Peloton Treadmill Injury Lawsuit Alleges Child’s Hand Was Pulled Under Moving Belt

Complaint cites more than 150 reports of people, pets or objects being pulled under Peloton treadmills, including one child’s death and 13 injuries.

Two California parents have filed a product liability lawsuit alleging Peloton failed to incorporate adequate safeguards into its treadmill designs that could protect children from foreseeable entrapment hazards.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Seyed Navidpour and Parvaneh Navidpour, as guardians and next friends of L.N., a minor child, in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California on September 21. It names Peloton Interactive Inc. as the defendant. 

The Navidpours claim Peloton could have used safer alternative designs, including covering the pinch point between the tread and treadmill body, but failed to do so despite prior reports of similar incidents.

Treadmill Safety Risks

Peloton and other treadmill brands have faced numerous recalls and legal actions in recent years regarding the safety of their products’ designs.

In 2021, Peloton recalled 125,000 treadmills following dozens of reports of injuries and one child’s death caused by a faulty design that allowed children or pets to become trapped, pinned or pulled under certain Tread+ treadmills.

Following the recall, a class action lawsuit was filed against Peloton, alleging the company misled consumers about the safety of its treadmills.

In addition, a NordicTrack lawsuit was brought last year, alleging repairs made to one of that company’s treadmills failed to fix the machine, which malfunctioned and sent its owner flying forward at full speed, resulting in severe head, face and body injuries.

Peloton Treadmill Injury Allegations

According to the complaint, L.N. was at a family member’s house on October 12, 2024, playing next to her uncle while he used the Peloton treadmill. She allegedly reached out her left hand to investigate the moving parts, when her hand was immediately pulled under the treadmill and became wedged beneath the rapidly moving belt.

When her hand was removed, L.N. had visible injuries to her palm and middle and ring fingers, requiring surgery and skin grafting. The lawsuit alleges the child was left with disfigurement and has suffered physical and emotional pain, diminished enjoyment of life and medical expenses.

The Navidpours claim economically feasible, safer alternative designs were available that could have prevented the child’s hand from becoming trapped beneath the moving belt. They also allege Peloton concealed the defect and failed to adequately warn consumers.

As evidence of this knowledge, the Navdipours point to Peloton’s previous problems with treadmill entrapment hazards. They note that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a $19.1 million civil penalty against the company in 2023 over allegations that it failed to promptly report problems with its Tread+ treadmills. At the time, the agency indicated it had received more than 150 reports of people, pets or objects being pulled beneath the rear of the treadmills, including one child’s death and 13 injuries.

“Defendant’s treadmills are designed and manufactured with inadequate safety features and warnings to prevent the forgoing injuries, including L.N.’s from occurring.”

— Seyed Navidpour et al. v. Peloton Interactive Inc.

The lawsuit raises allegations of strict products liability—design defect and negligence/negligent product liability—negligent design defect. It seeks general and special damages for past, present and future medical expenses, as well as other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

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