CPSC Advises Parents With Young Kids to Stop Using the Peloton Tread+

On April 17, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a warning for parents with young kids who own Peloton’s Tread+. In their report, the CPSC cited incidents of small children and a pet being trapped under the machine and getting injured, as well as an incident of injury to a child while their parent was using the machine.

“To date, CPSC is aware of 39 incidents including one death,” the report said. “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.”

In their report, the CPSC also included a video that showed a child getting stuck under the Tread+ (warning: the video may be disturbing for some viewers). The CPSC began their investigation after Peloton reported a child’s death due to the brand’s Tread+. Following the devastating news, the brand sent an email to customers urging them to properly secure the machine, check the area before working out and lock the treadmill by removing the key once finished.

However, the CPSC is urging parents with young kids to stop using the machine, or, if they wish to continue using it, to do so only in a locked room where kids and pets can’t get to it. The group also advises parents to unplug the Tread+ when it’s not in use and store the safety key away from the device and out of reach of kids. According to the report, any Peloton Tread+ incidents should be reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov or to CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.

In a statement put out by Peloton over the weekend, the brand states that the CPSC’s report is “inaccurate and misleading.” The statement says Peloton invited CPSC to make a joint statement and Ceo John Foley also asked to meet with the group. The company also told NBC New York that some of the incidents cited in the report are linked not just to kids, but also to objects and a pet and argues that the CPSC doesn’t make the distinction clear enough.

“There is no reason to stop using the Tread+, as long as all warnings and safety instructions are followed. Children under 16 should never use the Tread+, and Members should keep children, pets, and objects away from the Tread+ at all times,” Peloton states. “Peloton was shocked and devastated to learn in March that a child died while using the Tread+. Within a day of learning this news, Peloton notified CPSC.”

The brand maintains it reported all injury-related incidents it became aware of and their details to the CPSC and “is committed to taking whatever steps are necessary and appropriate to further inform Members of potential risks and remind them of measures they need to take to safeguard themselves and others in their households.”

While the company’s statement says the CPSC was “unwilling to engage in any meaningful discussions with Peloton,” the company “remains open to working with CPSC to further ensure that Members are safe.”

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