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Omaha Steve

(99,059 posts)
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 03:17 PM Apr 2021

After child dies, US regulator warns about Peloton treadmill

Source: AP

By JOSEPH PISANI

NEW YORK (AP) — Safety regulators warned people with kids and pets Saturday to immediately stop using a treadmill made by Peloton after one child died and nearly 40 others were injured.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it received reports of children and a pet being pulled, pinned and entrapped under the rear roller of the Tread+ treadmill, leading to fractures, scrapes and the death of one child.

The commission posted a video on its YouTube page of a child being pulled under the treadmill.

New York-based Peloton Interactive Inc. said in a news release that the warning was “inaccurate and misleading.” It said there’s no reason to stop using the treadmill as long as children and pets are kept away from it at all times, it is turned off when not in use, and a safety key is removed.

But the safety commission said that in at least one episode, a child was pulled under the treadmill while a parent was running on it, suggesting it can be dangerous to children even while a parent is present.



FILE - This Nov. 19, 2019 file photo shows a Peloton logo on the company's stationary bicycle in San Francisco. Safety regulators are warning people with kids and pets to immediately stop using a treadmill made by Peloton after one child died and nearly 40 others were injured. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Saturday, April 17, 2021, that it received reports of children and a pet being pulled, pinned and entrapped under the rear roller of the treadmill, leading to fractures, scrapes and the death of one child. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/product-safety-be5516665f9a2c7c4bb9b9441d4aef01

38 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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After child dies, US regulator warns about Peloton treadmill (Original Post) Omaha Steve Apr 2021 OP
Sad this has happened ... Hugh_Lebowski Apr 2021 #1
When President Biden was not allowed to bring his, jimfields33 Apr 2021 #2
I just watched the video ... that is an amazingly obviously unsafe design ... Hugh_Lebowski Apr 2021 #4
Jesus H Christ GB_RN Apr 2021 #7
I can't believe what I witnessed. jimfields33 Apr 2021 #11
also, don't leave it plugged in with the safety key in when not in use TomDaisy Apr 2021 #22
It seems so obvious but people friggin forget. You get a phone call or doorbell Hugh_Lebowski Apr 2021 #31
how is the design different from regular treadmills? why aren't kids dragged under regular treadmil Demovictory9 Apr 2021 #15
My son has a Norditrack treadmill. I helped KPN Apr 2021 #23
Okay, so that is flawed design but... DenaliDemocrat Apr 2021 #33
does Joe have the bike, or the treadmill? TomDaisy Apr 2021 #21
Bike JI7 Apr 2021 #34
Is their something inherently dangerous about Peloton vs. other treadmills. Dream Girl Apr 2021 #3
See my post 4 above ... Hugh_Lebowski Apr 2021 #5
I have a commercial model stair machine that looks like an escalator. Hassin Bin Sober Apr 2021 #8
I think you are right. The old old treadmill I used to have - the belt stopped before the end of TomDaisy Apr 2021 #24
It looks like the dangerous part is the back roller shouldn't be near the floor. forgotmylogin Apr 2021 #37
Just unplug the damn thing when you're not around. Most treadmills CAN be dangerous. oldsoftie Apr 2021 #6
Agree! crimycarny Apr 2021 #10
yes. there is no way a potentially operable machine should have been in the same room with 2 TomDaisy Apr 2021 #25
Yeah but there are cases of parents leaving kids in hot cars JI7 Apr 2021 #35
Who in the world would let their kids play on this to begin with? Bayard Apr 2021 #9
+1000 crimycarny Apr 2021 #12
Products need to be designed around the concept that many people are fucking stupid Hugh_Lebowski Apr 2021 #18
Just watch... Colorado Liberal Apr 2021 #13
Well, it's never too late to change the Constitution William Seger Apr 2021 #29
Oh, heck. One kid? PoindexterOglethorpe Apr 2021 #14
I've been tearing my treadmill apart because I'm done using it. Different brand. LiberalFighter Apr 2021 #16
Because I recognize that a piece of machinery like that is a hazard to small kids & small pets... Hekate Apr 2021 #17
It doesn't look like a safe design to me. LisaL Apr 2021 #19
it kind of looks like a steamroller - and that's what it did! TomDaisy Apr 2021 #26
Guns Are Perfectly Fine, BUT LETS MAKE SURE TO BAN PELOTONS!! nt SoCalDavidS Apr 2021 #20
indeed TomDaisy Apr 2021 #27
1 child and "they" do something but what about the 21 1st and 2nd graders along with 5 teachers ... Botany Apr 2021 #28
If I had young kids, I wouldn't have a treadmill (or any other similar device) in a room with them Sapient Donkey Apr 2021 #30
This machine is missing REALLY SIMPLE, and really obvious ... necessary safety features Hugh_Lebowski Apr 2021 #32
Exactly. LisaL Apr 2021 #36
I think Peloton makes a good case that they have strongly warned users that children and pets should Martin68 Apr 2021 #38
 

