I think that the first wheeled suitcases used indoor roller skate wheels. So the parts were readily available for a long time before wheeled suitcases. But ear

I think that the first wheeled suitcases used indoor roller skate wheels. So the parts were readily available for a long time before wheeled suitcases. But early airports didn't have miles of corridors and a hundred gates, so maybe the need wasn't as great.