The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about two products from Peloton that pose a potential safety hazard. The Peloton Tread and Peloton Tread+ are under recall after a Tread+ model caused the death of a child and numerous injuries to children and small pets.
Many of the Tread+ models were primarily sold in the U.S., with limited models present in Canada and the U.K. There are only 1,000 Tread models in the U.S. and recalls for both products are in effect in all three countries.
Peloton is now cooperating with the CPSC to take these treadmills out of circulation and prioritize consumer safety. At the onset of the injuries, however, Peloton’s CEO rejected the claims that the treadmills were causing injury. Peloton has since walked that statement back and admitted that the machines should have been recalled sooner.
Following recommendations for consumers outlined within recall notices is a good way to help ensure your home’s safety. In the case of Peloton recalls, the CPSC has recommended pursuing a refund or repairs.
Following reported malfunctions, the CPSC reached out to Peloton to discuss how to address these products’ potential dangers. On May 5, 2021, the CPSC and Peloton agreed on a full recall of Tread+ and Tread model treadmills.
The two models cause different injuries and have separate malfunctions. The Tread+ model from Peloton is larger and higher off the floor than the Tread model. This extra space under the Tread+ creates enough space for people and pets to be pulled underneath the treadmill.
Since 2018 there have been 72 reports of adults, children, pets and objects being pulled under the machine. There are also a total of 29 reports of serious child safety issues, with children experiencing injuries such as second and third degree abrasions, broken bones, and lacerations.
Peloton was also made aware of a child’s death as a result of being pulled under the machine. Because of the severity of some of the injuries, the CPSC recommended Peloton issue a mandatory recall.
The Tread model from Peloton is smaller than the Tread+ model and does not have the same space underneath the machine that has resulted in serious injuries. The Tread does have issues with its touchscreen loosening and falling, causing injuries.
While there have been no touchscreen-related injuries reported in the U.S., injuries have been reported in the U.K. and Canada. For this reason, the CPSC recommended a voluntary recall for the product.
Each treadmill has a unique model number and distinguishing characteristics that make it easy to tell which model you have. Also, the Tread model is notably smaller than the Tread+ and only 1,000 Tread models were sold in the United States.
If you are having trouble identifying the model that you have, here are the specific statistics for each model:
For consumers who have purchased Peloton treadmills, there are different remedies available, depending on the specific model you have.
The Tread+ model retailed for $4,295. Following the recall, the company decided to provide a full refund until November 6, 2022. If the machine is returned after this date, only a partial refund will be issued.
It is important to note that Peloton and the CPSC recommend immediately halting usage of the Tread+. Peloton will also upgrade the software to include a locking mechanism to help prevent potential injuries.
The Tread model has caused fewer injuries than the Tread+ models, but the CPSC and Peloton also recommend discontinuing use immediately. The Tread model retailed for $2,495 and a full refund will be issued if the machine is returned before November 6, 2022. Peloton is also offering to come and affix the touchscreen to the treadmill to avoid further issues with the device.
The CPSC took action when it was clear that the Tread+ and Tread treadmill-related injuries were significantly more severe than the normal scrapes and bumps from a typical fall or trip on a treadmill. Use of Tread+ has resulted in one death, brain injury, burns and bone fractures.
Peloton’s initial response to the CPSC’s product warning contested the commission’s position. Peloton’s spokesperson stated at the time, “We are disappointed that the CPSC is mischaracterizing the situation.”
Peloton also advised users to keep their machine locked and the safety key kept away from children, adding, “The Peloton Tread+ is safe for use at home when operated as directed and in accordance with our warnings and safety instructions. As a reminder, the Tread+ is not for children under 16 and children, pets, and objects need to be kept away from the Tread+ at all times.”
The CEO of Peloton did eventually state that they should have taken the reports more seriously and acted sooner. Peloton is now in full cooperation with the CPSC and Peloton is offering refunds and repairs of their treadmills.
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