Hugh_Lebowski

(33,643 posts)
1. Sad this has happened ...
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 03:31 PM
Apr 2021

I suppose it's a good thing Peloton is making a bunch of $$$, they're going to need it to pay damages.

I suspect they're also going to end up having to deal with every one of them sold, i.e. offer options to buyback, replace them with a revamped unit, or come up with a mod to the existing ones that makes it safe, and go out and install them on everyone's machine.

jimfields33

(15,450 posts)
2. When President Biden was not allowed to bring his,
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 03:50 PM
Apr 2021

I was sad for him. But now I’m glad as he has grandchildren. Hopefully they will ban these killing machines.

 

Hugh_Lebowski

(33,643 posts)
4. I just watched the video ... that is an amazingly obviously unsafe design ...
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 03:57 PM
Apr 2021

Here's the video ... it's disturbing, kid gets trapped but does get himself out after a struggle. No question he had some painful abrasions from the incident but it's not horrible. Though it's scary imagining yourself being that child, with as easily traumatized as most children that age are.

Just giving fair warning.

I would add that turning the machine so the back of it is against the wall would REALLY help reduce the danger in the interim until the company addresses the matter.

GB_RN

(2,267 posts)
7. Jesus H Christ
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 04:19 PM
Apr 2021

On a stick! It rode right up over the top of a kid who might weigh 30 pounds soaking wet! In watching it and the way he was snagged at first, I was really surprised that it didn't snap his neck.

TomDaisy

(1,828 posts)
22. also, don't leave it plugged in with the safety key in when not in use
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 08:34 PM
Apr 2021

when not in use you should always remove the safety key ---- and unplug it for good measure

 

Hugh_Lebowski

(33,643 posts)
31. It seems so obvious but people friggin forget. You get a phone call or doorbell
Sun Apr 18, 2021, 12:02 AM
Apr 2021

And that distracts your and ends your run/walk and then it's something else, and you forget.

I'm sure MOST people are capable of these simple steps 99% of the time, but it's easy to see that 1% ... happening.

That's why you can't make stuff that's so obviously unsafe ... that's likely to spend time in an area where children and pets will be.

I don't think it's a very hard fix actually. If you just had a clutch so that ANY resistance will automatically trigger of the slowing down of the platform down at a reasonable rate, while sending a nice loud beep or 5 to the user ... and then quickly brings the platform to a stop ... you'd make it 95% safer.

It's not rocket science, but at the same time it's like 100 year old tech involved in doing this. And they didn't.

Which is fucking mind blowing.

KPN

(15,585 posts)
23. My son has a Norditrack treadmill. I helped
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 08:35 PM
Apr 2021

him assemble it. There is a cowling/cover over both the front and rear belt rollers. The damn thing weighs like 265 lbs or so. Peloton probably is close to that weight wise as well. Fortunately for that kid, the motor (heaviest part) is in the front and rear light in comparison.

