At-home fitness company Peloton recalled two of its exercise equipment products on May 5, reversing an earlier decision to ignore safety concerns from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Back on April 17, the CPSC issued an “urgent warning” press release warning consumers about the danger of the popular Peloton Tread+ treadmill “after multiple incidents of small children and a pet being injured beneath the machines.”
More than 70 incidents have been reported so far to the CPSC, resulting in 29 injuries to children including broken bones, lacerations and second- and third-degree abrasions. One 6-year-old child died after being pulled under the rear of the treadmill.
After the initial warning about the Peloton Tread+ went out, Peloton released a statement saying the CPSC’s warning went too far and there was “no reason” for a Peloton recall if users followed the proper safety guidelines.
“You may also have read news reports suggesting that CPSC believes that we should stop selling or recall the Tread+,” Peloton CEO John Foley wrote to customers on the company’s website. “I want to assure you that we have no intention of doing so. The Tread+ is safe when our warnings and safety instructions are followed, and we know that, every day, thousands of Members enjoy working out safely on their Tread+.”
However, as more injury reports came in and public pressure grew, the company reversed its position and Peloton recalled the Tread+ along with its lower-end model, Tread, for a different issue.
“I want to be clear, Peloton made a mistake in our initial response to the CPSC’s request,” Foley said on the day of the Peloton recall. “We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset. For that, I apologize.”
What To Know About The Peloton Recall
There are two pieces of exercise equipment involved in the Peloton recall: the Peloton Tread+ and the Peloton Tread, which was sold primarily in Canada.
Here are some specific details about each product recall:
Peloton Recall 1: Tread+
Product Name: Peloton Tread+
Model Number: TR01 (printed on a black sticker located on the end cap in the front of the treadmill deck). This product debuted as the Peloton Tread in 2018 but was renamed the Tread+ in September 2020.
Total number of units recalled: about 125,000
Hazard: Adult users, children, pets and objects can be pulled underneath the rear of the machine, posing a risk of injury or death.
Peloton Recall 2: Peloton Tread
Product Name: Peloton Tread
Model Number: TR02 (printed on a black sticker located on the end cap in the front of the treadmill deck)
Total number of units recalled: about 1,050 in the US; about 5,400 in Canada
Hazard: The 23.8-inch touchscreen console can detach and fall, posing a risk of injury to consumers. There have been 18 reports of the touchscreen coming loose and six reports of the touchscreen falling off. No injuries reported in the U.S., but Canada and the U.K. have reported users with minor injuries including abrasions, cuts and bruises.
What To Do If You Have An Item Affected By The Peloton Recall
If you have either the Peloton Tread+ or the Peloton Tread, stop using them immediately. If you know someone who has one of these Peloton products, let them know about the recall and advise them to stop using the treadmill.
Peloton Tread+ owners need to contact Peloton for a full refund by Nov. 6, 2021. Call 855-679-9129 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT on weekdays or between 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EDT on weekends. You can also visit this Peloton Support page and submit a refund request there.
Consumers who want to keep their Peloton Tread+ can schedule to have their treadmill moved for free to a room where children or pets cannot access the equipment. Also, Peloton is working on software improvements to automatically lock the Tread+, with a four-digit passcode required to unlock the machine.
Peloton Tread owners can also contact Peloton at the phone number above or via the Peloton Support page to request a full refund. However, the company also plans to provide a free inspection and repair kit to secure the touchscreen to the treadmill. No timeline has been given for when this will be available, but Peloton and the CPSC plan to release more information as it is developed.
About the Author
Marie is a freelance writer and content creator with more than 20 years of experience in journalism. She lives in southwest Ohio with her husband and is almost a full-fledged empty nest mom of two daughters. She loves music, reading, word games, and Walt Disney World. You can find her writing about her personal health journey at marierossiter.substack.com and connect with her at marierossiter@gmail.com More.
