Treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of home exercise equipment in America — and one of the most dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of one child death and more than 90 reported injuries associated with treadmill entrapment hazards, following its landmark safety action against Peloton over its Tread+ treadmill. CPSC has also documented deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by leaving treadmill engines running in enclosed spaces. Beyond high-profile recalls, treadmills as a category are responsible for significant injury every year — and most incidents follow the same preventable patterns.
The Entrapment Hazard
The rear roller of a motorized treadmill creates a dangerous gap between the moving belt and the floor. Adult users, children, pets, and objects can be pulled under the rear roller, causing severe abrasions, broken bones, lacerations, and death. This hazard is not unique to any single brand — it is present in varying degrees on motorized treadmills of all types when children, pets, or objects are allowed near the machine while it is in use.
In May 2021, CPSC warned consumers to stop using the Peloton Tread+ after receiving more than 150 reports of people, pets, and objects being pulled under the rear roller — including the death of a child and dozens of injuries including broken bones, lacerations, and second- and third-degree abrasions. Peloton later agreed to pay a $19 million civil penalty after CPSC found the company had knowingly failed to report the hazard immediately as required by law.
Safety Tips for All Treadmill Users
- Always use the safety key and clip it to your clothing when using a treadmill. The safety key will stop the belt if you fall or step off.
- Keep children and pets away from the treadmill at all times — both when it is in use and when it is not in use.
- When not in use, unplug the treadmill and store the safety key away from the treadmill and out of reach of children.
- Never allow children under 16 to use an adult treadmill.
- Place the treadmill in a room that can be locked or secured when not in use to prevent unsupervised access by children.
- Never leave a running treadmill unattended.
- Keep the area behind the treadmill clear of walls and objects — always allow adequate clearance at the rear of the machine.
- Never use a treadmill in an enclosed space with the door closed without adequate ventilation.
Check for Recalls
If you own a Peloton Tread+, check whether your unit has received the free rear guard repair. Contact Peloton toll-free at 866-679-9129 or visit onepeloton.com and click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page.
To report a dangerous treadmill or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
