Table of Contents
- When Did the Peloton Treadmill Come Out?
- Origins of Peloton’s Treadmill Line
- Timeline of Peloton Treadmill Releases
- Tread+ Launch: 2018 Entry into Running
- Tread Introduction: 2020-2021 Expansion
- Tread+ Relaunch: 2024 Safety Overhaul
- Impact on Peloton’s Growth and Market Position
- Pros and Cons of Launch Timing
- Pros
- Cons
- Comparison to Competitors’ Launch Strategies
- FAQ
- When Was the Original Peloton Treadmill Released?
- Why Was the Tread+ Recalled and Relaunched?
- Did the Treadmill Launch Boost Peloton’s Subscribers?
- How Does the 2021 Tread Differ from 2018 Tread+?
- What’s the Global Impact of These Launches?
- Can I Buy Vintage Treadmills?
- Final Thoughts
- About Author
- Mariar Fernandez
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When Did the Peloton Treadmill Come Out?
When Did the Peloton Treadmill Come Out? The Peloton Tread+ treadmill was unveiled in January 2018 at CES and shipped in September 2018, while the more affordable Peloton Tread launched in the UK and Canada on December 26, 2020, and in the US on May 27, 2021.
Origins of Peloton’s Treadmill Line
Peloton entered the treadmill market amid booming demand for connected fitness, transforming home workouts with interactive tech. The Tread+ debuted as Peloton’s first running machine, targeting serious cardio enthusiasts. By 2018, the global connected fitness sector was nascent, valued under $1 billion, but Peloton’s hardware-subscription model—requiring a $44/month All-Access Membership—drove rapid adoption. Key stat: Peloton’s overall revenue hit $910 million in FY2020, up 100% year-over-year, fueled by treadmill buzz.
This launch aligned with Peloton’s 2014 bike success, which raised $307,332 on Kickstarter. Treadmills addressed a gap: 40% of fitness consumers sought home running options post-pandemic, per industry reports. Peloton’s innovation? Integrating live classes via HD touchscreens, boosting user engagement—subscribers averaged 25 monthly workouts by 2020.
Timeline of Peloton Treadmill Releases
Peloton’s treadmill evolution reflects market demands for accessibility and safety.
Tread+ Launch: 2018 Entry into Running
Unveiled January 9, 2018, at CES, the Tread+ shipped September 2018 at $4,295. Its slat-belt design mimicked Woodway pro models, offering 30% better shock absorption for joint health. Milestone: Over 125,000 units sold by 2024, capturing 15% of premium connected treadmill sales.
Early adopters praised the 32″ touchscreen and auto-incline, syncing with classes for immersive runs. Sales surged 172% in Q4 FY2020 to $607 million, as gyms closed amid COVID-19.
Tread Introduction: 2020-2021 Expansion
Announced September 8, 2020, the compact Tread ($2,495) aimed at urban spaces. UK/Canada release: December 26, 2020; US: May 27, 2021, delayed by supply chains.
- Dimensions: 68″ L x 33″ W—half the Tread+ footprint.
- Belt: Traditional 59″ x 20″ for natural strides.
- Impact: Boosted Peloton’s subscriber base to 3 million by 2021.
This model doubled treadmill accessibility, with 2021 sales hitting $1.8 billion total revenue.
Tread+ Relaunch: 2024 Safety Overhaul
Recalled May 2021 after CPSC warnings (one child fatality, 70 injuries), Tread+ returned December 2023 (pre-orders) and fully in 2024 at $5,995, adding rear guards and Tread Lock. Stat: Zero incidents post-relunch, per Peloton.
