Fitness company Peloton has amassed a cult following over the past few years, especially after the pandemic forced everyone to work out at home. While the company is mostly known for their bikes, the brand offers treadmills as well — and those machines specifically are now the subject of some controversy.
On Saturday, federal regulators issued a warning to consumers to stop using the Peloton Tread+ treadmill. The statement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said that there’s been multiple incidents of children and pets being “sucked beneath” the machine.
This urgent warning comes after Peloton CEO John Foley said a child died due to the Tread+ back in March. The warning also comes one day after a Washington Post report revealed that the CPSC took the step of subpoenaing the company for information about the child who died, including their name and contact information for the family. The same report also noted that Peloton is currently fighting to fend off a safety recall for the Tread+.
As of now, the CPSC knows of 39 cases including one death. The agency’s statement reads, “CPSC staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death. In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately.”
The commission also linked to a video demonstrating the danger of the machine; it features small children and may be upsetting to watch. While this shows the hazard when the treadmill is not in use, one reported incident occurred when a parent was running on it.
CPSC also issued a statement from Peloton itself about the warning:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s unilateral press release about the Peloton Tread+ treadmill is inaccurate and misleading. The Tread+ is safe for Members to use in their homes and comes with safety instructions and warnings to ensure its safe use. Like all motorized exercise equipment, the Tread+ can pose hazards if the warnings and safety instructions are not followed. The Tread+ is not for children under 16. Peloton warns Members not to let children use the Tread+ and to keep children, pets, and objects away from the Tread+ at all times. Any owner of a treadmill – whether made by Peloton or not – should follow these warnings, as they are included in the applicable safety standards, which the Peloton Tread+ meets.
For now, the CPSC encourages customers to stop using the Tread+ if they have small children or pets in their homes. If customers insist on keeping it, store it in a locked room away from children and pets and unplug the Tread+ when not in use. Keep the safety key in a safe place away from children and pets, as well.
If you have a problem with the Tread+, you can report it at SaferProducts.gov or to the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772.