When were the Roller Skates invented?

The first prototype of the wheeled feet was introduced in 1760. For sure, the model was flawed as it was just a modified version of ice skates with wheels. One had to use them really carefully because the construction didn't have any brakes. Nevertheless, the inventor - John Joseph Merlin from Belgium - patented his device. The first "reliable" modification of the original appeared only in the latter half of the19^th century.

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33 Comments

scottlarock

I've got a brand new pair of roller skates, you got a brand new key...

Joseph A. Robitaille

When I hade a pair of metal roller one have to clamp them onto the souls of you ones shoes. No brakes-

Susan Lake-Harris

My speed skates didn't have a stopper/brakes. No such thing as a real brake on them anyway - only stoppers that you drag. Not the best worded answer...

Kath Thomson

Hadn't realised they were invented that early!

dmarkc

Mark G. Feeney, she's 75, now. A long way from Woodstock.

dmarkc

George Oliver Prince, maybe where people danced.

Mike Hibner

History differs with you...

Ken Putnam

scottlarock, I always thought that was a very suggestive lyric

Wyla Reedy

Loved the Roller Rink. My Dad showed me how to skate Backwards. I had no idea that he could even skate!

dan chesters

but they were 1st patented in 1819.the 19th century.

Steve Tingle

Interesting to see that the they evolved from ice skates, and in recent years we have roller blades.

Stephen Knapp

1863 The first modern two-by-two roller skates were patented in 1863 by James L. Plimpton, a New York City furniture dealer. Instead of being attached directly to the sole of the skate, the wheel assembly was fastened to a pivot and had a rubber cushion, which allowed the skater to curve by shifting his weight.