Treadmills recalled over injury fears
Fitness equipment firm Peloton is recalling treadmills over a risk of injury to users.
The touchscreen on the Uksold Tread device can detach and fall, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
There have been reports of minor injuries such as abrasions, cuts and bruises in the UK and Canada.
The firm is also recalling a type of treadmill only sold in the US after the death of a child.
Tread+ carries a more serious hazard because "adult users, children, pets and objects can be pulled underneath the rear of the treadmill, posing a risk of injury or death".
It comes after the US safety regulator warned users of the dangers in April.
New York-based Peloton had originally responded saying that the claims were "inaccurate and misleading".
But chief executive John Foley has now said the company "made a mistake" in its initial response.
"We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset," he said. "For that, I apologise." Peloton rose to prominence during the pandemic as a premium option for allowing people to exercise from home with live video from trainers, as gyms were forced to close.
Customers have been told to immediately stop using affected treadmills and contact Peloton for a full refund.
The firm is aware of 18 reports of the Tread touchscreen loosening and six reports of the touchscreen detaching and falling.
A six-year-old child died after being pulled under the rear of the Us-only Tread+.
In addition, some 72 reports of adult users, children, pets and objects being pulled under the rear of the treadmill have been reported, including 29 reports of injuries to children such as second and thirddegree abrasions, broken bones and lacerations.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said that Peloton had voluntarily recalled the Tread+ and Peloton Tread, which posed a safety risk because the display console can fall off.
An agreement between the watchdog and Peloton means the firm must stop selling the machines in the US and give a full refund to people who want to return them.
Because of the type motor used in the Tread+, the machine needs a higher ground clearance than typical treadmills.
Robert Adler, Acting Chairman of the CPSC, said: "The agreement between CPSC and Peloton is the result of weeks of intense negotiation and effort, culminating in a cooperative agreement that I believe serves the best interests of Peloton and of consumers.
"I would like to thank the CPSC technical staff who have worked tirelessly to protect consumers and to warn the public. Today we have taken steps to prevent further harm from these two products."
In the US, the Tread was only sold as part of a limited invitation-only release from about November, 2020 to about March, 2021 and the company's statement said it "is currently working on a repair to be offered to Tread owners in the coming weeks".