Peloton Recalls Treadmills After Injuries & Death

Peter Olszewski

Peloton Interactive is recalling both its Tread+ and Tread treadmills following more than 39 incidents, including the death of one child and dozens of other instances where users sustained injuries such as broken bones and cuts, announced today by Peloton and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPS).

These reports include adult users, children, pets and/or objects being pulled under the rear of the Tread+ treadmill, and reports of injuries to children such as second- and third-degree abrasions, broken bones, and lacerations. The company also notified the CPSC that its newer Peloton Tread’s touch screen can detach and fall, posing a risk of injury to consumers.

CSPS stated Peloton’s treadmills are designed differently than other, more traditional treadmills, with “an unusual belt design that uses individual rigid rubberized slats or treads that are interlocked and ride on a rail.” That’s instead of a thinner, continuous belt. There is also a large gap between the floor and the belt of the Tread+, leaving room for a child, a pet, or an object, such as an exercise ball to wiggle their way under, which can lead to being sucked under the 450+ pound machine.

The recall comes after the CPSC, in April, took the unusual step of warning consumers with small children or pets at home to immediately stop using the Peloton Tread+. The company initially refused to recall its $4,300 exercise machine, stating that the product was safe as long as users followed operating instructions, which was clearly not the case as the majority of reported injuries were a result of using the treadmill in the proper manner.