Inline skates/roller skates

Where and from what age am I allowed to ride with inline skates/roller skates?

General

Inline skates (Rollerblades®) are a type of roller skate. Unlike traditional roller skates, the wheels of inline skates are positioned one behind the other. Inline skates are used as a means of transport, as well as in sports and leisure activities.

Use

Inline skating/rollerblading is allowed on pavements or footpaths and zebra crossings, in pedestrian zones, on residential and "living streets" (Spielstrassen) and on cycle paths, but not in long-distance cycle lanes.

Age

Children under the age of 12 are only allowed to skate/rollerblade in residential streets. On all other roads open to road traffic they must be supervised by someone over the age of 16 or have a cyclingpass.

Requirements for using the public highway

If inline skates/roller skates are used on the pavement, in a pedestrian zone or on a residential street, users must adjust their speed such that it is appropriate to the speed of pedestrians using these areas. If you are skating on a local cycle path, you must ride in the mandated direction at all times and observe all regulations applicable to cyclists

section 88a of the Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO)

Letzte Aktualisierung: 31/03/2025
Für den Inhalt verantwortlich: Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Certified translation