DenaliDemocrat

(1,472 posts)
33. Okay, so that is flawed design but...
Sun Apr 18, 2021, 09:58 AM
Apr 2021

I grew up on a cattle ranch. Literally EVERYTHING could kill you. The horses, the tractor, the silo, the ponds, hell even picking up a board could be deadly with a black widow or rattlesnake.

My parents were extremely careful and we were admonished and yes sometimes disciplined to make a point. The day my dad caught me teasing a Brahman bull in the chute was a day my ass will never forget.

Why was that treadmill in an operational state in a place where children play. Dad always kept the guns and ammo locked up and separated. Tractor keys were up high too.

Come on parents. Don’t be lazy.

 

Hugh_Lebowski

(33,643 posts)
5. See my post 4 above ...
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 04:01 PM
Apr 2021

You can watch it happen. I don't know how most home-based treadmills are designed but it seems like a guard at the back would be a pretty damn obvious necessity.

Hassin Bin Sober

(26,272 posts)
8. I have a commercial model stair machine that looks like an escalator.
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 04:28 PM
Apr 2021

I lock the dog in the other room when I use it.

Mine only runs from the weight of a person on it but being caught under it while in use would suck.


Parent need to not let kids play with these things. Seems like a no brainer. They usually have safety keys that can be removed

TomDaisy

(1,828 posts)
24. I think you are right. The old old treadmill I used to have - the belt stopped before the end of
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 08:36 PM
Apr 2021

the running plank area. The end of the plank area was frame, and you could stand there or use it as a handle to flip the plank part up for storage.

forgotmylogin

(7,496 posts)
37. It looks like the dangerous part is the back roller shouldn't be near the floor.
Sun Apr 18, 2021, 06:33 PM
Apr 2021

Most treadmills are raised up higher or have a cover to prevent a foot or an arm getting caught between the floor and the roller.

While a cover over or under the back belt roller won't prevent snagging or pinching, it does keep the roller from pulling an arm or leg under it.

With nothing between the roller and the floor, something large caught in there gets pulled in till it stops, then the treadmill motor will continue to pull the entire unit like it's on wheels, literally monster-trucking up and over a small child or a pet, which can crush them or cause serious injury.

oldsoftie

(12,410 posts)
6. Just unplug the damn thing when you're not around. Most treadmills CAN be dangerous.
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 04:18 PM
Apr 2021

Mine (not a Peloton) is backed against a wall, but still cant be turned on without me there.

crimycarny

(1,351 posts)
10. Agree!
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 04:57 PM
Apr 2021

This may not be a popular opinion but seriously people! Just take the safety key out so the kids can’t turn it on! This is not an issue with the manufacturer, it’s an issue with the owners of the treadmill. Just seeing the little girl walking on it made me cringe, let alone what happened later when the toddler got stuck underneath. All treadmills can be dangerous which is why they come with safety features.

Take some responsibility and make sure such a powerful machine is disabled when not in use. Kids can get on and accidentally speed it up (or do it on purpose to see how fast that can go). Dumb, dumb, dumb!

TomDaisy

(1,828 posts)
25. yes. there is no way a potentially operable machine should have been in the same room with 2
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 08:38 PM
Apr 2021

unsupervised toddlers. Pull out safety key and unplug when not in use.

Bayard

(21,802 posts)
9. Who in the world would let their kids play on this to begin with?
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 04:52 PM
Apr 2021

It looks like its in their playroom, with no adult in sight. My treadmill has padded side rails where you can catch yourself if need be, and a key on a string that can be pulled out. It will also do 5 minute miles if you're so inclined--NOT a toy!

crimycarny

(1,351 posts)
12. +1000
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 05:01 PM
Apr 2021

We kept our treadmill in a separate room with the safety key ALWAYS put away. When we used the treadmill the door was shut and locked so the kids and pets couldn’t come in the room.

