Urevo Cybermega Treadmill review: Running with AI for better or worse

The Urevo Cybermega undoubtedly achieves its goal of offering a space-saving treadmill while still supporting a full running stride. Furthermore, the shock absorption is excellent and easily accommodates runners of all levels and running styles, and the controls offer easy access throughout the workout, even if they sometimes pool sweat. However, runners should keep a few software and hardware caveats in mind. The AI coaching software lacks polish, with the generated music frequently stopping mid-run and certain video-oriented settings detracting from Urevos' attempts at immersion. Additionally, the non-adjustable armrests could potentially feature sharp plastic undersides that scrape hands during intense sessions, so users may want to check their unit to see if this is the case. Otherwise, the Urevo Cybermega is a solid option for those short on space who still want a comfortable running experience with a host of AI coaching options.

The Urevo Cybermega Smart Treadmill is available through the official Urevo website and major online retailers, priced between $899 and $999. This pricing tier puts it alongside mid-range home gym equipment.

The Urevo Cybermega is a mid-range treadmill that offers runnersAI-created running programs. With a 4.0 hp brushless motor, 12% adjustable inclines, and a full-size running deck, the Cybermega also suits users looking for a well-rounded machine.  

The Urevo Cybermega arrives in a giant box with ample padding and was undamaged. The unit is almost fully assembled, so setup was mostly applying oil to the running deck and raising the control board and armrests.

The Urevo CyberMega has a pleasantly understated design and feels strong and stable when stepping onto it. Unlike many budget treadmills, which handle light jogging adequately but wobble at higher speeds, the CyberMega avoids this flex. Built on a solid frame, the running deck measures 51.18 in (130 cm) by 18.9 in (43 cm). For home use, this footprint accommodates most runners' full stride while taking up less floor space than similarly capable units. When the workout is over, the folding mechanism allows the unit to fold down for storage.

While the design does feature armrests, there is an unfortunate oversight in their construction. The underside of the non-adjustable arms, where the plastic base meets the top cover, is sharp. During testing, natural arm swings caused the back of the hand to scrape against this plastic, resulting in minor cuts. Because the arms cannot be adjusted outward, users must monitor their hand placement during runs, which can be easily overlooked when fatigued. Additionally, the flat design of the integrated heart-rate sensors can cause sweat to pool over the contacts, leading to inaccurate readings at times.

Mechanically, the CyberMega runs as intended. The integrated shock-absorption pad balances firmness and give and can be adjusted via sliders on either side of the deck. For runners who wear minimalist shoes or run barefoot, this feature helped reduce joint impact and outperformed the stiff deck found on older machines.

The AI and digital experience presents limitations. Urevo markets its AI-coaching app, which offers structured 5k, 10k, and marathon training programs. While the coaching metrics track properly and the top speed and incline provide enough speed and intensity for a serious workout, the multimedia features frequently fail to work. The biggest culprit is the AI-generated running music. During multiple test runs, the music stopped playing entirely, forcing a break in stride to restart the app to restore audio.

Additionally, the simulated video routes, designed to emulate an outdoor running experience, struggled to maintain immersion. While running a virtual Swedish mountain route, the camera-car recording the footage pulled into a residential driveway before cutting to a different stretch of road. Furthermore, the recording vehicle's shadows were also visible on the screen. However, the other features worked as expected, and it was nice to connect a device to the machine to navigate the running programs.

The Urevo Cybermega is solidly built but, like other AI products, suffers from software woes. The crashing music, disjointed videos, and sharp armrests point to areas that need refinement. On the mechanical side, however, the machine delivers a 4.0 hp motor, a 12.5 mph top speed, and a comfortable deck. For runners willing to overlook software limitations and monitor hand placement, it works as a decent training tool, with AI features that can help beginners train.