# Can you use a Peloton bike without a subscription? Source: https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/peloton-without-subscription Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Row and Spin **In short:** Yes, but only in a limited way. Without a membership a Peloton bike still pedals and gives basic riding, but the touchscreen class library generally needs Peloton's All-Access style membership. A cheaper app-only membership exists for phones, tablets and TVs, but it is not the same as the bike's full membership. Peloton changes its tiers, so check onepeloton.co.uk for current options. A Peloton bike is designed around its classes, so it is natural to ask what happens if you stop paying, or buy one second-hand and do not want a membership. This guide explains, in general terms, what works on the bike without a membership, which membership the bike's own screen needs, what the app-only option is, and the alternatives if you would rather not subscribe at all. Peloton changes its memberships from time to time, so treat this as a starting point and confirm details on Peloton's UK website. ## What works on a Peloton bike with no membership The bike itself is a mechanical spin bike with a flywheel, magnetic resistance and a touchscreen. With no membership it still turns, the resistance knob still works, and you can ride it like any other spin bike. Peloton has offered a basic free riding mode on its touchscreen, which shows simple metrics, though what is included has changed over time. The large class library, live classes, leaderboards and most of the programmes are the parts that need a paid membership. Without one, you lose the main reason most people buy the bike. Check Peloton's support pages for exactly what the current software allows without a membership, as it varies by bike model and software version. If you bought a used bike, the previous owner's membership needs to be transferred or cancelled before you can start your own. Peloton's support pages describe how to do this. ## Which Peloton membership do you need for the bike? To use classes on the bike's own touchscreen, you generally need Peloton's full membership for connected equipment, known for many years as All-Access. It covers the household on that bike, with separate profiles for each rider, and also opens the Peloton app on other devices. Peloton also sells cheaper app-only memberships. These give access to classes on a phone, tablet, computer or TV, and are aimed at people without Peloton equipment. On most Peloton bikes an app-only membership does not unlock the bike's own touchscreen classes, so you would be watching on a separate device. Peloton has renamed and reshaped these tiers several times. Because of that, this guide does not quote names beyond the general types or any prices. Check onepeloton.co.uk for the current options and what each one covers. | Option | Bike touchscreen classes | Classes on phone, tablet or TV | | --- | --- | --- | | No membership | No, basic riding only | No | | Full equipment membership (All-Access style) | Yes | Yes | | App-only membership | Generally no | Yes | Membership types in general terms (check Peloton's site for current details) ## Using the Peloton app instead The Peloton app runs classes on a phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV. You can follow the instructor's cadence and resistance cues on any bike, including a Peloton bike with no full membership or a different spin bike entirely. The catch is data. A Peloton bike's resistance and output figures are shown on its own screen, and a standard bike will not feed its numbers into the Peloton app in the same way. You follow the cues by feel and read your own console. Our guide to [using Zwift or the Peloton app on any bike](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/using-zwift-or-peloton-app-on-any-bike) explains which sensors and connections apps can use. If you mainly want classes and do not need numbers on screen, an app-only membership on a tablet in front of any spin bike is a common set-up. ## Riding a Peloton with other apps Peloton bikes are designed for Peloton's own software rather than as open smart bikes. Getting their data into third-party apps such as Zwift is not a standard feature, and riders who do it usually add their own cadence sensor or power pedals, or use unofficial workarounds. Unofficial methods can stop working after updates and may not be supported by Peloton. If connecting to Zwift, Kinomap or a maker's free app matters to you, it is simpler to buy a bike that lists Bluetooth FTMS support or named app compatibility from the start. Note: Do not open the bike's housing or modify wiring to add sensors. For faults, contact Peloton support or a qualified technician. ## Alternatives that do not need a subscription If you would rather not pay monthly, there are three main routes. Ride a plain spin bike and follow free online videos. Buy a bike with a free maker app, such as some Sunny Health and Fitness models that work with the SunnyFit app. Or buy a bike that connects to several apps, so you can pick a subscription only when you want one and cancel it when you do not. Our [best Peloton alternative bike guide](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-peloton-alternative-bike) covers bikes with built-in screens, Zwift and Kinomap support and free apps. For a direct comparison of two connected brands, read [Peloton vs Echelon](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/peloton-vs-echelon). If you are still deciding whether a spin bike suits you at all, see [is a spin bike worth it](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/is-a-spin-bike-worth-it). [See Peloton alternatives](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-peloton-alternative-bike) ## Frequently asked questions **Can you use a Peloton bike without a subscription?** Yes, as a basic spin bike. You can pedal and change resistance, and there has been a simple free riding mode, but the class library on the touchscreen generally needs a full membership. **Which Peloton membership do I need for the bike?** For classes on the bike's own screen, the full equipment membership, known for years as All-Access. App-only memberships are cheaper but are designed for phones, tablets and TVs. Confirm current tiers on onepeloton.co.uk. **Can I use the Peloton app with any bike?** Yes. You can follow app classes on any exercise bike, but your bike's data will not usually appear in the app. You ride to the cues by feel. **If I have a Peloton bike problem, where should I go?** Start with Peloton's support pages and the manual. For anything involving the screen, wiring or the flywheel, contact Peloton support rather than opening the bike. Our [Peloton bike not working](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/peloton-bike-not-working) guide covers simple first checks. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-peloton-alternative-bike - https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-spin-bike-uk - https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-spin-bike-under-500 ## Sources - [Peloton UK](https://www.onepeloton.co.uk)