WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal safety officials are warning consumers to immediately stop using certain Sperax walking pads and treadmills, popular fitness products sold through retailers including Walmart, after receiving hundreds of reports involving sudden speed changes, abrupt stops, overheating and fires.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the warning for Sperax Pro, Q1, RM-01 and RM-02 models, saying the products pose serious fall, burn and fire hazards.
According to the agency, the treadmills and walking pads can unexpectedly speed up or suddenly stop, causing users to lose balance and fall. Officials said they are aware of 201 reports involving uncontrollable speed changes, abrupt stops and similar stability failures.
Those incidents resulted in at least 66 reported falls or injuries, including at least one concussion that required medical treatment.
The agency also said it received 573 reports of overheating, fires and other thermal-related incidents tied with the products. Four minor burn injuries were also reported.
The products were sold online through platforms including Walmart, Amazon, Newegg and eBay. They were manufactured in China and marketed under the Sperax brand. The machines are black with red trim, and model numbers can be found on labels near the power switch.
The CPSC said importer Quanzhou Wentelai Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd., doing business as Sperax, refused to agree to an acceptable recall.
Consumers are being urged to stop using the products immediately and dispose of them. Officials also warned owners not to sell or give away the machines.
Consumers can report incidents or injuries involving the products through SaferProducts.gov.
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