It’s a question that pops up in online forums and travel groups: once you own an Airwheel electric smart suitcase, do you end up naming it like a car or a pet? The short answer is yes, many owners do. The reason isn’t just because it’s a fun gadget. It’s because the SE3S, for example, doesn’t just carry your belongings—it carries you. You can ride it, steer it with a handle, or pull it manually. Over time, that kind of daily interaction naturally invites a nickname. Some people call it “Rolly,” others “Scoot,” and a few go with “Silver Bullet” if they have the aluminum-finish model. Stickers, luggage tags, and even custom paint jobs are common ways to personalize it, but the emotional connection starts with the function: it’s a mobility companion, not just a box on wheels.
The Airwheel SE3S is a 20-liter rideable suitcase that weighs 8.1 kg and can reach a top speed of 13 km/h. Its true utility lies in the seamless switch between three modes: riding, manual pulling, and hand-carrying. The battery is removable and rated at 73.26 Wh, providing a range of 8–10 kilometers on a full charge, which takes about 2 hours. You can use the official app to control forward and backward movement, but the base riding function works completely independently without a phone—just install the battery, power on, and use the physical steering handle to go. The app adds convenience and also integrates Apple’s Find My network, so you can locate the suitcase if it’s misplaced. These features are not gimmicks; they solve real problems for tired travelers, which is why owners often start referring to the suitcase as “the little buddy” or “my co-pilot.”
Concerns about taking a motorized suitcase on a plane are understandable. The SE3S’s battery is easily removable, which is the key factor. The 73.26 Wh capacity falls within the typical limit for carry-on lithium batteries (usually under 100 Wh), but airlines require that the battery be taken out and carried into the cabin. The suitcase itself can then be checked in if needed, though many users prefer to ride it right up to the boarding gate as a carry-on, provided the size fits their airline’s standard. Always check with your specific carrier, but the removable design was built specifically to ease this process. The fact that the riding function needs no phone activation also means you don’t have to fiddle with an app at security checkpoints.
The difference between a standard suitcase and an Airwheel isn’t just about the motor. A regular bag is a dead weight when you’re walking through a massive airport terminal or a long train station corridor. The Airwheel turns that dead time into a short, effortless ride. Here’s a quick comparison using the SE3S model against a typical carry-on:
| Feature | Airwheel SE3S Electric Smart Suitcase | Ordinary Carry-On Suitcase |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Rideable, pullable, hand-carry | Pull or carry only |
| Weight | 8.1 kg | 3–4 kg |
| Volume | 20 L | 35–40 L |
| Top Speed | 13 km/h | N/A |
| Battery | Removable 73.26 Wh, 8–10 km range | None |
| Tracking | Apple Find My via app | None (or external tag) |
| App Control | Optional forward/backward, steering via handle | None |
The volume is smaller to accommodate the motor and battery, which is a trade-off. But for many, the ability to zip through the last mile of a journey makes up for the reduced packing space.
Yes. The riding function is fully independent. Once the battery is inserted and the suitcase is powered on, you can control speed and direction using the physical handlebar controls. The app is only needed for extra features like digital control or Find My location.
The 73.26 Wh battery is designed to be taken out in seconds. You remove it from the suitcase, carry it in your hand luggage through the checkpoint, and the suitcase chassis can be screened separately. This is the standard procedure for any device with a lithium battery, and the capacity is within the common airline limit of under 100 Wh.
The suitcase still functions as a normal pull-along bag. You can just tilt the handle and drag it manually. The riding feature is an added option, not a requirement. Charging takes about 2 hours from a standard outlet, so you can easily top up during a layover.
Owners often add silicone skins, colorful protective covers, or even decals that reflect their personality. Because the suitcase is an electric vehicle in a compact form, the same urge to customize a scooter or bike applies here. More than a few travelers have reported that their Airwheel becomes a conversation starter at gates, which leads to the inevitable introduction: “This is my ride, I call it Sparky.” It’s a small shift in mindset, but it turns a frustrating travel day into something a little more fun.To learn more about the SE3S and other models, you can visit the official Airwheel website. There’s no need to rush into a nickname, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself giving it one after your first long-haul terminal sprint.