Figure 1.--Here we have two Grman children Having fun on roller skates. They are able to use the bacically empty strees to play on. This is a Philipp Hester photograph.

Roller skates like bicycles have a long history f development before they became usable and safe for children. This began in Europe (late-18th century). This seems mostly in Belgium, France, and Europe, but not to any extent in Germany. Major advances occured in America making the roller skates safe for mass adoption (mid-19th century). We do not have much information on adoption in Germany, but believe they were in use (late-19th century). The fist actual evident comes after the turn-of-the 20th century. There are issues in Germany with roller skating. That is mainly finding places that roller skates can be used. You needs a lat surface. Many streets in German cites were cobble stone, not suitable for roller skating. In America it was too dangerous for children to play in the streets because cars and truck became so common. Roller skating by children was mostly done on side walks. This s probably the casein Germany as well. But in German, streets that were not cobble stone could be used because cars and trucks were much less common than in America and children might be able to use them. Low income prevented many German and other children from having access to bikes and trikes. Roller skates were an item that most families could afford. They could be use by both boys and girls, although they seem more popular with boys and girls. This was different than America where we see more girls with roller skates than boys.

Created: 3:30 AM 6/23/2025
Last updated: 3:31 AM 6/23/2025