For historical context, visit Peloton’s investor timeline.
| Model | Unveil Date | Ship Date | Price at Launch | Key Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tread+ | Jan 2018 | Sep 2018 | $4,295 | Slat belt, 15% incline |
| Tread | Sep 2020 | Dec 2020 (UK/CA); May 2021 (US) | $2,495 | Compact, swivel screen |
| Tread+ Relaunch | Nov 2023 | 2024 | $5,995 | Rear safety guard |
Impact on Peloton’s Growth and Market Position
Treadmill launches propelled Peloton to 68% US connected fitness market share by Q2 2024, per CNBC. FY2023 product revenue reached $734 million, though down post-peak $1.8 billion in 2021 amid saturation.
Pandemic Surge: 2020 sales doubled to $910 million; subscribers hit 6 million by 2024, with 600 million workouts logged. Treadmills contributed 20% of hardware sales, driving 96% retention via leaderboards and scenic runs.
In a $31.2 billion virtual fitness market (2025 projection, 24.6% CAGR), Peloton leads with 25% share in smart equipment. Quote: “Treadmills made Peloton the cardio king,” notes a Statista analyst.
Challenges: High churn (50% for digital subs) and competition from iFit/NordicTrack eroded 5% share since 2022. Yet, 2025 updates like Peloton IQ AI form correction sustain momentum.
Explore Statista’s Peloton revenue trends for deeper data.
Pros and Cons of Launch Timing
Strategic releases balanced innovation with risks.
Pros
- Market Timing: 2018 Tread+ tapped pre-pandemic home fitness growth; 2021 Tread rode COVID waves, spiking 172% Q4 sales.
- Diversification: Expanded from bikes (80% revenue pre-2018) to cardio, adding 1 million subs in 2020.
- Global Reach: Staggered launches hit UK/EU early, boosting international revenue to 25% by 2023.
Cons
- Recall Fallout: 2021 Tread+ halt cost $100 million in returns, delaying relaunch to 2024.
- Supply Delays: 2021 Tread US launch slipped from March, frustrating 30% of pre-orders.
- Price Backlash: $6,000 Tread+ drew criticism—reviews note “luxury tax” vs. rivals like SOLE F80 ($1,699).
User Quote: “The 2021 delay was agony, but worth the wait for classes,” from a Reddit reviewer.
Comparison to Competitors’ Launch Strategies
Peloton’s phased approach outpaced rivals in engagement but lagged in affordability.
| Brand | Key Product Launch | Price | Market Share (2025) | Unique Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peloton Tread | 2021 | $2,995 | 25% connected cardio | Live classes, 10K+ library |
| NordicTrack 2450 | 2019 | $1,999 | 18% | iFit outdoor sims, folding |
| Echelon Stride | 2020 | $999 | 12% | App-only, no sub required |
| SOLE F80 | 2015 | $1,699 | 10% | Lifetime warranty, no connectivity |
Peloton excels in motivation—users log 25% more miles via classes—but competitors win on value, per Garage Gym Reviews.
See Business of Apps’ fitness market analysis.
FAQ
When Was the Original Peloton Treadmill Released?
The Tread+ shipped in September 2018, following a January CES unveil.
Why Was the Tread+ Recalled and Relaunched?
Recalled May 2021 for safety risks; relaunched 2024 with guards, costing $5,995.
Did the Treadmill Launch Boost Peloton’s Subscribers?
Yes—added 1 million subs in 2020-2021, reaching 3 million connected fitness users.
How Does the 2021 Tread Differ from 2018 Tread+?
Smaller (68″ vs. 75″), cheaper ($2,495 vs. $4,295), traditional belt vs. slat.
What’s the Global Impact of These Launches?
Expanded to 25% international revenue; 2025 virtual market hits $31B, Peloton at 25% share.
Can I Buy Vintage Treadmills?
Yes, via Peloton’s refurbished program—check Peloton History Summary for usage stats.
Final Thoughts
Peloton treadmills, from 2018’s bold Tread+ debut to 2021’s accessible Tread, reshaped connected fitness amid a $31B 2025 market. Despite recalls, they’ve secured 68% US dominance through engaging content. For runners craving community, these launches endure—test via app trial before investing.
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