Treadmill Recall: Units Start On Their Own, Posing Hazard

Nautilus is recalling about 7,300 units of certain models of its treadmills because they can start on their own, posing a fall hazard to the users.

As of the recall date, there have been 21 reports of the treadmills starting on their own, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) noted in the recall announcement. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The recall affects the Nautilus treadmill with model number T616 and serial numbers 100672PRO21140001 to 100672PRO21171980. Model number T618 with serial numbers 100647PRO21130111 through 100647PRO21183960 are also affected. Photos of the affected models are available on the CPSC website.

"Nautilus and the model number are printed on the plastic shroud at the front of the treadmill's walking belt," the company noted. "The serial number is on the base-frame of the treadmill beneath the belt."

The recalled treadmills were sold via the Nautilus website as well as Amazon.com. They were also sold at stores nationwide, including Best Buy and Walmart.

Those whose units are affected by the recall are being advised to stop using it for the time being. Instead, they should contact Nautilus so the company can ship them a USB flash drive that contains the necessary software upgrade and installation instructions. Customers will receive the USB "at no cost."

Treadmill Safety

Both adults and children are susceptible to treadmill injuries. In 2019, for instance, CPSC data revealed that there were about 22,500 treadmill-related injuries, 2,000 of which were among children younger than eight years old.

This is why it's crucial for those who have treadmills to follow some important safety reminders when using these exercise machines. This includes keeping children and pets away from the unit, and keeping the unit inoperable if it's not being used.

It's also important to provide ample space around the treadmill, so users won't hit a wall or get trapped between the wall and the machine should they end up falling. While using the machine, it's best to look forward, not at one's feet, because looking down can actually make it more likely for the user to lose their balance and fall.

Increasing speed and incline should also be done gradually. When getting off, one should never get off the treadmill while it's still moving. Instead, it's best to wait for the machine to stop completely before dismounting.