The Peloton Tread started as a ground up new product for Peloton. Starting with teardowns of existing treads and extensive research, we were able to identify opportunities to make this a great product. The first insight was that most treads have a motor in front of the runner that can accidentally be stepped on, and takes up unnecessary floor space.  By moving the motor under the running surface, we could create the most compact possible treadmill. 

We then looked at all of the ergonomic touchpoints, and possible construction methods to create and experience that is pure and clean. There are no unnecessary buttons, just the Peloton speed and incline knobs. 

It took 3 years of hands on work, including many trips to the factory, and the results are worth it. The Tread was picked as Wirecutter's "Upgrade Pick" and the product received a 2021 Good Design Award. 

Early concept sketches and renderings as explorations of innovations the bring to the project. 

Early on in the concept and research stage we identified the motor location as one of the biggest design opportunities. If we could move the motor under the tread from in front, we could reduce the product footprint without reducing useability and remove a user pain point. The front shroud is one the the chronically annoying things about a treadmill. But could we move the motor and still maintain an 8" overall height? 

An adjustable tread frame for honing ergonomics and positioning of components

Initial full scale mockups in foam-core, and foam to verify sizing, layout and ergonomics

The handrail was designed to bend upwards to reduce the need for a long neck holding the screen up. This presented a specific manufacturing challenge, as it involve complex bending of a steel rail. We had to work directly with the factory and the metal bending machines to achieve quality in the bend.