A video of a child being dragged under a Peloton-branded treadmill was released by federal regulators Sunday as part of its warning to consumers.
The terrifying video was meant to call on consumers with kids and pets to immediately stop using the company's machines.
The video published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission showed a young boy playing near a Peloton Tread+. When the child attempted to get a ball trapped under the equipment, he was quickly pulled beneath it.
The boy struggled to free himself from the machine, which was pulling him under as another child is seen running to call for help. The boy was eventually able to get free.
(WARNING: Content shown is disturbing and viewer discretion is advised.)
The agency said it has received 39 reports of accidents involving children and Peloton's exercise machines, including one where a child had died.
"CPSC staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death. In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately," the safety commission said.
The CPSC warned consumers that if they had children or pets, they should keep the company's products locked away in a room and keep them unplugged when not in use. The agency said objects should be kept far away from the machines when they are in use.
Peloton fired back at the release of the video. The company said the warning that was released was "inaccurate and misleading." The company expressed its disappointment at the agency's decision to release the video.
"Peloton is disappointed that, despite its offers of collaboration, and despite the fact that the Tread+ complies with all applicable safety standards, CPSC was unwilling to engage in any meaningful discussions with Peloton before issuing its inaccurate and misleading press release," Peloton said.
The company, which sells high-priced training equipment, said it already provides ample warnings to its consumers, particularly those with pets and children around the house. Peloton said there is no reason for its consumers to stop using its products as appropriate warnings and safety instructions are provided.
