If you own a Peloton Tread or Peloton Tread+ you should stop using it, as the manufacturer has issued a recall notice on both machines. This comes after the fatal injury of a six year old child, who became trapped underneath a Peloton Tread+ model. There have also been reports of minor injuries suffered by a further 72 people, ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones.
The recall of both Peloton's Tread and Tread+ treadmills is in effect in the US as of late on May 5, and there are clear instructions on what to do via the company's website - you can jump straight there via this link.
Peloton only makes two models of treadmill, and there are problems with both of them. They do not appear in our guide to the best treadmills, and seem unlikely to do so until the issues have been resolved. Several users have reported issues with the screen coming loose and falling off while using the regular Tread machine, while the 'slatted belt' on the Tread+ is the component causing serious harm.
The Peloton Tread+ uses a rubberized slat system, instead of a traditional belt, which is designed to make the running experience feel more like a real road. The issue comes at the point where the slats close and rotate when they reach the roller at the end of the machine. Users have reported that objects like shoe laces, and parts of the body like hair, can become trapped in these slats as they rotate around the rollers, which can cause serious injuries.
What makes this situation more tragic is that Peloton had refused a request to recall all Tread+ treadmills back in April, after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission had recommended that the machines be taken out of use.
Speaking on the recall, Peloton CEO John Foley said: "The decision to recall both products was the right thing to do for Peloton’s Members and their families. I want to be clear, Peloton made a mistake in our initial response to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s request that we recall the Tread+. We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset."
What should you do if you own a Peloton Tread+?
Firstly, stop using it. Next you should read the Peloton Tread+ recall, via the CPSC's website to work out how you can get your treadmill recalled. There is a toll-free number to call, and web links for you to click on to get all the information you might need. There is no alternative to recall for this device, and you should get in touch as soon as possible.
What should you do if you own a Peloton Tread?
There is a separate recall for the regular Peloton Tread, which you can access here. You will be given the same details as the Tread+ recall, however, regular Tread owners will be given the option for a full repair and inspection of their treadmill, if they wish to keep the machine. Alternatively, a recall and refund will be offered.
Peloton has been working with the US CPSC on both recalls, and the resulting action will hopefully guarantee your safety AND your consumer rights. Speaking on the current recall, Robert S Adler, Acting Chairman of the CPSC said: "The agreement, which the Commission voted this morning to accept, requires Peloton to immediately stop selling and distributing both the Tread+ and Tread products in the United States and refund the full purchase price to consumers who wish to return their treadmills. The agreement between CPSC and Peloton is the result of weeks of intense negotiation and effort, culminating in a cooperative agreement that I believe serves the best interests of Peloton and of consumers."
If you already use Peloton's other fitness products, you're fine - this recall only applies to the treadmills. You'll still find Peloton's app riding high on our list of the best online fitness programs, and the company's exercise bikes are not under review by the CPSC to our knowledge.
