A small child was dragged under a Peloton treadmill in a terrifying video released Saturday by federal regulators to highlight concern about fitness machines. (Watch the clip below, but be warned that some viewers may find it disturbing.)
In the video, the boy approaches the machine with a ball and appears to be strapped to the conveyor belt as he passes under the platform. The belt drags the boy under the machine and at one point the head is forced hard backwards as the roller continues to pull him down.
Finally, he is able to escape.
The incident was one of 39 described by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which urged parents of children at home to “stop using the product immediately.” One child died, Peloton reported, the commission said.
“CPSC staff believe that the Platoon Tread + carries serious risks to children from abrasions, fractures and deaths,” the agency wrote citing multiple reports of children trapped under the rear roller.
Those who want to keep the device should use it in an enclosed room with no children, because having an adult there can prevent serious injury, according to the commission.
Peloton rejected the commission’s warning as “inaccurate and misleading.”
“There is no reason to stop using the Tread + as long as all safety warnings and instructions are followed,” the fitness company wrote in a press release. “Children under the age of 16 should never use Tread + and members should keep children, pets and objects away from Tread + at all times.”
“Peloton is disappointed that, despite its collaborative offerings, and despite Tread + complying with all applicable security standards, CPSC was unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions with Peloton before issuing an inaccurate press release and misleading, “the statement said. .
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