Safety commission warns against Peloton treadmill after death of child

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned against using the Peloton treadmill a month after a child died in an incident involving the machine.

“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,” the commission wrote. 

The CPSC is aware of at least 38 incidents in which a child or pet was injured and one incident in which a child died involving the treadmill.

The treadmill “poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death,” and the “hazard cannot be avoided simply by locking the device when not in use,” according to the commission. 

If a person continues using the product, the safety commission recommends doing so in a locked room with all others items removed from the surrounding area. When not in use, the treadmill should be unplugged, and the safety key should be hidden away.

Peloton said the CPSC’s statement was “misleading” and “inaccurate.”

“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 wrote.

Peloton said it has sent multiple safety warnings since the child’s death to its customers, and customers told the company they are using the machine when their kids are asleep or in another room.

“Peloton invited CPSC to make a joint announcement about the danger of not following the warnings and safety instructions provided with the Tread+, and Foley asked to meet directly with CPSC. CPSC has unfairly characterized Peloton’s efforts to collaborate and to correct inaccuracies in CPSC’s press release as an attempt to delay,” the company said.