The coronavirus crisis has boosted the use of alternative means of transport in big cities ... including rollerblades. Since deconfinement, sales have increased by 250% in France compared to last year, according to professionals in the sector. Less cumbersome than a bicycle or an electric scooter, the skate seems to have the wind in its sails, as much for strolls as for commuting to work. All while respecting barrier gestures.
"I don't want to take the metro because of the Covid-19"
Since May 11, the Parisian boutique Nomadeshop, which offers 120 models of roller skates, has not been empty. There is choice and more stock, unlike other stores. Esther, who is looking for a skate, has come for advice. The young woman is very demanding on comfort because she intends to make her roller skates her new daily travel ally. "I don't want to take the metro because of the Covid-19," she explains. "I want to be outdoors and play sports."
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For Aurélien, who had not worn roller skates for 10 years, it is time to get back to it. This real estate agent was clearly encouraged by the health context and in particular the establishment of new cycle paths in Paris. "With the sunny days and fewer cars, this is an opportunity to resume," said the young man.
Roller skating sales multiplied by five
A craze that the manager of Nomadeshop had not seen coming. Its roller skating sales increased fivefold compared to May last year. "It was a complete surprise," says Olivier Husson. "Everything closed and then, all of a sudden, it started again." To encourage the more cautious to the idea of (re) riding on roller skates, the store now offers 1.5 hours of lessons for the purchase of a pair. "We're taking the wind," says the manager, all smiles.
The French Rollerblading Federation, for its part, claims that the skates be integrated into government systems and in particular the sustainable mobility package, which allows the employer to cover the employee's transportation costs.