The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) over the weekend advised people with young children or pets to stop using the Peloton’s Tread+ treadmills. The move comes after its investigation into the death of a child involving one of the machines turned up dozens of instances of injuries. Peloton, in response, called the agency’s advisory “inaccurate and misleading,” and said the treadmills are safe when users follow safety recommendations.
In its statement, the CPSC said its warning comes after multiple incidents of small children and a pet being injured beneath the machines. The agency wrote, “The Commission has found that the public health and safety requires this notice to warn the public quickly of the hazard.”
The warning comes after Peloton on March 19 released news of a child’s death by a Peloton Tread+ and CPSC’s announcement of an investigation into that incident. The agency said it is is continuing to investigate all known incidents of injury or death related to the Peloton Tread+.
CPSC said, “To date, CPSC is aware of 39 incidents including one death. 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.
This video demonstrates the hazard to children posed by the Tread+.
[warning, video content may be disturbing to some viewers.]
It is believed that at least one incident occurred while a parent was running on the treadmill, suggesting that the hazard cannot be avoided simply by locking the device when not in use. Reports of a pet and objects being sucked beneath the Tread+ also suggest possible harm to the user if the user loses balance as a result.”
The CPSC urged consumers to stop using the Peloton Tread+ if there are small children or pets at home. If the product must be used, CPSC urges consumers to use the product only in a locked room, to prevent access to children and pets while the treadmill is in use. When not in use, consumers are urged to unplug the Tread+ and store the safety key away from the device and out of reach of children. Consumers are also urged to report any Peloton Tread+ incidents to CPSC.
A voluntary recall reportedly wasn’t issued by the agency because Peloton hasn’t agreed to 5corrective action, such as a repair or replacement, nor is it stopping the sale of the Tread+, according to a person familiar with the situation.
In a company response on Saturday, Peloton called CPSC’s warning “inaccurate and misleading.” Peloton said there’s “no reason” to stop using the machine if safety instructions, such as correctly using its safety key, are followed. It also said that the Tread+ should be kept away from children under 16 years old and pets “at all times.”
Specifically, Peloton took issue with the video released by the CPSC. The company said that if the treadmill’s safety key had been used properly, that could have avoided the “kind of incident that this video depicts.”
“The Tread+ includes safety warnings and instructions in several places, including in the user manual, in a safety card left on top of the Tread+ tray on delivery, and on the product itself,” Peloton said.
On Sunday in a message to Peloton members, John Foley, Peloton’s CEO, said the company was not trying to impede an investigation into the $4,000 Tread+ product.
“After we learned about the child’s death, we immediately reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Since then we have fully cooperated with CPSC and responded to all of their requests, with one exception: we resisted their demands for personally identifiable information of certain Members because those Members had specifically requested that we not provide that information to CPSC. At no time was Peloton trying to impede CPSC’s investigation. We were simply standing behind our Members’ right to maintain their privacy, and we remain committed to providing this type of information only with a Member’s consent or pursuant to a subpoena. Government agencies shouldn’t have unfettered access to consumers’ private information, and I am proud that we took a stand to protect these Members’ privacy,” Foley said.
Continued Foley, “I imagine some Members asked for their information to be protected in order to avoid personal attacks like some that we’ve seen in response to the Tread+ incidents that CPSC publicized yesterday. Our hearts go out to Members who have had an incident where a child or pet was injured and who want their privacy at this time. As a parent myself, I hope that our Peloton community continues to treat each other with respect and compassion.”
Foley also said there are no plans to refrain from selling the Tread+.
“You may also have read news reports suggesting that CPSC believes that we should stop selling or recall the Tread+. I want to assure you that we have no intention of doing so. The Tread+ is safe when our warnings and safety instructions are followed, and we know that, every day, thousands of Members enjoy working out safely on their Tread+. But I urge you to stay vigilant. Remember, the Tread+ is not for children under 16, and children, pets, and objects need to be kept away from the Tread+ at all times. When the Tread+ is not in use, store the Safety Key away from the Tread+ and out of reach of children. Our Tread instructors remind us at the beginning and end of each class to keep these safety instructions top of mind. In addition, many of you have chimed in on social media in recent weeks to share helpful tips, such as working out during nap time, having someone watch the kids while you work out, or using a baby gate to keep children, pets, and objects away. Thank you for sharing those suggestions with our community,” Foley wrote.
