Peloton released a software update for its treadmills to address safety issues that followed a massive recall.
Peloton in early May agreed to voluntarily recall the Tread+ and Tread treadmills, covering about 125,000 customers and 1,050 units, respectively, in the U.S.
The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) reported over 70 incidents where adults, children and pets were sucked in and pinned beneath the Tread+ rotating belt. The customers suffered second- and third-degree abrasions, broken bones and lacerations, and one 6-year-old child died.
The new automatic software update adds a “Tread Lock” feature that stops and locks the belt after 45 seconds of non-use. Users will be required to enter a four-digit code to unlock the belt.
According to the manufacturer’s website, the machine will initiate the belt stop if the user has not touched the screen for 45 seconds, the speed is zero, the incline has not been adjusted for 45 seconds, and the user is not in a class. If a user is in a class, the belt will also stop if the treadmill does not detect a person on the belt.
Peloton adjusted its revenue forecast for the current quarter (April through June) to account for about $165 million in costs due to the treadmill sales recall, refunds for returned product and three-month credits to digital subscribers for treadmill content.
Photo courtesy Peloton
