The death of a six-year-old child recently shook the nation. The cause of death being a Peloton treadmill. Peloton is a largely recognized company that makes exercise equipment. The company/brand saw an especially astounding rise in popularity during COVID in 2020. After multiple reported injuries allegedly caused by Peloton equipment, and no prior recall, this tragic death could have possibly been avoided. It was reported that 72 injuries have taken place thus far which include broken bones, cuts and grazes. Recently the Founder and CEO of Peloton, John Foley, said that the company had “made a mistake” by not recalling the machines sooner.
His words are a reaction to the verity that despite the shocking death of a young child, which took place in mid-March of 2021, Peloton has just announced in May 2021 that they will be taking action now by recalling 125,000 treadmills. A seemingly long delay in action to some considering this recall also comes after a repeated warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) which sternly told consumers about the danger of the popular Peloton Tread machine on more than one occasion, including an April 2021 statement release which included a to-date count at the time, of 39 reported incidents. This report was inclusive of the six-year-old child’s death. They claimed that the Peloton Tread+, “poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death.” They even released a chilling video that demonstrated the hazard and threat that the Peloton’s Tread+ posed to children – as they could easily become entrapped underneath the machine. Warning. This video content may be disturbing to some viewers: CLICK HERE TO WATCH.
At the time (April 2021), Peloton’s reaction to the CPSC statement and video was that their warning was “inaccurate and misleading.” A tune that has very much changed as of today, May 5th as Foley claimed, “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.” Following the Peloton CEO’s remarks, the CPSC clapped back today stating, “The CPSC took a strong and principled stance for safety, and clearly that’s what made Peloton come to the table and agree to offer a full refund,” Consumer Reports’ Manager William Wallace declared. He went on further to say, “It shouldn’t have required so much time and effort to get this product recalled.”
The Recall
Here’s what we know thus far:
- As of Wednesday, May 5th 2021 Peloton is recalling both of its treadmill models: its Tread+ and Tread treadmills.
- The recall covers the full refund which should be $4,295 for the Tread+ as well as $2,495 for the Tread model.
- Both models have been pulled off of their website, and are currently not being offered.
- Tread+ and Tread owners will have the option to return their treadmills to Peloton for a full refund now (May 5th, 2021) through November 6th of 2022.
Please note that both models were recalled for different reasons and have different remedies and courses of action. To read up on the official recall notices, please visit cpsc.gov.
Click here for the official recall of the Tread+ model number TR01.
Refusing the Recall
For those who do not want to return their Tread or Tread+ and want to take their chances with their machines, Peloton has addressed a course of action for these consumers as well. Consumers who are opting to keep their machines are being asked to take addition safety measures – some of which were initially suggested back in April of 2021 by the CPSC including putting your machine in its own room. Peloton has offered to come to owners’ homes and move the machine for them free of cost. In addition they are promising software improvements which include being able to auto-lock the machine after use and to add a four-digit PIN to unlock the Tread/Tread+ machines for future use. These improvements can be made in-home by Peloton.
If you have any questions, you may contact their support team via email support@onepeloton.com. Other forms of contact are also available on their website, found here: OnePeloton.com/company/contact.
Your Thoughts?
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