The recall applies to about 125,000 machines in the US and comes after regulators warned people to stop using the Tread+ model if they have children or pets. A six-year-old child was killed after being pulled under the rear of the treadmill. Other accidents have seen adults, children and pets suffer broken bones, cuts, and bruises.

Peloton initially called the intervention from Washington’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) “inaccurate and misleading”. However, it has now announced the recall of Tread and Tread+ Treadmills.

Consumers who have purchased either treadmill should immediately stop using it and contact Peloton for a full refund. Peloton has also stopped the sale and distribution of the Tread+ and continues to work on additional hardware modifications.

In the US, the Tread was only sold as part of a limited invitation-only release between November 2020 and March 2021. In the UK it was sold for £2,295 plus a subscription fee of £39

The Tread+ was sold online at onepeloton.com and at Peloton showrooms in the US for about £3,000. However, it was not sold in the UK.

John Foley, Peloton CEO, said: “The decision to recall both products was the right thing to do for Peloton’s members and their families. I want to be clear, Peloton made a mistake in our initial response to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s request that we recall the Tread+. We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset. For that, I apologize.

“Today’s announcement reflects our recognition that, by working closely with the CPSC, we can increase safety awareness for our members. We believe strongly in the future of at-home connected fitness and are committed to work with the CPSC to set new industry safety standards for treadmills. We have a desire and a responsibility to be an industry leader in product safety.”

In the UK, the government said the Office for Product Safety and Standards had been informed of the recall relating to the Peloton Tread.

Adam French, Which? consumer rights expert, said: “Peloton could have communicated more clearly with British consumers about the recall of a Tread model sold in the UK.

“Peloton Tread customers in the UK should check their machine to see if the recall applies to their model. If it does, they should stop using the treadmill immediately and get in touch with Peloton. We would expect the company to act swiftly to resolve this issue for any affected customers.

“Any treadmill can pose a safety risk to children and pets when safety precautions are not followed. It’s important to remove and secure the safety key out of reach of children when you aren’t exercising, stay vigilant of others’ safety when it’s in use, and follow manufacturer instructions at all times.”