by Peloton has agreed to pay a fine of more than $19 million after the Consumer Product Safety Commission said the fitness company failed to disclose the potential dangers of using its treadmill and sold previously recalled products.
According to the commission, starting in December 2018 and continuing through 2019, Peloton received reports of injuries associated with people getting caught on the back of its treadmills.
However, the safety commission said, Peloton did not immediately report the injuries to the commission. Ultimately, 150 people, pets, and/or objects were swept under the back of Peloton’s Tread+ treadmills, resulting in 13 injuries. A 6-year-old boy died in an incident.
In May 2021, Peloton and the commission jointly announced the I remember of the Tread+ treadmill, but Peloton later sold 38 recalled treadmills through Peloton staff and through outside delivery companies, the CPSC said.
The commission unanimously approved the multimillion-dollar penalty, which was announced Thursday. In addition to the fine, Peloton must maintain a strict compliance program as part of its agreement with the Commission.
«By acting with one voice, CPSC sends a loud and clear warning to companies that continue to sell dangerous products that they know can cause serious injury or death,» safety commission chairman Alexander Hoehn said in a statement. -Saric. . «By failing to report these incidents to the Commission immediately, Peloton not only violated the Consumer Product Safety Act, but also the trust of consumers.»
Peloton said in a statement that it was pleased to have reached an agreement and that it «continues to seek CPSC approval of a Tread+ rear guard that would further enhance its safety features.» The company added that it «remains deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our members and to the continuous improvement of our products.»
Reuters contributed.
