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Peloton Recalls Treadmills Tied to Child Death, Injuries

Workout machine poses serious risks to kids, pets; 72 incidents, including one death, reported

spinner image Peleton retail exercise store exterior and trademark logo
Ken Wolter / Alamy Stock Photo

Peloton issued a recall of its Tread+ treadmill after 72 adults, children, pets or objects were pulled under the rear of the device, causing numerous injuries and the death of a 6-year-old child.

Of the incidents, 29 children were injured from being pulled under rear of the machine, resulting in second- and third-degree abrasions, broken bones and lacerations, said the recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Consumers who purchased one of the estimated 125,000 treadmills may stop using it and contact Peloton for a full refund until Nov. 6, 2022. The model number TR01 is printed on a black sticker located on the end cap in the front of the treadmill deck. The machine was previously sold under the name Tread (no plus sign) from August 2018 until last September when the company altered its name.

spinner image Peloton Tread+
US CPSC

Those who do not want a refund are advised to move the Tread+ to a room where children or pets cannot access it while the company implements an automatic lock to prevent unauthorized access by children or pets through a 4-digit passcode that will unlock the device.

Peloton stopped the sale and distribution of the recalled device in April.

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Peloton disputed past warning

The CPSC issued an urgent safety warning advising consumers to stop using the Peloton Tread+ treadmill in April that the company refuted, calling it “inaccurate and misleading.”

However, Peloton CEO John Foley said the company made a mistake in its initial response.

“We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset. For that, I apologize. Today’s announcement reflects our recognition that, by working closely with the CPSC, we can increase safety awareness for our Members,” he said in a statement.

The popular treadmill, which costs over $4,000, is one of several interactive exercise machines sold by Peloton, which has more than 4 million customers.

Consumers who would like to report an incident related to the Peloton Tread+ may visit SaferProducts.gov or call the CPSC’s hotline at 800-638-2772.

Editor’s Note: This article, orginally published April 19, 2021, was updated with the latest recall information.

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