Written By
Edited By : Sophia Clifton
This page features 8 Cited Research Articles
Fact Checked
Fact-Checked

Editors carefully fact-check all Consumer Notice, LLC content for accuracy and quality.

Consumer Notice, LLC has a stringent fact-checking process. It starts with our strict sourcing guidelines.

We only gather information from credible sources. This includes peer-reviewed medical journals, reputable media outlets, government reports, court records and interviews with qualified experts.

Many of the Tread+ models were primarily sold in the U.S., with limited models present in Canada and the U.K. There are only 1,000 Tread models in the U.S. and recalls for both products are in effect in all three countries.

Peloton is now cooperating with the CPSC to take these treadmills out of circulation and prioritize consumer safety. At the onset of the injuries, however, Peloton’s CEO rejected the claims that the treadmills were causing injury. Peloton has since walked that statement back and admitted that the machines should have been recalled sooner.

Following recommendations for consumers outlined within recall notices is a good way to help ensure your home’s safety. In the case of Peloton recalls, the CPSC has recommended pursuing a refund or repairs.

Peloton Tread vs. Peloton Tread+ Accidents

Following reported malfunctions, the CPSC reached out to Peloton to discuss how to address these products’ potential dangers. On May 5, 2021, the CPSC and Peloton agreed on a full recall of Tread+ and Tread model treadmills.

The two models cause different injuries and have separate malfunctions. The Tread+ model from Peloton is larger and higher off the floor than the Tread model. This extra space under the Tread+ creates enough space for people and pets to be pulled underneath the treadmill.

Since 2018 there have been 72 reports of adults, children, pets and objects being pulled under the machine. There are also a total of 29 reports of serious child safety issues, with children experiencing injuries such as second and third degree abrasions, broken bones, and lacerations.

Peloton was also made aware of a child’s death as a result of being pulled under the machine. Because of the severity of some of the injuries, the CPSC recommended Peloton issue a mandatory recall.

The Tread model from Peloton is smaller than the Tread+ model and does not have the same space underneath the machine that has resulted in serious injuries. The Tread does have issues with its touchscreen loosening and falling, causing injuries.

While there have been no touchscreen-related injuries reported in the U.S., injuries have been reported in the U.K. and Canada. For this reason, the CPSC recommended a voluntary recall for the product.

How to Figure Out Which Model You Have

Each treadmill has a unique model number and distinguishing characteristics that make it easy to tell which model you have. Also, the Tread model is notably smaller than the Tread+ and only 1,000 Tread models were sold in the United States.

If you are having trouble identifying the model that you have, here are the specific statistics for each model:

Graphic showing which models of Peloton treadmills were recalled

Remedies for Peloton Tread and Tread+ Owners

For consumers who have purchased Peloton treadmills, there are different remedies available, depending on the specific model you have.

The Tread+ model retailed for $4,295. Following the recall, the company decided to provide a full refund until November 6, 2022. If the machine is returned after this date, only a partial refund will be issued.

It is important to note that Peloton and the CPSC recommend immediately halting usage of the Tread+. Peloton will also upgrade the software to include a locking mechanism to help prevent potential injuries.

The Tread model has caused fewer injuries than the Tread+ models, but the CPSC and Peloton also recommend discontinuing use immediately. The Tread model retailed for $2,495 and a full refund will be issued if the machine is returned before November 6, 2022. Peloton is also offering to come and affix the touchscreen to the treadmill to avoid further issues with the device.

Peloton’s Response to the CPSC and Current Stance

The CPSC took action when it was clear that the Tread+ and Tread treadmill-related injuries were significantly more severe than the normal scrapes and bumps from a typical fall or trip on a treadmill. Use of Tread+ has resulted in one death, brain injury, burns and bone fractures.

Peloton’s initial response to the CPSC’s product warning contested the commission’s position. Peloton’s spokesperson stated at the time, “We are disappointed that the CPSC is mischaracterizing the situation.”

Peloton also advised users to keep their machine locked and the safety key kept away from children, adding, “The Peloton Tread+ is safe for use at home when operated as directed and in accordance with our warnings and safety instructions. As a reminder, the Tread+ is not for children under 16 and children, pets, and objects need to be kept away from the Tread+ at all times.”

The CEO of Peloton did eventually state that they should have taken the reports more seriously and acted sooner. Peloton is now in full cooperation with the CPSC and Peloton is offering refunds and repairs of their treadmills.

Please seek the advice of a qualified professional before making decisions about your health or finances.
Last Modified: June 23, 2023

8 Cited Research Articles

Consumernotice.org adheres to the highest ethical standards for content production and references only credible sources of information, including government reports, interviews with experts, highly regarded nonprofit organizations, peer-reviewed journals, court records and academic organizations. You can learn more about our dedication to relevance, accuracy and transparency by reading our editorial policy.

  1. Adler, Robert. (2021, May 5). Statement of Acting Chairman Robert Adler on the Recall of the Peloton Tread + and Tread, Robert Adler. Retrieved from https://cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Statement%20of%20Acting%20Chairman%20Robert%20Adler%20on%20the%20Recall%20of%20the%20Peloton%20Tread%20Plus%20and%20Tread%20Treadmills.pdf
  2. CPSC.gov. (2021, May 5). Peloton Recalls Tread Treadmills Due to Risk of Injury. Retrieved from https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/peloton-recalls-tread-treadmills-due-to-risk-of-injury
  3. CPSC.gov. (2021, May 5). Peloton Recalls Tread+ Treadmills After One Child Died and More than 70 Incidents Reported. Retrieved from https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/peloton-recalls-tread-plus-treadmills-after-one-child-died-and-more-than-70-incidents
  4. Rabkin, Rachel. (2021, May 5). Urgent Safety Warning Issued for Peloton Tread+ Treadmill. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/product-safety/peloton-plus-tread-treadmill-urgent-safety-warning-cpsc/
  5. Harvey-Jenner, Catriona. (2021, May 6). Peloton Urgently Recalls Treadmills Following Over 70 Injuries and One Death. Retrieved from https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a36349097/peloton-recall-treadmills/
  6. Somos, Christy. (2021, May 6). Peloton Recall in Canada After 83 Incident Reports Involving Treadmill Touchscreen Issue. Retrieved from https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/peloton-recall-in-canada-after-83-incident-reports-involving-treadmill-touchscreen-issue-1.5416577
  7. Peloton Support. (n.d.). Peloton Tread Recall FAQs. Retrieved from https://support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061116911
  8. Peloton Support. (n.d.). Tread+ Recall FAQs. Retrieved from https://support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/articles/360060722012-Peloton-Tread-Recall-FAQs