U.S. regulator warns against Peloton treadmill after child death
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A Peloton treadmill for sale at the company's showroom in Dedham, Massachusetts. Photo: Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Saturday urged people with kids and pets to "immediately" stop using a treadmill made by Peloton after a child died and dozens of others were injured.
Driving the news: CPSC said in its "urgent warning" that it was aware of 39 incidents, including one death. The agency warned that the Peloton Tread+ machine "poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death." Peloton called the warning "inaccurate and misleading."
What they're saying: "The Commission has found that the public health and safety requires this notice to warn the public quickly of the hazard," CPSC said in its warning.
- "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," it added.
- If adults continue to use the treadmill, CPSC said they should do so in a locked room so children and pets cannot come near the machine. The treadmill should be turned off and unplugged when not in use.
- CPSC included a video showing a child being pulled under the machine.
Peloton in a statement Saturday said "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," the company added.
- Owners should also remove the safety key when the machine is not in use.
- "While Peloton knows that the Tread+ is safe for the home when used in accordance with warnings and safety instructions, the company 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. "
- CEO John Foley, in a message to Tread+ members sent Sunday, said the company has "no intention" of stopping sales of the machine, or recalling it.
The big picture: Peloton equipment has become increasingly popular during the coronavirus pandemic.
- The Tread+ is priced at more than $4,000.
Editor's note: This story was updated to include a quote from Peloton CEO John Foley from a message to Tread+ members.
