 3.5 HP brushless motor driving speeds from 0.6 to 8.7 mph, a full-size 46 × 120 cm running belt, 158 kg (350 lb) weight capacity, heart rate monitoring, and hydraulic folding in 30 seconds. The brushless motor — the same type used in the W50 heavy-duty walking pads — is engineered for quieter, cooler, and longer-lasting operation than the brushed motors in the budget range. Merach claims under 45 dB noise.
The 18% incline is the headline feature. This exceeds what most commercial gym treadmills offer (typically 10–15%) and is significantly steeper than the T12’s 15%. At 18%, you are essentially climbing a steep hill — the kind of gradient that turns a brisk walk into a serious cardiovascular workout and a jog into a genuinely punishing session. Merach has built three professional incline modes into the T31: Steady-State Climb for sustained gradient walking, Power Hiking for interval-based hill training, and Hill Sprints for high-intensity burst workouts. These are not just preset speeds — they are structured programmes that vary both speed and incline throughout the session.
The 46 × 120 cm belt is the most significant upgrade over the T12. At 120 cm long, it is a proper running-length belt that can accommodate taller users and longer strides without the “running out of room” feeling that the T12’s 42.5-inch belt produces. The 46 cm width provides ample space for natural arm movement during running. This is the only Merach machine where running at higher speeds feels genuinely comfortable rather than constrained.
The control panel features an LCD display with quick-select buttons for both incline (5%, 10%, 15%) and speed (2, 4, 6 mph), plus fine-adjustment controls for precise setting. A safety key is included — standard on full-size treadmills but absent from walking pads. Heart rate monitoring through handlebar sensors helps maintain target training zones.
Unlike the walking pads, the T31 requires assembly, attaching uprights, handlebars, and the display panel. Merach provides tools and the process takes approximately 30 minutes. A 1-year warranty covers the machine, with 24/7 customer support. The ultra-thick steel frame is built for stability at higher speeds and inclines.
At £659.99, the T31 is Merach’s most expensive UK product but is competitively priced against comparable machines from established brands. NordicTrack and Peloton treadmills with similar incline capability start at £1,200+. The T31 delivers 18% incline, 8.7 mph, and a full-size belt for under £700, the compromise being Merach’s newer UK brand presence versus the established support networks of premium brands.
RunRank: 4.0 / 5.0 — A genuinely impressive treadmill at the price. The 18% incline and full-size belt address the T12’s limitations, and the brushless motor provides gym-quality performance. The 1-year warranty (versus 2 years on the W50) and limited UK track record prevent a higher rating, but the value proposition is strong.
Best for: Serious runners and incline walkers who want a gym-quality treadmill at home without paying gym-brand prices. Users who found the T12’s belt too short for running. Buyers who want 18% incline for hill training programmes. Anyone building a home gym and wanting a treadmill that can handle sustained daily running.
The Merach App
Every model in the range connects to the Merach App (iOS and Android) via Bluetooth. Unlike brands that charge monthly subscriptions for content (looking at you, Peloton), Merach’s app is free and surprisingly featured for a budget brand.
The app offers scenic walking routes — virtual courses through landscapes that progress as you walk, providing visual motivation beyond staring at a wall or television. There are multiplayer features that let you walk or compete with other Merach users in real time, which is an unusual social element for a walking pad app. Workout tracking covers the standard metrics (distance, time, calories, speed, incline) with progress history and goal setting. The app syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit for broader health tracking integration.
Incline control through the app is available on all auto-incline models, letting you adjust gradient mid-workout without reaching for the remote. Speed control, programme selection, and session scheduling are also managed through the app interface.
The app’s primary weakness is that it is newer and less polished than established competitors. User reviews on app stores are mixed, with some reporting connectivity issues and occasional crashes. This is not unusual for a brand in its UK growth phase, and app quality tends to improve with scale and updates. The core functionality, device control, workout tracking, incline adjustment, works as advertised for most users.
Merach vs WalkingPad: The Honest Comparison
These are the two brands that most UK walking pad buyers will compare, and they represent fundamentally different philosophies:
WalkingPad is the premium standard. Brushless motors throughout, 120 cm belts as standard, award-winning industrial design, and build quality that consistently impresses reviewers. The KS Fit app is reliable. The brand invented the walking pad category and has the longest UK track record. You pay more, but you get engineering and longevity that budget brands struggle to match.
Merach is the budget alternative with a different set of strengths. Powered auto incline from £109.99, weight capacities up to 181 kg, a free app with social features, and a range that extends to proper running treadmills. The trade-off: less brand history in the UK, limited long-term durability data, less refined build quality at the budget end, and an app that is still maturing.
These brands serve different buyers. WalkingPad’s A1 Pro at £399 delivers the premium build quality, brushless motor, and 120 cm belt that justify its price — it is a machine built to last years of daily use. Merach’s W50 at £369.99 offers different strengths: 12% auto incline and 181 kg capacity. The choice depends on what matters most to you — long-term build quality or maximum features at the lowest price.
Where WalkingPad wins clearly is build quality confidence, motor engineering (brushless throughout versus Merach’s mixed approach), belt length (120 cm standard versus Merach’s shorter belts on budget models), and the reassurance of buying from the brand that has been doing this longer than anyone. If you value durability and a refined walking experience, WalkingPad’s premium is well earned.
The practical recommendation: if your budget is under £200 and you want a walking pad with incline, Merach is the only option at this price. If your budget stretches to £300+, WalkingPad’s build quality and track record make it the safer long-term investment for a pure walking pad. If you specifically need heavy-duty capacity above 136 kg, Merach’s T25 and W50 serve a market that WalkingPad does not target. And if you want a proper treadmill for running, Merach’s T12 and T31 take you into a different product category entirely.
