consumer agency warns against peloton tread+ use, as company pushes back
Peloton Tread+ Safety Concerns and Warnings
Approximately one month prior to today, Peloton’s Chief Executive Officer, John Foley, published an open letter addressing concerns regarding the company’s treadmill product. The letter commenced by acknowledging a tragic incident involving a child and the Tread+, which unfortunately resulted in a fatality.
Foley stated that while the company was aware of a limited number of incidents where children were injured by the Tread+, each occurrence was deeply upsetting to the Peloton team, and their sympathies were extended to the affected families.
CPSC Issues Warning
Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a warning advising users to discontinue use of the Tread+. This action follows the documentation of 39 incidents, including the previously mentioned death.
The CPSC asserts that the preservation of public health and safety necessitates a swift warning regarding the identified hazard.
Peloton’s Response
Peloton responded with a statement expressing its disagreement with the CPSC’s public announcement. The company characterized the CPSC’s press release as both inaccurate and misleading.
Peloton maintains that there is no justification for ceasing Tread+ usage, provided that all provided warnings and safety guidelines are diligently followed.
Details of Reported Incidents
The CPSC’s warning details multiple injuries sustained by young children and a pet. The commission specifically recommends that users with children in the home immediately stop using the treadmill.
This represents a more forceful recommendation than the initial guidance provided by Foley in March, which advised users to keep children and pets away from the device and to store it securely when not in use.
Peloton has since disclosed that there have been 23 incidents involving children, 15 incidents involving objects, and one incident involving a pet, as highlighted by the CPSC. The company explained that it had previously refrained from revealing these specifics due to privacy considerations.
CPSC Safety Recommendations
The CPSC strongly urges that, if consumers choose to continue using the Tread+, it should only be done within a locked room.
This precaution is intended to prevent access by children and pets while the treadmill is operational. Furthermore, the organization advises keeping all objects, including exercise balls and other fitness equipment, clear of the treadmill’s vicinity.
The connected fitness company has not yet issued further statements.
Brian Heater
Brian Heater: A Profile of a Veteran Tech Journalist
Brian Heater held the position of Hardware Editor at TechCrunch until the beginning of 2025. Throughout his career, he has consistently contributed to prominent technology-focused media outlets.
Extensive Experience in Tech Journalism
Heater’s professional background includes significant roles at several well-known publications. These include Engadget, PCMag, Laptop, and Tech Times, where he ultimately functioned as the Managing Editor.
His journalistic work isn't limited to tech-specific platforms. Heater’s writing has been featured in a diverse range of publications, demonstrating his versatility as a writer.
A Broad Spectrum of Published Work
The breadth of his published work is notable, encompassing titles such as Spin, Wired, and Playboy. He has also contributed to Entertainment Weekly, The Onion, Boing Boing, and Publishers Weekly.
Furthermore, Heater’s articles have appeared in The Daily Beast and a variety of other publications. This highlights his widespread recognition within the journalism community.
Beyond Writing: Podcasting and Broadcasting
In addition to his writing career, Brian Heater is actively involved in audio media. He currently hosts the weekly Boing Boing interview podcast, titled RiYL.
Heater has also contributed regularly to NPR as a commentator. His presence extends beyond the written word, establishing him as a voice in the broader media landscape.
Personal Life
He currently resides in a Queens apartment, where he shares his home with a rabbit companion named Juniper. This detail offers a glimpse into his life outside of his professional endeavors.