Child dies after accident involving Peloton treadmill

The CEO of popular exercise equipment company Peloton on Thursday told customers that a child had died in what he called a “tragic accident” involving one of its treadmills. 

John Foley wrote in a note shared on the company’s website that it recently learned of the incident involving the company’s Tread+ product, though the founder and chief executive did not include any specific details on the death, such as where or when it occurred. 

“I’m reaching out to you today because I recently learned about a tragic accident involving a child and the Tread+, resulting in, unthinkably, a death,” the CEO wrote. 

Foley added that the company is “aware of only a small handful of incidents involving the Tread+ where children have been hurt,” and that “each one is devastating to all of us at Peloton, and our hearts go out to the families involved.” 

“We design and build all of our products with safety in mind. But in order to help ensure that you and your family members stay safe with Peloton products in your home, we need your help,” Foley wrote, before detailing specific safety recommendations to prevent further injuries. 

The CEO said children and pets should be kept away from Peloton exercise equipment at all times, and that the machine’s safety key should be removed and safely stored away after a workout. 

“We are always looking for new ways to ensure that you have the best experience with our products, and we are currently assessing ways to reinforce our warnings about these critical safety precautions to hopefully prevent future accidents,” Foley said. 

The Tread+ treadmill, which currently retails starting at $4,295, is one of a series of at-home exercise products from the company that has increased in popularity during the pandemic as lockdown orders closed gyms, prompting more people to turn to at-home workouts. 

According to its product webpage, the Tread+ was specifically designed for people older than 16 years old and at least 105 pounds. The company also said the product is recommended for users no shorter than 4 feet, 11 inches, and no taller than 6 feet, 4 inches. 

In October, Peloton issued a voluntary recall on pedals for roughly 27,000 of its stationary exercise bikes after more than 100 customers reported breakages and at least 16 noted they suffered leg injuries while using the equipment. 

The New York Times reported that at least five people needed stitches or other medical care as a result of their injuries caused by a defect that resulted in pedals breaking off mid-workout. 

Following the Thursday announcement of the child’s death, Peloton’s stock fell by more than 3 percent, according to ABC News.