A small child was pulled under a peloton treadmill in a frightening video released Saturday by federal regulators to highlight concerns about fitness equipment. (Watch the video below, but be warned that some viewers may find it annoying.)
In the video, the boy approaches the car with a ball and seems to get stuck on the conveyor belt when he passes under the walking platform. The belt pulls the boy under the car and, at some point, his head is suddenly forced back, while the roller continues to pull him under him.
Eventually he is able to escape.
The incident was one of 39 described by the US 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 Peloton Tread + poses serious risks to children from abrasions, fractures and death,” the agency wrote, citing several reports of children trapped under the back roll.
Those who want to keep the device should use it in a locked room with no children present, because if you have an adult there, serious injury cannot be prevented, according to the commission.
Peloton disputed that the commission’s warning was “inaccurate and misleading”.
“There is no reason to stop using 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 items away from Tread + at all times.”
“Peloton is disappointed that, despite its collaborative offerings and the fact that Tread + meets all applicable safety standards, CPSC was unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions with Peloton before issuing its inaccurate and misleading press release. “, It is said in the communiqué. .
Calling all HuffPost superheroes!
Sign up to become a founding member and help shape the next chapter of HuffPost