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[[Category:Service Siphoning]]
[[Category:Service Siphoning]]
[[Peloton]], a wellness technology company, faced widespread criticism after removing the "Just Run" feature from its Tread and Tread+ treadmills, making it accessible only through a paid subscription. This change, implemented under the guise of safety concerns, sparked debate over consumer rights and digital locks. The incident highlights broader issues surrounding corporate control over purchased products and the use of safety measures as a justification for subscription models. This issue has since been resolved, with Peloton restoring the feature in August 2021 following public backlash.
'''[[Peloton]]''', a wellness technology company, faced widespread criticism after removing the "Just Run" feature from its Tread and Tread+ treadmills, making it accessible only through a paid subscription. This change, implemented in reaction to safety concerns, sparked debate over consumer rights and digital locks. The incident highlights broader issues surrounding corporate control over purchased products and the use of safety measures as a justification for subscription models.  


== Background ==
This issue was resolved when Peloton restored the feature in August 2021, following public backlash.
Peloton sells high-end fitness equipment, which combines hardware with digital fitness programs offered through a subscription service. The Tread+ treadmill, priced at over $4,000, and the Tread treadmill, marketed as premium exercise machines, had previously allowed customers to use basic treadmill functions, including the "Just Run" feature, without a subscription<ref>Michael Kan, "Peloton Restores Free 'Just Run' Feature for Its Treadmill," PCMag, August 10, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241210095327/https://www.pcmag.com/news/peloton-axes-free-just-run-feature-from-treadmill-bricking-it-for-non-subscribers]</ref>.


In May 2021, following reports of injuries to children, Peloton issued a voluntary recall of its Tread+ and Tread models in collaboration with the US [[Consumer Product Safety Commission]] (CPSC). To address safety concerns, Peloton introduced a new feature, Tread Lock, which required users to enter a passcode to prevent unauthorized access<ref>Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Peloton Tread+ Recall Announcement," May 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241002012209/https://www.onepeloton.com/press/articles/tread-and-tread-recall]</ref>. However, this change also removed access to "Just Run" for non-subscribers, effectively locking users out of basic functionality unless they paid a $39 monthly fee.
==Background==
Peloton sells high-end fitness equipment, which combines hardware with digital fitness programs offered through a subscription service. The Tread+ treadmill, priced at over $4,000, and the Tread treadmill, marketed as premium exercise machines, had previously allowed customers to use basic treadmill functions, including the "Just Run" feature, without a subscription<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Michael |date=10 Aug 2021 |title=Peloton Restores Free 'Just Run' Feature for Its Treadmill |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/peloton-axes-free-just-run-feature-from-treadmill-bricking-it-for-non-subscribers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210095327/https://www.pcmag.com/news/peloton-axes-free-just-run-feature-from-treadmill-bricking-it-for-non-subscribers |archive-date=10 Dec 2024 |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=PC Mag}}</ref>.


== The Incident ==
In May 2021, following reports of injuries to children, Peloton issued a voluntary recall of its Tread+ and Tread models in collaboration with the US [[Consumer Product Safety Commission]] (CPSC). To address safety concerns, Peloton introduced a new feature, Tread Lock, which required users to enter a passcode to prevent unauthorized access<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=5 May 2021 |title=CPSC and Peloton Announce: Recall of Tread+ Treadmills After One Child Death and 70 Incidents; Recall of Tread Treadmills Due to Risk of Injury |url=https://www.onepeloton.com/press/articles/tread-and-tread-recall |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=[[Peloton]]}}</ref>. However, this change also removed access to "Just Run" for non-subscribers, effectively locking users out of basic functionality unless they paid a $39 monthly fee.
=== What happened? ===
In June 2021, Peloton rolled out a software update that effectively disabled the "Just Run" feature for users without an active subscription. The company claimed the change was necessary to integrate Tread Lock, enhancing safety. However, this decision rendered the treadmills unusable for basic functionality unless customers subscribed to Peloton's fitness content<ref>Michael Kan, "Peloton Restores Free 'Just Run' Feature for Its Treadmill," PCMag, August 10, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241210095327/https://www.pcmag.com/news/peloton-axes-free-just-run-feature-from-treadmill-bricking-it-for-non-subscribers]</ref>.


The situation escalated when customers like Jennifer Strong, a Tread+ owner, publicly shared their frustrations. Strong, who purchased her treadmill in 2019, stopped using Peloton's subscription-based content but continued to rely on the free "Just Run" feature. After the update, she discovered she could no longer use her treadmill without paying for a membership<ref>Jennifer Strong, "Peloton Tread+ Facebook Post," Facebook, June 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220428214256im_/https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/03kGxV2wrQ2n7WnIFhrAMnH-2.fit_lim.size_768x.png]</ref>.
==The incident==
In June 2021, Peloton rolled out a software update that effectively disabled the "Just Run" feature for users without an active subscription. The company claimed the change was necessary to integrate Tread Lock, enhancing safety. However, this decision rendered the treadmills unusable for basic functionality unless customers subscribed to Peloton's fitness content<ref name=":0" />.


