On May 5, 2021, Peloton Interactive, Inc. recalled 125,000 units of its Tread+ treadmills after a child’s death and more than 70 incidents reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The recall comes after the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) conducted an investigation and issued a warning on April 17, 2021, informing consumers of the dangers of the Tread+. In the warning, the CPSC stated that it believed that the treadmill posed a serious risk to children, including abrasions, fractures, and death. The CPSC had received multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the treadmill.
After the CPSC’s warning, Peloton released a note on their website stating the Peloton had fully cooperated with the CPSC’s investigation and that Peloton had no intention of stopping the sale of the Tread+ and affirmed that the Tread+ is safe when Peloton’s safety instructions are followed.
On May 5, a recall was announced on the CPSC website. 125,000 units of the Tread+ were recalled due to the risk that adult users, children, pets, and objects can be pulled underneath the rear of the treadmill. The recall involves the Peloton Tread+ with a model number of TR01. The treadmill was initially launched under the name “Peloton Tread” but was renamed Tread+ in September 2020. Owners of this product should cease use immediately and contact Peloton for a full refund (valid until November 6, 2022).
Consumers who return the Tread+ after that date will only receive a partial refund. Customers who do not want to return the Tread+ have the option of moving the treadmill to a room where children or pets do not have access and Peloton will be implementing software which will allow customers to automatically lock the Tread+ after each use.
The CPSC has received 72 reports of adult users, children, pets, or objects being pulled under the rear of the treadmill. This includes 29 reports of injuries to children such as broken bones, lacerations, and second- and third-degree abrasions. Tragically, one six-year-old child died after being pulled under the rear of the Tread+.
The treadmills were sold online at onepeloton.com and in Peloton showrooms from September 2018 through April 2021.
Peloton has also issued a second recall of 1,050 units of its Tread model treadmills due to risk of injury. The touchscreen on the Tread model can detach and fall, posing a risk of injury to consumers. The recalled Tread treadmill model number is TR02. Owners of this product should cease use immediately and contact Peloton for a full refund. For those who do not want a refund, Peloton is offering a free inspection and repair that will secure the touchscreen to the treadmill to help prevent future incidents. To date, 18 reports of the touchscreen loosening and six reports of the touchscreen falling have been received. There have been no reports of injury in the United States, but minor injuries have been reported in the United Kingdom and Canada. The Tread treadmills were sold as a limited invitation-only release online at onepeloton.com and in Peloton showrooms from November 2020 through March 2021.
Thanks to Eglet Adams and their defective product lawyers for their insight into the recall of the Peloton Tread+ and Peloton Tread.
