Peloton Tread+ Risks Lead To Urgent CPSC Warning, But Manufacturer Refuses To Recall Treadmills

Federal health officials have issued a rare warning for consumers to stop using Peloton Tread+ treadmills, following dozens of reports involving problems where small children and pets were pulled under the rear roller, resulting in at least one child death. However, at least so far, the manufacturer is refusing to recall the treadmills.

In a consumer warning about the Peloton Tread+ risks issued on April 17, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) instructing consumers with young children and pets to stop using the treadmill models due to a dangerous design that may allow children or pets to become entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product.

The warning comes after at least 39 Peloton Tread+ injuries in which children and pets became entrapped under the machine, resulting in serious injuries including abrasions, fractures, and at least one death of a young child.

Given the similar nature of all injuries and reported death arising from the Tread+ products, there have been increasing calls for a Peloton treadmill recall to be issued, indicating that the design is inherently dangerous with a rotating belt that is exposed and positioned several inches off the floor. However, Peloton is pushing back and maintaining that the product is safe.

The CPSC warning includes a video of a young boy who is playing with a ball that was sucked under the Tread+ treadmill. As the child attempts to pull the ball from under the moving treadmill his arms become pinned under the device, just before it drags him under.

If children are allowed around the Peloton treadmill, either while unsupervised or as the product is being used, they face a risk of being sucked under the Peloton Tread+, according to the CPSC warning.

After learning that a young child was killed after being pulled under one of the treadmills, CPSC officials issued an administrative subpoena requiring Peloton to disclose the name of the child who died and the family’s contact information so regulators could make inquiries into the event.

Despite pressure from the CPSC for Peloton to issue a Tread+ recall, the company released a statement this week claiming the agency’s warning is inaccurate and misleading and that the products are safe if consumers following the safety instructions provided.

Peloton maintains the devices are equipped with safety instructions which warn consumers of allowing children under the age of 16 near the Tread+ treadmill and states the devices are equipped with a safety key that must be inserted before the belt will rotate. However, the CPSC states these features provide inadequate protection for children while an adult is using the product or if an adult were to lose their balance and fall.

If consumers must use the Tread+ treadmills, the agency is recommending they be locked in a room not accessible to children or pets, and to keep all exercise equipment away from the treadmill. All incidents involving the Peloton treadmills should be reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov or through the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772.