Historical Photos To Blow Your Mind: New Release!

Motorized Roller Skates

Looks like someone is gassing up for a trip on the town. This photo was taken in 1961. Motorized roller skates were briefly popular in the 1960s, with the Motorized Roller Skate company in Detroit manufacturing self-propelled skates powered by a one-horsepower engine worn on the back like a backpack.

The machine also had a one quart gas take, and controls. The skates could propel at speeds of 17 miles per hour for 30 miles without refilling the tank. They also ran for $250 back in the 1960s—and that’s before inflation. So basically, they were every parent’s worst nightmare and every child’s Christmas morning dream gift.