Sales of home fitness equipment have soared in the last year, as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns and gym shutdowns. Demand for smart exercise equipment, like Peloton, has been especially high. These offer online fitness programs that replicate an in-person gym experience.
However, the convenience of having your own home fitness equipment comes with risk.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 22,000 treadmill related injuries in 2019 in the US. About 2,000 of those involved children under eight years old. Between 2018 and 2020, there were 17 treadmill related deaths, one involving a 5-year-old child.
In March 2021, Peloton’s CEO sent a letter to owners about the dangers of their Tread+ home treadmill. It informed them of an accident that resulted in the death of a child. The letter also mentioned a handful of other incidents on the Tread+ that resulted in injuries to children. The letter warned owners to keep children away from Peloton home exercise equipment at all times. It also told them to store the safety key out of reach of children when the equipment is not in use.
If you, or someone you know, have ever been injured by personal exercise equipment, you should consult a personal injury lawyer about the potential liability of the manufacturer and retailer. SUGARMAN has a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys who represent those who have been injured. If you have been hurt in an accident and wish to speak to one of our attorneys, please fill out a Contact Form, call us at (617) 542-1000 or e-mail info@sugarman.com.