Peloton Tread+ owners are up in arms right now as the brand has pulled one of its most popular free features from the service.

Peloton Tread+ Loses Just Run Feature

It has transpired that people who have invested a lot of money in Peloton's Tread+ are no longer able to use one of its most popular features without splashing yet more cash on an expensive subscription service, too.

Previously, those who had bought the Tread+, which cost its owners just shy of $5,000, could access a feature called Just Run. This allowed them to use the Tread+ as you would expect to use it; for running.

Now, though, they can no longer access the free-of-charge feature, because Peloton has pulled it from its service. This, essentially, means Peloton has bricked its own devices, making them unusable for a significant number of people.

Why Has Peloton Removed the Just Run Feature?

Peloton recalls the Tread and Tread+
Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/abstract-white-background-smooth-lines-183171293

According to a PCMag report, Peloton has removed the Just Run feature due to the recall of its Tread+ devices. The devices had injured several small children, because they too where attempting to climb aboard the machine and go for a run, just like Mum or Dad.

Obviously, this isn't safe, so Peloton removed the feature so that children couldn't accidentally start the machine and cause themselves harm. Obviously this is a responsible move from Peloton, although it means that people without children are now unable to access the Just Run feature, too.

Quite rightly, this has upset a lot of users who wanted to use the Just Run feature but now can't.

Can You Still Access the Just Run Feature?

Yes, you can, and Peloton actually plans to bring the feature back at some point in the near future once it has resolved the issue of it potentially causing harm to children. The Just Run option is no longer present on the Peloton Tread+ touchscreen, so kids can no longer operate the machine by mistake.

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In the meantime, if users want to access Just Run, they need a Peloton Membership in order to access Tread Lock; a feature that involves entering a 4-digit passcode to unlock the Tread+ or Tread.

Peloton said:

... in our ongoing work to ensure our products are even safer, as part of our voluntary recall in collaboration with CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), we released Tread Lock, a four digit passcode to secure Tread+ against unauthorized access. Unfortunately, Tread Lock is not yet available without a Peloton Membership, which means Tread+ owners without a subscription cannot access Just Run at this time.

Not great news for those without a subscription. However, Peloton is reportedly working on an update that will allow non-members access to Tread Lock.

Now You Can't Just Run Without Paying Peloton

A promotional image showing a young woman running on Peloton's treadmill

Did you use the Just Run feature without a membership? No doubt this has come as a blow to those of you who did, as you can no longer use your expensive device without paying even more money for it.

Perhaps it is time to get an exercise bike instead... and from a different brand.