Peloton recalls 2 treadmills — 1 for injuring children, 1 for falling touch screens

Peloton is recalling its treadmills, including several thousand in Canada, due to safety issues. 

The company's Tread product has a touch screen that can detach and fall, posing a risk of injury, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Wednesday. About 5,400 were sold in Canada, the commission said.

The commission said the company is aware of 18 reports of the screen loosening and six where it fell off. The recall notice said those incidents resulting in minor injuries including abrasions, and various cuts and bruises in the U.S.

A spokesperson for Health Canada confirmed to CBC News that it is aware of 83 instances related to the Peloton Tread, including three injuries, which the agency described as "minor."

The recall was announced simultaneously with a separate recall of the Tread+ treadmill, which has made headlines because children and pets can be pulled underneath it. The Peloton Tread+ is not available in Canada.

One child has died and 29 other children suffered cuts, broken bones and other injuries due to the Tread+. In total, the commission said that Peloton received 72 reports of adults, kids, pets or other items being pulled under the treadmill.

The recall comes after the safety commission warned last month that people with children or pets should immediately stop using Peloton treadmills and posted a video on YouTube of a child being pulled under the treadmill.

CEO says company 'made a mistake'

At the time, Peloton pushed back against the safety commission, saying the warning was "inaccurate and misleading" and that there was no reason to stop using the machines. CEO John Foley also said he had "no intention" of recalling the treadmills.

In a statement Wednesday, Foley apologized and said the company "made a mistake" in its initial response to the safety commission.

Shares of New York-based Peloton Interactive Inc. sunk more than 14 per cent to $82.78 US after the recall was announced Wednesday, its second-biggest percentage decline.

The commission said consumers should immediately stop using the recalled treadmills and contact Peloton for a full refund.

In the case of the Tread model, Peloton is offering consumers who do not want a refund the option of waiting for a free inspection and repair that will secure the touchscreen to the treadmill.