Founder and Managing Partner
In April 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a video showing a young child getting pulled by his arms under a Peloton treadmill machine. Luckily, he managed to get untangled from the machine, but footage showed how hazardous the machine is for small children. In another incident, the Peloton treadmill killed another small child after being pulled under it. These incidents and approximately 70 more caused Peloton to issue a recall on its Peloton Tread+ in May of this year. What more should you know about this product? Also, if you live in California and you have sustained injuries from this product, how can a California products liability attorney help?
Brief History of the Peloton
John Foley, the CEO of Peloton, established his company in 2012. Its initial product was its bike which the company founder and CEO created to get fit at home around his demanding schedule. In 2020, with the rise of lockdowns across the country due to the pandemic, more people became interested in Peloton products. As a result, they reported a 172 percent increase in monthly subscriptions and increased profits in September 2020. Unfortunately, Peloton’s success started to run out earlier this year when CPSC issued its recall on one of its popular products: the Peloton Tread+.
The CPSC Warns the Public About the Dangers of the Product
The CPSC issued a warning in April that up until then, there had been 39 incidents reported and one death. After its initial warning, Peloton representatives did not recall the treadmill, stating that CPSC’s warning was inaccurate and misleading and that its products are only for use by individuals over 16 years of age. Unfortunately, the death of a 6-year-old child earlier this year caused Peloton to change its mind about its product. By May 5, the company finally issued its recall after learning that a child died after being sucked under one of its machines.
What You Should do if You Own This Product
If you happen to own one of these products, it is best that you stop using it right away, especially if you have young children and pets in the home. If you continue to use the product, ensure that there are no children or small pets near it when you are using the machine. Keep in mind that adults have also been injured while using the machine. This warning isn’t only effective for small children and pets. One woman shared her frightening experience in an online video when a yoga ball that was near her machine got sucked under it and caused her to lose her balance. There have also been reports of leg injuries and burns. The machine’s touchscreen also is known to loosen and fall off the machine randomly.
Peloton is offering a full refund on the product until November 6, 2022, if you wish to return the defective product. Also, if you or your loved ones were injured while using this product in the state of California, you should contact a California products liability lawyer to discuss the matter. A California products liability lawyer will review the facts of your injury and determine if you have a viable claim against the makers of Peloton’s Tread+ and will help you file a lawsuit. Get in touch with our office today for a free consultation.