When the pandemic hit last year, many aspects of everyday life changed for everyone. One of those changes included how fitness enthusiasts continued their physical upkeep and health. Without normal access to gyms and in-person classes, an emphasis on home gyms began to take off. People began stocking their homes and garages with exercise equipment, and the home gym became a common staple in many houses. Of those pieces of equipment, Peloton treadmills became wildly popular and sales soared throughout the year with orders going on backorder. Unfortunately, the popularity of the brand has recently been coupled with the infamy of its injuries.

ARE PELOTON MACHINES DANGEROUS?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPCS) has become concerned about Peloton treadmills and their ability to trap small children, pets, and objects underneath the machine. The machine in question is the Peloton Treadmill+ and it is currently on the market for roughly $4,300. Last month, CNBC reported that a child died in an accident involving this machine. To put things into a general perspective, Patty Davis, the spokeswoman for CPCS, stated there have been “22,500 treadmill-related injuries that were treated in an emergency room in the U.S. in 2019…2,000 of these accidents included children under the age of 8 years old.” Between the years of 2018-2020, there were 17 deaths connected to treadmill accidents, and one of the lives lost was that of a five year old child. Peloton recalled around 27,000 bikes last October due to faulty pedals. The pedals were reportedly breaking off and cutting the legs of riders. The company received about 120 reports from owners and, of those, there were 16 verified injuries.

Treadmills have a history of accidents, but the strength of the Peloton Treadmill+ is what seems to stand out to the CPCS. According to The Washington Post, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has already issued a subpoena to Peloton for the details surrounding last month’s accident that led to the death of a child. CPCS is requesting the child’s name and the family’s contact information so that a proper investigation can take place. In addition to fighting this subpoena, the $34 billion company is also fighting the commission’s request to recall the products that pose a danger to others. The CPCS posted a statement detailing it “found that the public health and safety requires this notice to warn the public quickly of the hazard,” and it asks owners to stop using the machines immediately. Peloton responded with its own statement that criticized the CPCS’s “unilateral press release about the Peloton Tread+ because it is inaccurate and misleading,” and they encourage owners to continue using their machines.

Though recent accidents include a living being or object getting pulled and trapped under the machine, there has been at least one case of an injury happening to a runner while using the machine at the same time as something was pulled under the machine and trapped. With an object suddenly trapped under the machine, it jeopardizes the balance of the individual running on top of the machine. With the increased production of Peloton treadmills, CPCS worries the number of injuries will also increase. The current Peloton Treadmill+ is meant to be operated only by individuals who are over 105 pounds and over the age of 16. However, a new concern is taking shape with the creation of the newer, more affordable version of the treadmill. The newer model is only $2,495 and is expected to ship out in May.

A NOTE FROM PELOTON CEO JOHN FOLEY ABOUT TREAD+

Peloton’s CEO issued a statement recently with the following suggestions for maintaining safety in your home with the proper use of their machines:

  • 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.  
  • When you finish a workout on your Tread+, remove the safety key and store it out of reach of children and anyone else who should not be able to start the Tread+. 

WHAT KIND OF INJURIES CAN BE CAUSED B A PELOTON?

Possible injuries can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Lacerations
  • Bleeding
  • Head Trauma
  • Scarring
  • Broken Bones
  • Torn Ligaments
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Organ Damage
  • Death

HOW DO I FILE A CLAIM FOR A PELOTON INJURY?

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a Peloton machine, contact a trusted attorney today. After documenting the injuries thoroughly, speak with a legal professional at Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh to discuss your case and establish fault. In these situations, fault usually falls on the manufacturer of the machine. Once you sit down with us and explain what happened, we will help you determine who was at fault so that we can move forward together in seeking the compensation you deserve. Call or text us today to get started on a better tomorrow.