Fitness equipment manufacturer Peloton recalled its Tread+ and Tread treadmills on May 5, after the fighting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s warning to consumers that the machines were linked to a child’s death and dozens of injuries.
CPSC’s warning, published on April 17, states that 39 incidents involving the Tread+, which included one death, were reported to the commission. These incidents involved adults, children, pets, and objects getting pulled beneath the machine by its rear roller. Due to this, the staff at the CPSC determined that the Peloton Tread+ posed a serious risk to children for abrasions, fractures, and death.
The CPSC said the single fatal incident occurred when a 6-year-old child died after being pulled underneath the rear machine by its belt. How this incident could have occurred was demonstrated by footage from a separate incident where a child was pulled under the treadmill but survived the experience (please note that the footage may still be disturbing to some viewers).
Peloton – which itself received 72 reports of adults, children, pets, and objects being pulled under – initially called the CPSC’s press release about its Tread+ machine to be “inaccurate and misleading.” By early May, though, both its Tread+ and Tread models were subject to a company-ordered recall, although the latter machine’s defect involved its touchscreen loosening or detaching from the machine.
Consumers of both machines are being offered a full refund. Tread+ customers who wish to keep their machines are being offered assistance with moving them to rooms that are inaccessible to children and pets. Peloton is also implementing software improvements that require a four-digit password to unlock and use the Tread+.
While no injuries in the U.S. and only minor injuries were reported overseas for the Tread’s detaching touchscreen defect, Peloton is offering affected customers a free inspection and repair if they do not wish to accept a full refund.
Injured by Fitness Equipment? We Can Help.
Those who are injured by products that were defective as a result of their design, manufacture, or lack of warning can fight for compensation – even if a recall is issued. Keep in mind, however, that a recall doesn’t inherently mean the company is admitting liability for any alleged defects. You still need an experienced attorney to help you fight for damages.
If you believe you or someone you love was harmed by a Peloton Tread+ or Tread treadmill, or any other fitness machine, as a result of a defect, our attorneys want to hear your claim. You can use our free initial consultation to tell us what happened. If we believe we can help, we’ll tell you how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
To schedule your free consultation with Bertram & Graf, L.L.C., please contact us online or call (888) 398-2277.