 

Hugh_Lebowski

(33,643 posts)
18. Products need to be designed around the concept that many people are fucking stupid
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 07:03 PM
Apr 2021

Guns, of course, are an exception, because reasons.

Colorado Liberal

(145 posts)
13. Just watch...
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 05:08 PM
Apr 2021

There will be more regulations regarding treadmills in homes with children than there are regarding guns in homes with children.

William Seger

(10,742 posts)
29. Well, it's never too late to change the Constitution
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 11:35 PM
Apr 2021

28th Amendment: "A well conditioned Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and use exercise equipment, shall not be infringed."

... or maybe fix the broken one instead?

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
14. Oh, heck. One kid?
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 05:44 PM
Apr 2021

Let's wait until hundreds are killed by it every year.

Oh, I'm thinking of guns. Never mind.

LiberalFighter

(50,484 posts)
16. I've been tearing my treadmill apart because I'm done using it. Different brand.
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 06:14 PM
Apr 2021

Anyway, mine had a magnetic device of sorts that would only operate if it was attached to the machine. The magnet was pulled off when the walker/runner was too far from it. Mine also did not have room for a body to slip under it.

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
17. Because I recognize that a piece of machinery like that is a hazard to small kids & small pets...
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 06:14 PM
Apr 2021

...I would never allow either in the same room when it is turned on. I don’t have a super-duper space age high tech treadmill or exercycle, but jeez people, just look at the mechanical parts whirring around on even the old ones like mine. What about that do people not understand? Do they also let their children play on escalators?

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
19. It doesn't look like a safe design to me.
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 07:27 PM
Apr 2021

Even after the kid's hand stuck under it, the machine kept pulling until it sucked the kid under it.
So clearly there is no shut off feature.

Botany

(70,286 posts)
28. 1 child and "they" do something but what about the 21 1st and 2nd graders along with 5 teachers ...
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 08:45 PM
Apr 2021

... died @ Xmas time @ Sandy Hook Elementary School in CT? The republican and NRA response
was we need more guns.

Sapient Donkey

(1,568 posts)
30. If I had young kids, I wouldn't have a treadmill (or any other similar device) in a room with them
Sat Apr 17, 2021, 11:43 PM
Apr 2021

where they might be unsupervised. At the very least I would make sure it's unplugged. I have a fold up rowing machine that wouldn't want kids or pets around, because it could potentially extend on them. With any treadmill, those could be dangerous in many ways. Kids running on it and turning the speed up until they fall and break their neck or bones.

 

Hugh_Lebowski

(33,643 posts)
32. This machine is missing REALLY SIMPLE, and really obvious ... necessary safety features
Sun Apr 18, 2021, 12:08 AM
Apr 2021

I know what you're saying, but this was negligence to not have it. This is SO BASIC of tech we're talking about here they just ... didn't put it on it.

It's too easy to get distracted mid-workout and then forget to disable it afterward cause ... life.

IMHO this is flagrant ... esp. in a machine that is very recently designed, AND retails for $4K.

LisaL

(44,962 posts)
36. Exactly.
Sun Apr 18, 2021, 12:36 PM
Apr 2021

Even vacuum cleaners have shut off features, if something gets stuck in it, the brush stops rolling. This treadmill kept on trying to suck the kid in until it finally sucked the kid under itself.
There are no safety features on it to stop it from rolling if something gets stuck.
And it's easy to say to always keep it away from kids and children. But not that easy to do.
Unless you have a giant house or apartment with a special room for your dangerous treadmill. Most people don't.

Martin68

(22,663 posts)
38. I think Peloton makes a good case that they have strongly warned users that children and pets should
Sun Apr 18, 2021, 06:53 PM
Apr 2021

not be allowed near an operating treadmill. Other companies' treadmills have also caused serious injury in cases involving children and pets. My feeling is that such accidents are the customer's responsibility if they did not heed warnings to keep children and pets out of harm's way. If a gun owner leaves it where a child can operate it it is the gun owner's fault. What should a treadmill be any different?

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