=== Who was involved? ===
The situation escalated when customers like Jennifer Strong, a Tread+ owner, publicly shared their frustrations. Strong, who purchased her treadmill in 2019, stopped using Peloton's subscription-based content but continued to rely on the free "Just Run" feature. After the update, she discovered she could no longer use her treadmill without paying for a membership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strong |first=Jennifer |date=Jun 2021 |title=Peloton Tread+ Facebook Post |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428214256im_/https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/03kGxV2wrQ2n7WnIFhrAMnH-2.fit_lim.size_768x.png |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025}}</ref>
Key stakeholders included Peloton, its customers, the CPSC, and prominent voices on social media. Customers amplified the issue online, sparking debate about the ethics of Peloton's decision<ref>Brianna Wu, "Social Media Commentary on Peloton Decision," Twitter, June 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230610120941/https://twitter.com/BriannaWu/status/1407009346475675651]</ref>.


=== When and where? ===
Access to Just Run for non-subscribers was restored in August 2021. Peloton maintained throughout that the removal of "Just Run" for non-subscribers was an unavoidable consequence of enabling Tread Lock, rather than a business decision.  
The incident began in mid-2021, primarily affecting Peloton users in the United States. The controversy unfolded on social media platforms and online forums.


=== What were the consequences? ===
==Wider reaction==
The removal of "Just Run" led to widespread public backlash, with customers accusing Peloton of unethical practices. Many likened the situation to "ransomware," arguing that basic functionality of a purchased product should not be tied to ongoing payments. The outcry pressured Peloton to restore the feature in August 2021 through a software update<ref>Michael Kan, "Peloton Restores Free 'Just Run' Feature for Its Treadmill," PCMag, August 10, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241210095327/https://www.pcmag.com/news/peloton-axes-free-just-run-feature-from-treadmill-bricking-it-for-non-subscribers]</ref>.


== Key Issues ==
===Regulators and government bodies===
=== Consumer Rights Violations ===
The CPSC, which had overseen the voluntary recall of Tread+ and Tread, did not directly address the subscription controversy but maintained its focus on safety-related concerns<ref name=":1" />.
Peloton's decision raised questions about the rights of customers to use purchased products independently of subscriptions. Critics argued that tying basic functionality to a membership fee violated consumer expectations and eroded trust.


=== Ethical Implications ===
===Public and media===
The incident highlighted the ethical concerns of using digital locks to restrict access to product features. Many viewed Peloton's actions as prioritizing revenue generation over customer satisfaction.
The removal of "Just Run" led to widespread public backlash, with customers accusing Peloton of unethical practices. The situation was likened to "ransomware," arguing that basic functionality of a purchased product should not be tied to ongoing payments. The outcry pressured Peloton to restore the feature in August 2021 through a software update<ref name=":0" />.


=== Privacy and Security ===
The incident generated significant media coverage and public debate. Social media users expressed outrage, with many accusing Peloton of exploiting safety measures to enforce a subscription model<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wu |first=Brianna |date=21 Jun 2021 |title=Wow. The Peloton Tread will no longer allow you to use your $3000 treadmill without a $39.99 a month subscription. The pretext is their design issues that led to a child’s death. Hope reporters will cover this. |url=https://x.com/BriannaWu/status/1407009346475675651 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610120941/https://twitter.com/BriannaWu/status/1407009346475675651 |archive-date=10 Jun 2023 |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>.
While Tread Lock was implemented as a safety measure, its introduction alongside a paid membership requirement blurred the line between security and monetization.


== Stakeholder Reactions ==
==See Also==
=== The Company ===
*[[Subscription model]]
Peloton initially defended its decision, citing safety concerns as the rationale for integrating Tread Lock. However, the backlash prompted the company to restore "Just Run" for all users in August 2021. Peloton also urged customers to complete a free inspection and repair of their treadmills to address safety risks<ref>Michael Kan, "Peloton Restores Free 'Just Run' Feature for Its Treadmill," PCMag, August 10, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241210095327/https://www.pcmag.com/news/peloton-axes-free-just-run-feature-from-treadmill-bricking-it-for-non-subscribers]</ref>.
*[[Digital lock]]


=== Regulators/Government Bodies ===
==References==
The CPSC, which had overseen the voluntary recall of Tread+ and Tread, did not directly address the subscription controversy but maintained its focus on safety-related concerns<ref>Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Peloton Tread+ Recall Announcement," May 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20241002012209/https://www.onepeloton.com/press/articles/tread-and-tread-recall]</ref>.
 
