Ergatta Lite is Ergatta’s lighter, shorter and more budget friendly indoor rowing machine. In this article Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe we break down the main differences between the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe, Ergatta’s original premium indoor rowing machine. Let’s compare the Ergatta Lite and see what the differences are including the lighter frame and ‘lighter’ price point of the Ergatta Lite.
Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe Specs
| Ergatta Lite | Ergatta Luxe | |
| Weight | 40 lbs (without water) | 78 lbs (without water) |
| Portability | Stands vertically | Stands vertically |
| Size | 82″ L x 23″ W | 86″ L x 23″ W |
| Resistance Type | Water | Water |
| Wood Type | Oak | Cherry |
| Resistance Levels | Self-regulated* | Self-regulated* |
| Maximum User Weight | 320 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Maximum User Height | 6’4″ | 6’8″ |
| Monitor | 17.3″ HD touch display | 21.5″ HD touch display |
| Power Requirement | Power Outlet | Power Outlet |
| Subscription Cost | $39/Month** | $39/Month** |
| Warranty | 5yr frame, 3yr parts | 5yr frame, 3yr parts |
| Price | Check current price on Ergatta.com | Check current price on Ergatta.com |
**Price Current May 2025 | Ergatta offers discounts for prepaid memberships check Ergatta.com for details
Build Details
Build differences between the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe
Both the Ergatta Lite and the original Ergatta Luxe rowing machine are custom models of WaterRower the leading water resistance indoor rowing machine manufacturer. WaterRower indoor rowing machines are hand made in the USA since the 1980’s and are widely known for their high quality build. Ergatta also offer free purification tablets for users to keep their water tanks clean. Replacement parts are also available for users to self-replace.
Ergatta Lite
The Ergatta Lite is a custom model of the WaterRower oak dual rail indoor rowing machine with the Ergatta touchscreen attached to it. However it does have some key differences than that of the original WaterRower oak frame such as:
- Diagonal frame cuts rather than the vertical, giving it a more sleek appearance.
- Ergatta engraved branding on the frame
- WaterRower oak frame is suitable for users up to 700lbs
- The original series WaterRower oak frame weighs 67lbs without water
Comparing Ergatta Lite vs Ergatta Luxe original indoor rowing machine, key differences in the build are:
- Ergatta Lite is made from oak wood rather than cherry wood that the original Ergatta Luxe is made from
- Ergatta Lite doesn’t have the cut-outs in the frame that the Ergatta Luxe has.
- Ergatta Lite has the standard WaterRower monitor arm rather than the unique chunky Ergatta Luxe monitor arm.
- Ergatta Lite features different foot placements and straps
- Ergatta Lite doesn’t feature the slick black seal around the water tank it is clear instead
- Ergatta Lite vs Ergatta Luxe frame weighs significantly less at 40 lbs vs 78 lbs
- Ergatta Lite frame is shorter at 82″ vs 86″
- Ergatta Lite includes the shorter 15″ handle, the Ergatta Luxe features the larger 17″ handle
The Experience
Ergatta Lite features the 17.3″ HD 1920×1080 touchscreen and the Ergatta Luxe features a larger 21.5” HD 1920×1080 touchscreen. Both use a power meter used for accurately measuring the absolute wattage applied by the user throughout each stroke. Aside from the differences in the rowing machine frame and larger screen and handle, the actual rowing experience and training experience on both machines is pretty similar, making the Ergatta Lite a solid option for those wanting to start using the Ergatta training platform on a lower budget.
The Ergatta Experience
Ergatta has a beautiful smooth flowing resistance right from the beginning to the end of the stroke which is created by Ergatta’s WaterRower water flywheel. As well as that smoothing feeling rowing on a WaterRower there are also psychological benefits of rowing with a water resistance rower. The sound of water is meditative and can be a relaxing unwind after a busy day of work.
As far as the workout programs that Ergatta offers, Ergatta’s training platform includes unique beautifully designed and constructed games and programs to follow. These are custom tailored based on your intensity zone metrics which have been calibrated from your first calibration row when you set up your Ergatta. Workouts constantly evolve based on your progress and performance. This is a unique and powerful form of training and their workouts are fun and engaging.
Ergatta as a connected experience machine is really great for someone that likes to see their metrics and data that is looking to improve their times and progress. Ergatta constantly trains and challenges you. Workouts push you to hit your achievable intervals. It keeps you accountable and progressing. Ergatta provides a great platform for someone competitive that loves to challenge themselves and other
Ergatta also have ‘open row’ mode where you can program a row for a specific distance or time or free row which includes scenic video footage from locations globally. This makes it also suitable to use as a tool for other types of mixed exercise interval training. Ergatta is great for someone that wants to get fit and progress in their rowing in an efficient and effective way. Ergatta teamed up with CityRow to add instructor led classes into the mix further adding to the comprehensive training platform.
Features:
- Race workouts: choose users to race against or race against yourself or let Ergatta select it automatically based on your intensity zone metrics. Race workouts can be chosen based on duration or distance
- Push Programs: Goal based training programs, completing sections of the program unlocks subsequent sections holding you accountable and keeping you progressing towards your goals
- Interval workouts: Use hundreds of different workouts with different intensity, focus and lengths which help you reach your targets
- Programs are curated based on your calibrated intensity zones
- Free Row: Choose a traditional time or distance session
- Scenic Row: Row along to beautiful scenery from across the globe
- City Row: Row along to a guided class workout
Choosing Your Indoor Rowing Machine
So why would you choose the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe?
Choose the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe if you:
- Prefer to have a shorter rowing machine 82″ length vs 86″ length if you have limited space to fit the rowing machine in.
- Prefer to have a lighter indoor rowing machine which will make it a little easier to move to stand upright the Ergatta Lite weighs 72 lbs with water compared with the Ergatta Luxe weighing 105 lbs.
- Prefer to save money (the Ergatta Lite is signficantly cheaper than the original Ergatta Luxe indoor rowing machine).
- Like the lighter oak wood frame over the darker cherry wood frame
Choose the original Ergatta Luxe if you:
- Like the aesthetics of the darker cherry wood frame and the chunky custom details unique to Ergatta Luxe such as the chunkier monitor arm and sleek cut-outs in the frame.
- Interested in being able to have the HiRise Kit for the Ergatta Luxe which raises the height of the Ergatta Luxe indoor rowing machine, great for those that prefer to have a higher machine or may have limited mobility / hip issues so it is more comfortable to hop on and off.
- Are a taller user e.g. over 6’4″.
- Are a heavier user, the Ergatta max user weight is 500 lbs compared with the Ergatta Lite max user weight of 320 lbs.
- Interested in having the larger 21.5″ HD touchscreen for an even more immersive training experience.
Conclusion
When choosing either the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe, I think for most people that aren’t in the heavier or taller category it will generally come down to budget and preference. You are already paying quite a bit of money for your indoor rowing machine so it may be whether you prefer the look of the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe having an oak frame or Ergatta’s original cherry wood frame. Otherwise if you want to save yourself money and go for the cheaper Ergatta Lite but still have a similar high quality indoor rowing experience with the same exceptional high quality training platform and community.
With either the Ergatta Lite VS Ergatta Luxe, I think it’s great that Ergatta are looking at more ways to be able to give people the option of being able to enter the Ergatta training platform and community at a lower price point. Either way I hope you enjoy your Ergatta Lite or Ergatta Luxe and get great use out of it.