Peloton turned a free feature on its $4,000 treadmill into a $39 monthly subscription
Peloton announced that owners will need to sign up for a $39 monthly subscription to use its $4,000 treadmill because it made changes to its product after a voluntary recall that was linked to dozens of incidents and a child's death.
Peloton's range of fitness bikes and treadmills have "Just Ride" and "Just Run" features that allow owners to exercise without the need for a membership to a range of instructional classes. If owners didn't want to pay for the classes or wanted to cancel their membership, they could still work out using these features.
However, following safety concerns after a child was killed and more than 70 incidents were reported in which some users suffered injuries such as broken bones and cuts, Peloton issued a voluntary recall for the Tread+. Following those incidents, the free "Just Run" option was removed as part of an update that added a safety lock feature called Tread Lock. Peloton stated that "due to current technical limitations, Tread Lock is not yet available without a Peloton Membership."
"We have waived three months of All-Access Membership for all Tread+ owners, so those without a subscription will need to activate their free 3-month All-Access Membership to enable Tread Lock before they can access Just Run," the company said.
Some Peloton customers are threatening legal action after the free "Just Run" setting disappeared, according to Business Insider.
Under the current conditions of the voluntary recall, Tread+ owners can return their treadmill for a full refund.
The Tread+, which is similar to a normal treadmill, but also includes a 32-inch, high-definition touch screen and sound bar. It allows instructors to speak to users while working out with other members.