What to Know Before Buying
Motor specifications: Merach lists peak HP figures (2.5–3.5 HP), which is the maximum momentary output under load. Continuous HP — the sustained power the motor delivers during normal use — is lower. The W50’s continuous rating is 1.25 HP, which is comparable to WalkingPad’s motors. Peak HP figures look impressive on Amazon listings but are less meaningful than continuous ratings for everyday use. This is not unique to Merach — most budget treadmill brands use peak HP marketing. The T31 and W50 series use brushless motors, which are inherently quieter and more durable than the brushed motors in the budget range.
Weight capacity and reality: Merach’s stated weight capacities (120–181 kg) are impressively high, particularly on the heavy-duty range. As with all treadmills, operating a machine near its maximum rated capacity increases wear on the motor, belt, and frame. If you are close to the stated maximum, the machine will work, but longevity may be shorter than for a lighter user. The W50’s 181 kg and T25’s 180 kg ratings provide substantial headroom for most users.
Belt dimensions: Merach’s budget models use shorter, narrower belts than WalkingPad’s 120 × 41.5 cm standard. The heavy-duty range compensates with wider belts (16.5 inches on the W50 series). The T12’s 42.5-inch running belt is adequate for walking and light jogging but short for running at higher speeds. Only the T31’s 120 cm belt matches full-size treadmill standards for comfortable running. Check belt dimensions against your stride length, particularly if you are tall.
Auto vs manual incline: Most Merach models offer powered auto incline that adjusts mid-workout via remote or app. The exception is the T12A, which has manual incline set before your session at 0%, 3%, or 6%. Auto incline is significantly more convenient and allows interval training that alternates between flat and incline. If incline matters to you — and it should — auto incline is worth the premium.
Assembly: Walking pads arrive fully assembled and ready to use out of the box. The foldable treadmills require minimal assembly (attaching the folding handle and display). The T31 requires more substantial assembly — approximately 30 minutes with the included tools. This is standard for full-size treadmills but worth knowing if you expect the plug-and-play experience of the walking pads.
Warranty and support: Standard warranty is one year across most models, with the W50 receiving two years. Merach’s UK support is through Amazon for Amazon purchases, or via info.uk@merachfit.com for direct enquiries. This is standard for Amazon-dominant brands but less reassuring than WalkingPad’s dedicated UK store with direct support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merach a good brand for walking pads and treadmills?
Merach is a legitimate fitness equipment company founded in 2018 with over 120 patents and products sold in 30+ countries. They are a market leader in Asia and are expanding into the UK market through Amazon and their European store. UK reviewers rate them an average of 4.5 stars and praise the value for money. Long-term durability data in the UK is limited compared to established brands like WalkingPad or Reebok, but early reviews, the company’s scale, and products like the T14 accumulating over 1,000 UK reviews suggest a credible brand at aggressive price points.
Which Merach walking pad should I buy?
For most buyers, the 6% incline walking pad at £109.99 is the starting recommendation — it offers auto incline at a price no other brand matches. If you weigh over 120 kg or want steeper incline, the T25 (£279.99, 180 kg, 9% incline) or NovaWalk W50 (£369.99, 181 kg, 12% incline) are the standout options. If you want running capability, the T12 foldable treadmill (£369.97, 15% incline, 7.5 mph) or the T31 (£598.49, 18% incline, 8.7 mph) are the choices depending on budget and whether you need a full-size running belt.
Does Merach offer incline on their walking pads?
Yes — powered auto incline on most UK models. The only model without incline is the base £99.99 walking pad. Incline ranges from 6% on the budget models to 18% on the T31 treadmill. Incline is one of Merach’s key differentiators in the market. The T12A is the exception within the treadmill range, offering manual (not auto) 6% incline.
What is the weight limit on Merach walking pads and treadmills?
Budget walking pads support 120 kg (265 lb). The T25 supports 180 kg (400 lb). The NovaWalk W50 supports 181 kg (400 lb) — the highest of any walking pad we have reviewed. The T12 foldable treadmill supports 136 kg (300 lb). The T31 treadmill supports 158 kg (350 lb).
How does Merach compare to WalkingPad?
Merach offers lower prices, incline capability, and higher weight capacities. WalkingPad offers superior build quality, longer belts, brushless motors throughout, and a more established UK presence with a longer track record of reliability. For budget buyers or those who need incline or heavy-duty capacity, Merach fills gaps that WalkingPad does not target. For buyers who want the best-built walking pad and are willing to pay for premium engineering, WalkingPad remains the stronger choice.
Is the Merach app free?
Yes. The Merach App is free on iOS and Android with no subscription required. It includes scenic walking routes, multiplayer features, workout tracking, incline control, and syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit. Merach states they currently have no plans to charge for the app.
Can you run on a Merach walking pad or treadmill?
Three models support running: the hybrid walking pad (7.5 mph with folding handle, £169.99), the T12 foldable treadmill (7.5 mph with 15% incline, £369.97), and the T31 heavy-duty treadmill (8.7 mph with 18% incline, £598.49). The T31 is the only model with a belt long enough (120 cm) for comfortable sustained running by taller users. All other models are walking-only with maximum speeds of 3.7 mph.
Where can I buy Merach in the UK?
Primarily through Amazon UK, where most models are available with Prime delivery. Merach also operates a European store at uk.merachfit.com. All Amazon purchases follow Amazon’s standard returns and warranty process. Direct purchases through the Merach store are supported via info.uk@merachfit.com.
