What Are the Side Rails on a Treadmill For? What Eurofins Mechanical Safety Testing Can Tell You

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When shopping for a home treadmill, many people focus on speed, incline, and running belt size, but overlook the fixed side rails alongside the belt.

These rails provide a stationary place to stand when preparing to exercise or stepping off the treadmill after a workout. If they are too narrow, have insufficient anti-slip properties, or lack adequate structural strength, they may affect stability when getting on or off the machine.

So, how can you tell whether a treadmill's side rails are designed with safety in mind? The side rails on the DeerRun A1 Pro have passed third-party Eurofins mechanical safety testing, providing additional evidence of the product's safety design.

1. Why Are Treadmill Side Rails More Than Just Decorative Features?

The fixed side rails sit alongside the moving running belt. Unlike the belt, they provide stationary footholds that users can stand on when preparing to exercise or stepping off the treadmill.

For example, before starting a workout, you can stand on the side rails and make sure the treadmill is ready before following the instructions to begin. After finishing, wait until the running belt has come to a complete stop before stepping off.

Although the side rails are not part of the main running surface, their dimensions, anti-slip design, and structural strength can all affect the user experience.

This is particularly important when several family members share a treadmill. Adequate standing space, an anti-slip surface, and the ability to withstand the required loads are practical details worth considering beyond appearance alone.

1.1 Eurofins Side Rail Safety Testing Provides Additional Assurance

The DeerRun A1 Pro underwent third-party mechanical safety testing by Eurofins (Report No.: EFBH25110332-CG-01; Testing Organization: Eurofins Product Testing Service (Changzhou); Date: December 5, 2025). The test result for Foot Rails (side rails) was Pass. The assessment covered requirements relating to rail length, width, anti-slip surfaces, and structural load-bearing performance.

For consumers, this means the side rails are evaluated for more than appearance. Their standing area, anti-slip design, and load-bearing capability have undergone relevant safety checks. Whether you're new to treadmill workouts or exercise regularly at home, the test result provides more specific information about the machine's safety design.

2. DeerRun A1 Pro: Designed for Running and Everyday Home Use

The DeerRun A1 Pro supports everyday walking and jogging, with a maximum speed of 10 MPH, a 6% manual incline, a foldable design, and PitPat App workout tracking.

2.1 Up to 10 MPH for Walking and Running

For people considering an upgrade from a walking pad to a home treadmill, the overall running experience can be just as important as the available speed range.

The A1 Pro reaches speeds of up to 10 MPH, accommodating different activities from everyday walking to faster running. Its 6% manual incline also provides another option for users who want to add uphill training to their flat-surface workouts.

User Patty Simmons shared her experience after switching from a walking pad. She found the treadmill more stable, sturdy, and smooth, and particularly appreciated how quietly the motor operated. She even noted that she could hear her feet hitting the belt more clearly than the motor itself.

Original Customer Review:

Sturdy, Smooth & Super Quiet, With a Few Design Flaws

I've been using this treadmill and overall, I really like it. The biggest pros for me are how stable, sturdy, smooth and QUIET it is. I previously had a much smaller treadmill that was more comparable to a walking pad, and this feels significantly more supportive and secure. The motor is so quiet that honestly, I hear my feet hitting the treadmill more than I hear the treadmill itself!😂 That alone gets 5 stars from me. I also love that it's compact without feeling too small. I can take comfortable, wide strides, and it doesn't take up a ton of space. The 6% incline is enough to make you put in some WORK, and I like that it goes up to 10 mph and has a 350 lb weight capacity, which means different people in my household can comfortably use it. For me, this is a really good basic treadmill for someone getting back into exercise, walking, jogging, cross-training, or just wanting another cardio option at home.

For people who want to establish a regular running routine at home, this review offers insight into the user's actual experience. Consider your own exercise habits when deciding whether the A1 Pro's speed range is right for you.

2.2 Foldable Storage and Workout Tracking for Everyday Convenience

For households that place a treadmill in the living room or a multipurpose room, convenient storage after exercise is another important consideration.

The A1 Pro features a foldable design, allowing you to fold it according to the product instructions when it is not in use and free up space for other activities.

When connected to the PitPat App, users can also view workout records, including exercise time and distance, to review their progress.

User Rogelio Acero mentioned in the original review that he enjoys the app's workout tracking and appreciates the treadmill's compact size, which makes it easy to put away after use.

Original Customer Review:

Big bang for the buck

So far loving the tracking on the app and the size of the treadmill makes it easy to put it up when I'm done

If you plan to exercise at home several times a week, workout tracking makes it easier to review your activity, while the foldable design helps you switch between workout time and everyday living space.

3. What Should You Check When Using Treadmill Side Rails?

Even when side rails have undergone relevant safety testing, proper use remains important.

The condition of your footwear also affects traction. Even when a treadmill has anti-slip surfaces, avoid exercising in shoes with heavily worn soles or footwear unsuitable for exercise.

If you notice loose rails, cracks, or other visible damage, stop using the treadmill and contact customer support for an inspection.

4. FAQ: Common Questions About Treadmill Side Rails

Q1: What's the difference between treadmill side rails and the running belt?

The running belt is the moving surface used for walking and running. The side rails are fixed structural components that provide stationary footholds when preparing to exercise or stepping off the treadmill.

Because they serve different purposes, they are also subject to different safety considerations.

Q2: Are wider treadmill side rails always better?

Not necessarily. Rather than simply choosing the widest rails, look for adequate standing space, an appropriate anti-slip surface, and sufficient structural strength.

You should also consider the running belt dimensions, speed range, handlebar design, and available space in your home.

5. Conclusion: Don't Overlook the Safety Design Beside the Running Belt

When choosing a home treadmill, don't focus exclusively on speed and incline. The design of the side rails deserves attention, too.

The side rails on the DeerRun A1 Pro passed the relevant Eurofins mechanical safety assessment. The treadmill also offers speeds of up to 10 MPH, a 6% manual incline, and foldable storage, combining workout versatility with practical home use.