Peloton has started a round of beta testing for a new feature, which is currently being called “Level Up”. We have received reports that this being tested on all the Peloton hardware devices: Bikes, Treads, and Row. This is the second major beta test in as many weeks, as we recently shared that Peloton is testing pace target classes on Peloton Treads.
With the new “Level Up” Peloton feature, members are able to to temporarily boost, or level up, their output. Currently, Peloton is testing members receiving a 2x boost on their output while the feature is active.
In other words, if members are working out with an output of 150, when the boost is activated, they will be given an output of 300.
The most unique thing about this feature is that Peloton is actually charging for it. Each time you use the boost feature, it will cost you $1. The boost stays active for 1 minute – although it’s possible Peloton is testing different lengths of time in various beta tests.
Similar to the pause feature (which removes your ranking in any class after you’ve paused it), when you use the boost, your official position on the leaderboard is removed. However, testers have shared that once you activate the boost, you have the option to “hide boost.” The “hide boost” feature allows you to keep your place on the leaderboard, however, it will charge you a second dollar for this. If you use the “hide boost”, you will earn a ranking just like normal – as if you had never used the feature in the first place.
Currently, members are limited to 1 boost per 15 minutes worth of class. If the class is less than 15 minutes (5 or 10), you will get 1 boost. 30 minute classes are allowed to use 2 boosts, 45 minutes can use 3, etc. You may use the boost(s) whenever in the class you want, as long as you are under the total limit for the class. We’re told you can not stack boosts and use them at the same time – as the only action you can take while the boost is activated is the “hide boost” add-on.
For those who were opted into the test, Peloton presented a new popup notifying members of the feature. You are asked to acknowledge it, and that you understand you will be charged for using it. If you are the primary Peloton account holder you do not have to enter credit card information, since your credit card is already on file for the monthly membership. Those who are not the primary account holder will be asked to input a credit card before being able to use the feature for the first time.
Peloton’s Chief Money Office Fohn Joley said the following about the new feature:
“We’ve long known that many members like to boost their output by making manual calibrations on their devices, but this is a cumbersome and advanced process. We’re a member first organization, so have listened to this feedback, and created this new “Level Up” feature in response to the demand for higher outputs.
As we move more towards personalization, we know not every member will want this, so have innovated yet again and created the framework so that members are now able to pay for the features they want to use, when they want to use it.”
In addition to being integrated into the touch screen, we’re told that future plans might enable members to press down on the red resistance knob on the Bike+ (which normally acts as the brake) to activate both the boost, and the hide boost, features. Since the Peloton Bike+ resistance is a digital control system (this is how the auto-resistance features and auto-resistance for power zones are able to work), it’s possible for the red knob on the bike frame to be programmed to do other actions. We received reports that internal tests have been done on this, and it’s possible a new setting could be added to allow you to swap the red knob from being the brake, to being your boost controller.
We also understand that the capability exists for the red stop button on the Tread to be reprogrammed to perform a different action as well, but this is unlikely to happen for the Tread & Tread+.
Last year, Peloton started taking their first steps towards monetizing the touchscreen when they began adding pop-up notifications for apparel the instructors are wearing, which are officially called “Shop the Class”. However, with that feature, the Bike/Tread/Row simply send you an email, and you add the items to your cart and checkout on your phone or laptop. The new “Level Up” feature is the first time Peloton is adding e-commerce to the devices themself.
According to an anonymous tip we received, this feature just began testing as of today: April 1st.
That same source indicates that it might not make it to production for all members until next year, on April 1st, 2025.
What do you think of this new feature? Would you take advantage of it?
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Haha nice try !!!
Ashamed to admit… Took me longer than it should to figure this one out. Good job
So you’re saying that I can pay to cheat my way higher on the leader board? No thanks, just work harder!
I was literally like, “What the …???? Oh, duh!!!!! Hahaha.” Well played.
You almost had me!
April fools!! 😂
You ALMOST had me…. nice one 🙂
I got got. I thought this was real it bummed me out.
Level Up is the stupidest thing I’ve heard of in good minute! It’s a cheat designed for members with uber low self esteem. Peloton should be ashamed of this.