Design and workmanship
Weighing in at around 60 kg, the WalkingPad X218 clearly falls into the category of full-fledged home treadmills. It is delivered by a freight carrier, ideally with two people, as the package is difficult to move safely alone.
The height-adjustable handrail is permanently integrated and offers additional safety at higher speeds compared to simple walking pads without a handrail. Assembly is minimal. The device arrives largely pre-assembled and simply needs to be unfolded and set up.
The overall workmanship appears very solid. The frame, hinges, and handrail are cleanly finished; nothing creaks or feels unstable. The double folding mechanism is well-designed. The treadmill can be folded horizontally and vertically and, when folded, requires less than 0,5 m² of floor space.
setup and start-up
Once the device is unpacked, it can be easily moved using the two small wheels. However, if it tips over, the 60 kg weight can quickly become uncontrollable!
The commissioning process itself is straightforward. Before the first run, the manufacturer recommends applying approximately 10 ml of lubricating oil in a Z-shape under the belt to reduce friction and increase the service life of the running surface.
Next comes pairing with the KS Fit app. Create an account, turn on the device, open the app, and the treadmill is recognized within seconds. In testing, the connection remained stable and without interruptions.
LED display and controls
The integrated LED display clearly shows all relevant training data:
- Time
- Speed
- Distance
- Calories
- Heart rate (with compatible recording)
The display is easy to read even in poor lighting conditions. A traditional remote control is not included; the device is primarily controlled via the app or directly on the device itself. This works, but requires that the smartphone is readily available during the workout.
Running feel and training practice
The 1,75 HP brushless motor operates pleasantly quietly and remains unobtrusive even under higher loads. While the noise level does increase at speeds above 12 km/h, it remains significantly lower than what is typical of many conventional home treadmills.
The four-layer, shock-absorbing running surface noticeably relieves stress on the knees and joints. The difference compared to simpler models is particularly noticeable during longer workouts. Even with a body weight of around 100 kg, the treadmill remains stable; nothing wobbles or feels overloaded.
The maximum speed of 18 km/h opens up a wide range of training possibilities, from leisurely walks to intense running sessions. There is no static incline function, which some users may consider a disadvantage. In practice, the X218 clearly focuses on speed and stability, rather than simulating hill runs.
A clear advantage of the WalkingPad X218 is its suitability for everyday use. After training, the device can be quickly folded up and stored in a space-saving manner.
KS Fit App and Connectivity
The KS Fit app serves as a central control and analysis platform. It offers training statistics, historical data, and various training modes. Operation is clear, functional, and largely self-explanatory.
Direct integration with Garmin or other major fitness ecosystems is currently not possible. However, the manufacturer is aware of this issue and plans to address it in the long term.
Currently, training data can be supplemented via third-party apps such as Kinomap, Zwift, FitShow, MyHomeFIT, or MapMyWalk. However, this requires additional setup and is not as seamless as native integration. Bluetooth and NFC are included, and the connection proved stable in testing.
Maintenance and care
Aside from the initial lubrication, the treadmill requires very little maintenance. Depending on usage, the belt should be re-oiled at regular intervals. The app reminds users of maintenance intervals, keeping the effort manageable.
