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Treadmills Are Extremely Dangerous for Young Children
A month ago, a small child died in a tragic treadmill accident involving a Peloton Tread+. Since then, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has begun an investigation and issued multiple statements and warnings about the dangers of Peloton’s Tread+.
After such a heart-breaking and traumatic incident – an incident that could have occurred in anyone’s home – many parents are left wondering, are treadmills safe to have at home? Are my children safe in my home gym? How can I keep my children safe around my new fitness equipment?
Peloton Tread+
Now more than ever, because of the pandemic and gym closures, families are deciding to invest in fitness equipment and add it to their home. Curious children can want to touch or play with the “new toys,” and parents need to be away of the potential dangers.
Treadmills are not intended to be used by children and are extremely dangerous for small children. Accidents like burns, broken bones, and head trauma can occur when children are left unsupervised around treadmills.
Stop Using the Peloton Tread+
Recently, on April 17, 2021, the CPSC released an urgent official warning to the public – “stop using the Peloton Tread+.” (3) This official warning came after a thorough investigation of Peloton’s treadmill. The investigation revealed more than just a few incidents and accidents.
They announced that, “to date, CPSC is aware of 39 incidents including one death.” (3) They announced that the Peloton Tread+ “poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death.” They also commented that there have been multiple incidences of children being trapped, pinned under, and sucked under the back of the treadmill, obviously leading to serious injuries.
And it’s not just when children are unsupervised. One accident even happened while a parent was running on the treadmill. For the safety of all consumers, the CPSC strongly advised to immediately stop using the Peloton Tread+.
Peloton responded to the press release, claiming that it was “inaccurate and misleading” but also admitting that “the Tread+ can pose hazards” and warning owners “to keep children away from the Tread+ at all times.” (3)
Will There Be A Peloton Tread+ Recall?
After the many injuries and accidents that have occurred related to the Peloton Tread+ and the recent tragedy, many people are wondering, will Peloton recall its Tread+? After the recent event, Peloton has made several safety warnings, and reminded Peloton customers how important it is to be careful around treadmills.
For a recall to happen, the company must take the first step, since the CPSC can only force a recall in rare cases. (2) But, even after the CPSC recommended that Peloton recall the Tread+, thus far, there has been no recall.
In fact, Peloton CEO John Foley recently announced in a follow-up note about Peloton safety that, although the CPSC believes that they should recall the $4,300 Tread+, Peloton has “no intention of doing so.” (1)
Are Treadmills Safe for Your Home?
According to statistics, more than one in every three workout-related Emergency Room visits involved treadmills. (4) 
Treadmills are the most dangerous type of fitness equipment, especially for small children. That being said, with the proper safety precautions, parents can keep their kids safe while still getting a great workout on their home treadmill.
The best way to keep your children safe is to keep them away from the treadmill. Keep the treadmill in a locked workout room and teach your kids that it can be dangerous for them to touch so it’s best to stay away. Even after safety conversations with your children, when they see mom and dad running on the treadmill every morning, they will want to be like them and play on the treadmill as well. However, their innocent curiosity can lead to tragedy.
When treadmills are not in use, it’s best that they are left turned off, so that they don’t become a hazard for toddlers. A treadmill that can be easily turned on is very dangerous for children, as almost all treadmill-related injuries occur while the treadmill belt is moving.
Some treadmills have a safety key or cord that is needed for the treadmill to start. This key or cord can be hidden and stored in a safe place so that children can’t start they treadmill, even by accident.
The Safest Treadmill for Your Family
The best option for families with small children is a treadmill with safety features, like a password security lock on the console to start, or a safety key that prevents the treadmill from running when the key is not inserted in the machine. These features can help keep your family safe and make your treadmill less dangerous for your small children.
Another factor in buying a safe and reliable treadmill is looking at the track record of the brand. A reliable brand consistently tests all the features of their treadmills and takes your safety and your family’s safety into consideration. They are not just looking to sell you their products, but rather, keep you happy and satisfied with your purchase. Take a look at our favorite treadmill brands here.
Teach Your Children the Importance of Safety and Fitness
Keeping your children safe is the most important thing in the entire world. Teaching them about proper treadmill and fitness equipment use is absolutely necessary when you have fitness equipment in your home.
Having a treadmill and using it properly and regularly sets a good example for your children and shows them the importance of fitness and healthy living. You can teach them from a young age that it’s important to be healthy and strong and to take care of their bodies and minds.
Parents that have healthy fitness habits are more likely to raise children that are healthy and happy, so make sure to set that good example for your children – always while teaching them the importance of safety around fitness equipment.
Sources:
1 Official Follow-up Note by Peloton CEO
2 Peloton fights federal safety recall after its treadmills left one child dead, others injured
