April 27, 2021 – Peloton urges a U.S. government warning about the safety of its expensive home treadmill.
Experts wonder whether these are dangerous design flaws – or whether individual users need to be held accountable.
It will be closely followed as the artificial intelligence home devices become more popular – and when the gyms reopen when the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Peloton is the undisputed star of the “Connected Fitness” movement. The company is best known for its high-tech exercise bike, which connects riders with classes and users around the world while developing a cultic commitment.
In the business world, trust is hard to earn and easy to lose.
Peloton is losing it quickly and shows no signs of improvement.
In his most recent statement, CEO John Foley said the company had “no intention” of issuing a recall.
We will see.
– Edwin Dorsey (@StockJabber) April 27, 2021
The company’s shares fell more than 7% after the government’s “urgent warning” advised owners of the company’s Tread + treadmill to cease using the company.
At least one child was killed and others were injured under the machines, as were some pets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The commission views the product as “a serious risk to children for abrasions, fractures and death,” it said in a press release.
The agency released a video of a child who was briefly trapped under one of the machines.
The agency is aware of 39 such incidents, it said in its April 17 warning. “In the face of multiple reports of children being trapped, pinned and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC is encouraging consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately.”
At least one incident occurred while one parent was walking on the treadmill, the agency said. “Reports of a pet and objects being vacuumed from under the Tread + also suggest possible harm to the user if they lose their balance as a result.”
Warning of corporate disputes
In a press release, Peloton said the Commission’s warning “worried” because it was “inaccurate and misleading”. Owners have no reason to stop using the Tread + ”as long as all warnings and cautions are followed. Children under the age of 16 should never use the Tread +, and Members should keep children, pets and objects away from the Tread + at all times. “
Peloton’s classes now contain “additional safety messages”. They remind users to remove the security key and keep it in a child-safe place, the company said.
In particular, Peloton questioned the video published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission showing a child under a treadmill. The company said that if the security key had been used properly it could have avoided the “incident this video depicts”.
“The Tread + contains safety warnings and instructions in a number of places, including in the user manual, on a safety card that remains on top of the Tread + warehouse upon delivery, and on the product itself,” said Peloton.
Design problems, callback distance
The commission wants Peloton to recall the device, which retails for around $ 4,300. (Peloton’s newer $ 2,500 model doesn’t appear to be involved in the dispute.)
The company refused to do so.
CEO John Foley wrote, thanking users for their own “helpful tips” on how to exercise while children nap, sit while exercising, or keep children and pets out of gates.
It’s about the height and belt of the treadmill. The agency is investigating possible hazard problems.
Prior to this controversy, the Peloton Tread + (formerly known as the Peloton Tread) was the top-rated treadmill by Consumer Reports. The nonprofit watchdog gave its top rating for user safety, noting the stop button, how fast the seat belt stops when the safety key is pulled, and more.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is limited by laws that make it difficult to act without a company’s permission, said William Wallace, manager of safety at consumer reports.
According to consumer reports, the Commission cannot order a recall without going to court.
Previously, in a separate case, in collaboration with the Commission, Peloton published a voluntary recall for first-generation pedals for its exercise bikes purchased between 2013 and 2016. The pedals were at risk of failure, causing damage to around 100 peloton owners, who could then request replacement parts from the company.
Safety tips for treadmills
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 22,500 treadmill injuries in 2019, of which approximately 2,000 affected children under the age of 8. Between 2018 and 2020, 17 treadmill-related deaths were reported according to consumer reports. For security reasons, the following is recommended.
- Keep children away.
- Turn it off when you are not using it.
- Use the safety key to make the treadmill stop if you fall.
- Do not stand on the treadmill when turning it on.
- Let it stop before you get out.
WebMD Health News
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Peloton.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
CNN.com: “Peloton refuses to recall their treadmill + treadmill after 39 accidents. The stock falls. “
Consumer Reports: “Urgent Safety Warning for Peloton Tread + Treadmill.”
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