If you are interested in purchasing a Peloton bike, you probably have many questions, including the bike’s safety. Luckily, we have set out to answer just how safe the Peloton bike really is. So continue reading to find out if Peloton bikes are safe.
Peloton bikes are not considered dangerous. However, older models of the Peloton bike have been voluntarily recalled after injuries were reported due to the clip-in straps breaking. Although the Peloton bike is relatively safe, users are not exempt from physical injury due to training errors.
The Peloton bike requires the proper form to avoid injury, just like any gym equipment. Learn how you can prevent injury on the Peloton bike by reading on.
Are Peloton Bikes Dangerous?
Home gym equipment sales have surged since the Coronavirus pandemic began, with some brands (such as Peloton) reporting a 172% increase in sales in less than a year. While Peloton’s sales figures have since dropped, it doesn’t alter the fact that home gym equipment is still a popular choice for many.
Two of the most popular products released from Peloton are Tread + and their renowned Peloton bikes. However, over 70 reports of injuries to adults, children, and pets have been reported after using Tread+, with nearly 30 of those reports being children, including one death.
As a result, a mass recall of Peloton Tread + has been commissioned, which may have left you wondering just how safe is Peloton’s other products? If you are wondering how safe the Peloton bike is for you and your family, here’s what you need to know: The Peloton bike is generally considered safe.
At the time of writing this article, there seem to be no known recent reported injuries or safety concerns regarding the Peloton bike, unlike its treadmill counterpart. However, the only reports of injury resulting from a Peloton bike are from first-generation Peloton bikes sold between 2013 -2016.
Peloton recalled these first-generation bikes after some users reported the pedals breaking, ultimately resulting in injury and some injuries requiring medical attention.
Furthermore, Peloton bikes are now said to be safer than older models.
However, although Peloton bikes are considered safe for adults, they are not safe for children. Like other gym equipment, Peloton bikes can pose an injury threat to children if left unsupervised.
For instance, a child might attempt to get on the bike with one foot on the pedal and lose control once the pedal pushes down, thus throwing them forward and resulting in injury. So care should be taken to avoid unsupervised access to the Peloton bike at all times.
However, regardless of whether or not your child is supervised, Peloton has a minimum age requirement of 14 years for those intending to use a Peloton bike. Peloton bikes are designed with safety in mind, so adhering to age restrictions that are put in place will help ensure their users’ safety.
So overall, if safety regulations are adhered to, the Peloton bike should be safe to use. However, “safe” doesn’t just include how risk-free one is from physical harm. No. With the digitalization of pretty much everything in the 21st century, we now have to worry about our Peloton bikes being hacked.
Yes. I said hacked. Hackers can use the microphone and camera to spy on users and even remotely install apps that look like Netflix or Spotify to gain access to your log-in information.
Hackers can gain access to other personal information too. So even though all internet-connected devices are vulnerable to being hacked, people should be aware of the risks associated with using the Peloton bike.
How To Use A Peloton Bike Safely
Below we have listed some ways you can help reduce injury while using the Peloton bike.
Bend The Knees When Using A Peloton Bike
With any repetitive motion, that particular body part is at risk of injury or becoming “worn,” and the knees are no exception. In fact, knee pain is a common complaint among cyclists, which has earned it the nickname “cyclist’s knee”; however, the more technical term is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
There are ways to reduce the risk of developing a cyclist’s knee, though, and it is as simple as realigning the seat level and the angle to which your knee bends. The seat of the Peloton bike should be about hip level when standing next to it.
And when pedaling, the knee should be at about a 30-degree bend when the pedal is at the bottom. If needed, apply an ice pack or compression to help reduce any swelling or inflammation of the knee.
Use Correct Posture When Using A Peloton Bike
Hunching too far forward over the handlebars or swaying too much from left to right, up or down, can lead to back pain and shoulder injuries. In addition, pain can be exacerbated when tensing your shoulders in the incorrect posture.
Try to keep your back straight and use your core muscles instead. This will help reduce the chances of shoulder and back pain from cycling.
Wear Fitting Shoes When Using Peloton Bike.
Foot pain is another common injury among cyclists. Hot-foot syndrome, or metatarsalgia, can result from ill-fitting shoes and/or hot weather. Before cycling on the Peloton, make sure that your shoes are not too small and have a proper fit.
Cycling for a long time can cause the shoes to lose their natural padding. Consider adding supporting insoles to the shoes to alleviate pain, or opt to purchase another pair of properly fitting shoes.
Conclusion
Peloton bikes are not considered dangerous. However, gym equipment of all types poses a threat to children if left unsupervised. So be sure to always childproof your Peloton bike. Also, physical injuries can happen to anyone when using gym equipment. This is usually due to training errors that can easily be fixed with a bit of practice.
Be sure that your body posture is in the correct form on the bike in order to avoid unnecessary injuries. It is also important to align the seat correctly and to have the proper footgear when cycling, especially over long periods. Overall, Peloton bikes are a safe investment.
