Horizon Fitness recalls treadmills because malfunction can cause rapid acceleration

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Horizon Fitness is recalling about 5,900 treadmills because a malfunction in the electronic control panel can cause rapid acceleration. <br><br>The DeForest, Wis.-based company has received

Tuesday, April 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Horizon Fitness is recalling about 5,900 treadmills because a malfunction in the electronic control panel can cause rapid acceleration.

The DeForest, Wis.-based company has received 15 reports of consumers losing their balance and falling off treadmills, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday. Injuries included cuts and abrasions.

Horizon Fitness' voluntary recall involves these models: 2000/2001 Paragon, Quantum and Omega. The recall does not include any of the company's 2002 treadmills.

Sporting goods stores, including Total Fitness Solutions, Fitness Warehouse and Play It Again Sports, sold the recalled treadmills nationwide from November 2000 through last June. They sold for between $699 and $1,099.

The CPSC urged consumers to stop using the treadmills and call Horizon Fitness to receive a repair kit or set up an appointment for in-home repair. The company can be reached at 1-866-864-3840 or 1-800-993-3199 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.