About Vintage Roller Skate Wheels

John Joseph Merlin invented the first pair of roller skates in London in the 1760s, according to the National Museum of Skating website. Over time, many inventors advanced the designs of both the skate and the wheels.

  1. The First Patent

    • Based on Merlin's invention, Monsieur Petitbled patented the roller skate in 1819 in Paris, France. Petitbled's roller skate wheels were made of wood, metal, and/or ivory, and only allowed the skater to go forward. Like Merlin's design, the skates had two wheels.

    The Introduction of Four Wheels

    • The introduction of a skate with four wheels came about with a patent by James Leonard Plimpton in January 1863. According to the National Museum of Skating, Plimpton is known as the "father of modern roller skating." His four wheels allowed the skater to turn easily and have more control over the skates.

    Road Rollers

    • Road Rollers were roller skates used in 1920s London with 5-inch wheels. Each skate weighs 40 lbs., and attaches to the wearer with wood stilt-like pieces. The user could not turn easily or control his speed.