=== Public and Media ===
The incident generated significant media coverage and public debate. Social media users expressed outrage, with many accusing Peloton of exploiting safety measures to enforce a subscription model<ref>Brianna Wu, "Social Media Commentary on Peloton Decision," Twitter, June 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230610120941/https://twitter.com/BriannaWu/status/1407009346475675651]</ref>.
 
=== Advocacy Groups ===
Consumer rights organizations highlighted the case as an example of how companies can misuse digital locks to exert control over purchased products.
 
== Broader Implications ==
=== Trends in the Industry ===
The controversy reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, where companies increasingly tie product functionality to subscription-based services.
 
=== Consumer Impact ===
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risk involved with connected devices. It also underscores the need for clearer communication from companies about product functionality.
 
=== Regulatory Considerations ===
The incident highlights potential regulatory gaps in protecting consumers from digital locks that restrict access to basic functionality.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Subscription Model]]
* [[Digital Lock]]
 
== References ==
<references />
<references />


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[[Category:Consumer rights]]
[[Category:Consumer rights]]
[[Category:Digital locks]]
[[Category:Digital locks]]
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]

Latest revision as of 19:13, 19 April 2025

Peloton, a wellness technology company, faced widespread criticism after removing the "Just Run" feature from its Tread and Tread+ treadmills, making it accessible only through a paid subscription. This change, implemented in reaction to safety concerns, sparked debate over consumer rights and digital locks. The incident highlights broader issues surrounding corporate control over purchased products and the use of safety measures as a justification for subscription models.

This issue was resolved when Peloton restored the feature in August 2021, following public backlash.

Background[edit | edit source]

Peloton sells high-end fitness equipment, which combines hardware with digital fitness programs offered through a subscription service. The Tread+ treadmill, priced at over $4,000, and the Tread treadmill, marketed as premium exercise machines, had previously allowed customers to use basic treadmill functions, including the "Just Run" feature, without a subscription[1].

In May 2021, following reports of injuries to children, Peloton issued a voluntary recall of its Tread+ and Tread models in collaboration with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). To address safety concerns, Peloton introduced a new feature, Tread Lock, which required users to enter a passcode to prevent unauthorized access[2]. However, this change also removed access to "Just Run" for non-subscribers, effectively locking users out of basic functionality unless they paid a $39 monthly fee.

The incident[edit | edit source]

In June 2021, Peloton rolled out a software update that effectively disabled the "Just Run" feature for users without an active subscription. The company claimed the change was necessary to integrate Tread Lock, enhancing safety. However, this decision rendered the treadmills unusable for basic functionality unless customers subscribed to Peloton's fitness content[1].

The situation escalated when customers like Jennifer Strong, a Tread+ owner, publicly shared their frustrations. Strong, who purchased her treadmill in 2019, stopped using Peloton's subscription-based content but continued to rely on the free "Just Run" feature. After the update, she discovered she could no longer use her treadmill without paying for a membership.[3]

Access to Just Run for non-subscribers was restored in August 2021. Peloton maintained throughout that the removal of "Just Run" for non-subscribers was an unavoidable consequence of enabling Tread Lock, rather than a business decision.

Wider reaction[edit | edit source]

Regulators and government bodies[edit | edit source]

The CPSC, which had overseen the voluntary recall of Tread+ and Tread, did not directly address the subscription controversy but maintained its focus on safety-related concerns[2].

Public and media[edit | edit source]

The removal of "Just Run" led to widespread public backlash, with customers accusing Peloton of unethical practices. The situation was likened to "ransomware," arguing that basic functionality of a purchased product should not be tied to ongoing payments. The outcry pressured Peloton to restore the feature in August 2021 through a software update[1].

The incident generated significant media coverage and public debate. Social media users expressed outrage, with many accusing Peloton of exploiting safety measures to enforce a subscription model[4].

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kan, Michael (10 Aug 2021). "Peloton Restores Free 'Just Run' Feature for Its Treadmill". PC Mag. Archived from the original on 10 Dec 2024. Retrieved 19 Apr 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "CPSC and Peloton Announce: Recall of Tread+ Treadmills After One Child Death and 70 Incidents; Recall of Tread Treadmills Due to Risk of Injury". Peloton. 5 May 2021. Retrieved 19 Apr 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ↑ Strong, Jennifer (Jun 2021). "Peloton Tread+ Facebook Post". Retrieved 19 Apr 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ↑ Wu, Brianna (21 Jun 2021). "Wow. The Peloton Tread will no longer allow you to use your $3000 treadmill without a $39.99 a month subscription. The pretext is their design issues that led to a child's death. Hope reporters will cover this". X. Archived from the original on 10 Jun 2023. Retrieved 19 Apr 2025.
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