Peloton: Child killed in 'tragic' treadmill accident

Peloton has warned parents to keep children away from its treadmills after the death of a child.

Boss John Foley called it "tragic accident" - one of a "small handful" of incidents in which children have been hurt on the firm's exercise equipment.

He did not disclose further details about what happened.

In a separate incident, a 3-year-old suffered head injuries after getting trapped under a Peloton treadmill, but will make a full recovery.

The latest incident report into that accident, disclosed on Wednesday, said the child "was found to have tread marks on his back matching the slats of the treadmill".

Mr Foley, Peloton's founder, said children should stay away from the firm's machines, which have surged in popularity during the pandemic.

"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," he wrote in the letter to customers.

"Keep children and pets away from Peloton exercise equipment at all times. Before you begin a workout, double check to make sure that the space around your Peloton exercise equipment is clear."

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said it was investigating the incident.

Peloton sells cycling machines and treadmills that can be connected online to virtual fitness classes. Its business has boomed as people look for alternative ways to exercise during lockdowns and gym closures.

The firm has said the skyrocketing demand has created supply chain pressures, leading to backlogs in orders for the machines.

'Devastating'

Its treadmills, which sell for more than $2,400 (£1,722), were designed for use by those aged 16 and older, who weigh at least 105 pounds, it said.

Mr Foley said the company did not intend to release more information about the accidents, in order to respect privacy of those involved.

"While we are aware of only a small handful of incidents involving the Tread+ where children have been hurt, each one is devastating to all of us at Peloton, and our hearts go out to the families involved," he wrote.

The company is "currently assessing ways to reinforce our warnings about these critical safety precautions to hopefully prevent future accidents," he added.

Last year, Peloton recalled pedals on about 27,000 bikes in the US, citing problems after clip-on pedals broke unexpectedly during use.

There were an estimated 22,500 treadmill-related injuries treated at US emergency departments among all ages, including around 2,000 involving children under the age of eight, according to the consumer product safety commission.

Between 2018 and 2020, it received reports of 17 deaths related to the use of a treadmill, including one involving a 5-year-old.