I got this with the expectation of only having a year or so before it broke. I wish. Try only 5 uses before it's done (at least I think).
Just FYI, I'm only 5'11 and 175 lbs so it's not like I'm stressing the unit. Plus, I never got to the point where I was working it that hard.
The first 2 or 3 uses were okay. Even when operational, the stepping action is not very smooth. Then comes the jolt. The shocks get very hot and lose tension suddenly. You are riding along and suddenly your foot drops to the floor. It actually hurt my knee with the jolt.
It usually lasts about 15 mins before you can't get the tension back at all. But, at least for a few uses, you could "pump" the stepper a little and get it to work.
Now, after 5 or 6 uses, the tension is completely gone in the right leg. It's completely useless. Seriously, why can't I rate this zero stars? If ever a product deserves it, this does.
On the plus side, it's easy to setup and I suppose to throw away, as I'll soon find out.
One more thing. Even when it did work, I didn't like the pedal incline. If you are used to gym style steppers, you know the pedals are pretty level. That way, you can lean a little forward or back to change up the workout. This unit, however, has a STEEP incline (in towards the handle bars). It doesn't make for a comfortable stepping motion. I chalked this up to 'you get what you pay for though' at first.
Of course, even at a real cheap price, it should last longer than a couple of weeks...
Stay away!!