Peloton owners with children and pets told to stop using $4,000 treadmills after child dies

Safety regulators have urged Peloton treadmill owners to stop using the product “immediately” if they have pets or young children after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) became aware of 39 incidents including one death, involving the Peloton Tread+.

Peloton confirmed the death of one child and said children should stay away from the treadmills, but also said on Saturday that the CPSC warning was “misleading and inaccurate”.

In March, John Foley, founder and CEO of the indoor cycling and running brand, called the death of a child a “tragic incident” and one of a “small handful” of incidents involving children and the Peloton Tread+.

“We design and build all of our products with safety in mind. But in order to help ensure that you and your family members stay safe with Peloton products in your home, we need your help,” he wrote in the letter to customers.

“Keep children and pets away from Peloton exercise equipment at all times. Before you begin a workout, double check to make sure that the space around your Peloton exercise equipment is clear.”

But now the CPSC has issued an “urgent warning”, and released video footage of a child being pulled under one of the machines.

It said the machine poses “serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death”, not just when children are using them, but also when adults are using the running machine.

The regulator has advised owners to use it only in a locked room, away from children and pets.

In a press release, Peloton said the machine was “safe for members to use in their homes and comes with safety instructions and warnings to ensure its safe use.

“Like all motorised exercise equipment, the Tread+ can pose hazards if the warnings and safety instructions are not followed.”

The company told owners of the machine not to let children under the age of 16 use the treadmill and to keep children, pets, and objects away from the Tread+ at all times.