Editor's Note: We have updated the following article to reflect new information that Amazon is not affiliated with Echelon and Prime Bikes is not affiliated with the company or Amazon Prime Amazon informed us that it is "working with Echelon, clarifying this in communications, discontinuing product sales, and changing product branding"

The Prime Bike is ready to get you running in your living room At least it was until Amazon removed this exercise bike from its online store

Exercise bike maker Echelon offers an affordable $500 smart exercise bike, well below the nearly $2,000 Peloton bike At this price, the Echelon Prime Smart Connect Fitness Bike (or simply Prime Bike) could be one of the best exercise bikes on the market Initially advertised as an exclusive promotion for Amazon Prime users, Amazon has declared that it has nothing to do with Echelon or Prime Bike and has removed the bike from its website

That does not mean the Prime Bike is dead; the branding will have to be changed and the price adjusted If Echelon can offer an exercise bike for less than a peloton, it could still be a winner

The only downside is that the new Prime bikes, unlike the Peloton, do not have screens Riders will need to provide their own device (phone or tablet), but the Prime Bike comes with a free 30-day trial of Echelon's Connected Fitness on Demand classes The Peloton app can also be used to train to the service's popular programs

The Prime Bike uses a magnetic resistance system like Echelon's EX-3 and EX-5 exercise bikes Instead of toe clips, straps lock the rider's feet to the pedals

The lack of a built-in screen makes it more of a budget spinning bike than a Peloton replacement Additionally, the prime bike weighs only 80 pounds The Echelon also has a front wheel so it can be rolled around the house

Wal-Mart sells a similar Echelon model for $500 under the name Connect Sport Bike

Peloton has always been a high-end product, but Peloton is trying to make it more affordable: following the debut of the more expensive Bike+ model at $2,495, the original Peloton Bike now costs $1,895 (down from $2,245)

Exercise bikes have been in high demand in recent months as people stay home and work during the coronavirus pandemic The coronavirus pandemic in particular does not seem to be ending anytime soon