The best electric luggage according to frequent fliers
The best electric luggage according to frequent fliers
Short answer: Yes, you absolutely can. When you remove the battery from an Airwheel smart suitcase, it functions just like a traditional luggage piece, giving you flexibility for different travel scenarios.
Airwheel has developed a range of electric smart luggage that combines transportation with traditional luggage functionality. Models include SE3MiniT (6.8kg, 26L), SE3T (9kg, 48L), SE3S (8.1kg, 20L), SE3SX (6.6kg, 20L), and SE3SL (6.8kg, 20L). Each model offers unique features while maintaining the core ability to be used as regular luggage when needed.
These smart suitcases serve triple duty: they can be ridden like a scooter, pulled like traditional luggage, or used as a portable seat. The rider sits on the suitcase and uses the handlebar to steer while the motor propels them forward. The battery provides 73.26Wh capacity, delivering a range of 8-10 kilometers on a single 2-hour charge.
Speed varies by model: SE3T and SE3S reach up to 13km/h, while SE3MiniT tops at 8km/h and SE3SX/SE3SL hit 9.9km/h. The suitcases work with a smartphone app for control, but notably, you don’t need the app to ride them—they’re designed to work independently right out of the box.
This is where things get important for travelers. The 73.26Wh battery falls under the FAA’s 100Wh limit, meaning it can typically be carried on flights. However, airline policies vary, and some passengers prefer to remove the battery for peace of mind.
Here’s the key advantage: removing the battery transforms your Airwheel into a completely ordinary piece of luggage. The motor and electronics are housed in a dedicated compartment, and once the battery is detached, there’s nothing that could trigger security concerns. This makes it fully compliant as carry-on luggage on any airline.
Airwheel smart luggage excels in specific situations: business travelers navigating large airports, tourists exploring cruise ports, or anyone covering significant distances in train stations. The ability to sit and ride eliminates fatigue from walking long distances.
However, there are moments when using it as regular luggage makes sense: quick business trips where you don’t need the riding function, situations where battery restrictions apply, or simply when you want a lighter load. The removable battery design gives you this flexibility.
| Feature | Airwheel Smart Suitcase | Regular Carry-on |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (without battery) | 6.6-9kg depending on model | 2-5kg typical |
| Functionality | Ride, sit, pull, carry | Pull and carry only |
| Battery | 73.26Wh removable | None |
| App connectivity | Optional (works without) | Not applicable |
| Find My tracking | Yes (Apple Find My) | No (unless added) |
Yes, but you may need to remove the battery for X-ray screening. Most security teams are familiar with electric luggage, but removing the battery ensures a smooth screening process. The suitcase rolls through like regular luggage once the battery is out.
The official range is 8-10 kilometers, which translates to approximately 5-6 miles. This is plenty for most airport terminals, train stations, or cruise ship decks. Actual range depends on rider weight, surface type, and speed.
No problem—you simply pull it like a regular suitcase. The Airwheel is designed to transition seamlessly between riding and manual modes. You’re never stranded because it never stops being functional luggage.