• Peloton has recalled treadmills in the US and the UK following the death of a six-year-old child.
  • Investigations carried out by a US watchdog concluded the machines pose a 'serious risk' in homes.

The recall of the Peloton Tread and Tread+ machines come after the death of a six-year-old child. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded the treadmills could cause injury or death to adults, children and pets if they get pulled underneath the machine.

As well as the tragic death, Peloton has had 72 reports of injuries such as broken bones, cuts and grazes.

Previously, Peloton boss John Foley has said that children should stay away from the firm's machines, which have been extremely popular during the coronavirus pandemic. Today, he said he had 'made a mistake' not recalling the products sooner.

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'I want to be clear, Peloton made a mistake in our initial response to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's request that we recall the Tread+. We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset. For that, I apologise' Foley said. The Tread+ is only available in the US at the time of writing.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has said Peloton are voluntarily recalling their products, which pose a safety risk as the display console can fall off. For users in the UK, Peloton has said, 'In the UK Peloton has issued an important product safety notice for the Peloton Tread and has notified the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards. We are working to develop a repair for your Tread that will prevent the touchscreen from detaching and falling and hope that this repair will be available soon. Until this repair is available, Tread owners can either wait for the repair to be approved in the coming weeks, or they can request a full refund.'

In a letter written to customers in March, Foley wrote: '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.

'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.

'When you finish a workout on your Tread+, remove the safety key and store it out of reach of children and anyone else who should not be able to start the Tread+.'