Are Treadmills in Miles or km? Learn How to Switch Units Easily

When you step on a treadmill for the first time or set up a new one at home, one of the first questions that comes up is: is this thing showing me miles or kilometres? For most people across Europe, kilometres are the standard, so seeing "MPH" flash across the display can throw off your entire workout.

Understanding how treadmills measure distance and how to switch between miles and km gives you full control over your training data. Whether you're tracking daily steps, preparing for a 5K, or working toward a marathon goal, getting the right unit on your display matters more than you might think.

This guide walks you through how treadmill measurement systems work, how to change them, and which unit makes the most sense for your training, all with iScooter's compacthome walking pad treadmills in mind.

Are Treadmills in Miles or km?

Most treadmills sold globally, including those in Europe, are designed to display speed and distance in either miles (mph) or kilometres (km/h), depending on the model and regional settings. In continental Europe, the default is typically kilometres, since the metric system is the official standard across EU member states.

That said, not every treadmill arrives pre-set to km/h. Some models, particularly those manufactured for international markets, may default to miles. The good news is that nearly all modern treadmills let you switch between the two with just a few taps. So if your display is showing numbers that don't quite add up, it's almost certainly a settings issue, not a hardware one.

How to Switch Between Miles and km on a Treadmill

Not sure which unit your treadmill is currently using? Here's how to check and change it.

Step 1: Check the Display

The quickest way is to look at your speed reading while the treadmill is running. If it shows "KM/H" or "km/h", you're already on kilometres. If it reads "MPH", it's set to miles. A walking pace of around 5–6 km/h is a helpful benchmark if your display shows something in that range, you're on metric.

Step 2: Access the Console Settings

Most modern treadmills, including iScooter's JT31 walking pad compact treadmill with incline and the JT51 2-in-1 folding home treadmill with handrails, have a straightforward LED or touchscreen display. To change units:

• Tap the speed or distance section of the display
• Look for a settings menu or gear icon
• Find an option labelled "Units", "Distance Units", or "Measurement"
• Select your preferred unit and confirm

On remote-controlled models like the JT31, you may also be able to hold a combination of buttons to access a configuration menu, check your user manual for the exact steps.

Step 3: Refer to the Owner's Manual

If you can't find the unit toggle in the console, the manual is your best resource. It will walk you through the exact button sequence for your specific model. iScooter's customer support team is also available at support@iscooterglobal.eu if you need a hand.

Once updated, the setting is saved and you won't need to change it again each time you start a session. This also means your workout data syncs consistently with fitness apps that use your preferred unit.

Kilometres vs Miles: Which Should You Use in Europe?

Here in Europe, the practical answer for most users is kilometres and there are solid training reasons to back that up, not just convention.

Why km Makes More Sense for European Runners

You hit milestones more often

A kilometre is about 0.62 miles, so you cross distance markers roughly 60% more frequently. For anyone building up their endurance, that frequent feedback is genuinely motivating.

Race distances are in km

The most popular amateur running events across Europe: the 5K, 10K, half marathon (21.1 km), and full marathon (42.2 km) are all measured in kilometres. If you're training for a Parkrun, a city race, or a charity run, working in km aligns your treadmill data directly with your race goals.

Easier pace calculations

The metric system's base-10 structure makes mental arithmetic simple. Dividing your time by distance in kilometres is far more intuitive than dealing with miles and fractions.

Consistency with outdoor apps

Running apps popular in Europe including Strava, Garmin Connect, and Google Fit default to kilometres for most European users. Training in the same unit means your indoor and outdoor sessions are directly comparable.

When Miles Might Still Be Useful

There are a few cases where miles have a practical edge. If you follow training plans originally written in miles (many marathon programmes from US coaches use miles), tracking in the same unit saves you from mentally converting every interval. Some users also find that the longer distance of a mile — roughly 1.6 km — makes each milestone feel like a bigger psychological achievement, which can help during longer sessions.

The bottom line: for most European users, kilometres is the right default. But the "correct" unit is ultimately the one that keeps you consistent and motivated.

Thinking About Getting a Home Treadmill? Here Are iScooter's Top Picks

If you're still looking for the right compact treadmill for home or office use, iScooter's walking pad collection has two standout models worth comparing:

TheiScooter JT31 walking pad treadmill with incline is a great choice if you want the added challenge of a slope. The 15° manual incline lets you simulate uphill walking for more calorie burn without increasing speed. It folds flat and fits under most sofas or beds when not in use, making it ideal for smaller European apartments.

The JT51 2-in-1 folding home treadmill with handrails is better suited for users who want a higher speed ceiling (up to 10 km/h) and added stability thanks to its integrated handrails, useful if you're new to treadmill walking or recovering from an injury.

Both models display in km/h by default for EU users and are backed by a 12-month warranty with fast delivery from EU warehouses.

The Best Treadmill Unit for European Users 

For most people across Europe, the answer is simple: your treadmill should be set to kilometres. It aligns with local race distances, outdoor running apps, and the metric system you're already used to. Switching units is easy on virtually every modern treadmill, usually just a few taps in the console settings and it only takes a moment to get your display showing exactly what you need.

Whether you're walking 3 km/h at your desk, jogging at 6 km/h in the evenings, or working up to 10 km/h on a folding compact treadmill, tracking in the right unit means every session is measured accurately and every milestone actually means something.

If you're still searching for the right home fitness option, explore iScooter's range ofcompact walking pad treadmills for home and office — quiet, foldable, and built for everyday European life.

FAQs

Does switching between miles and km affect speed, distance, or calorie data?

No. Changing the unit display on your treadmill is purely cosmetic, it converts the numbers shown on screen without affecting your actual workout. Your speed, distance covered, and calories burned remain exactly the same regardless of which unit is shown.

How do I know if my treadmill is currently set to miles or kilometres?

The easiest way is to check the speed display while walking. A comfortable walking pace is around 4–6 km/h. If the display shows a number in that range, you're on kilometres. If it shows something like 2.5–3.7 (which would be mph), you're on miles. You can also check the unit label next to the speed reading, most displays show "km/h" or "mph" directly.

Are iScooter walking pads set to km/h for European customers?

Yes. iScooter's EU models, including the JT31 walking pad compact treadmill with incline and the JT51 folding home treadmill with handrails are configured for European markets and display speed in km/h by default. The unit can still be toggled in the console settings if you prefer miles.