What started as a Kickstarter campaign has become one of the most viral travel gadgets on the planet. The brand now holds over 600 patents and has picked up 34+ global design awards including the German Design Award 2025 and the prestigious IF Design Award. People are not just talking about it anymore. They are buying it.
So What Exactly Is the Airwheel?
It is a hard-shell suitcase with a secret. Hidden inside is an electric motor and a fold-out handlebar that turns your luggage into a personal scooter.
You load your stuff, flip out the footrests, grab the handlebar and press the throttle. Just like that you are moving at up to 13 km/h (8 mph) through the terminal. Accelerate and brake using buttons on the grip. Steer with the handlebar. When you reach your gate you fold everything back in and it looks like a normal suitcase again.
The frame is built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and can hold riders weighing up to 110 to 130 kg depending on the model. The wheels are designed to absorb shocks so small bumps and uneven floors do not knock you off balance.
The Transparent Shell Is a Total Head Turner
The most talked-about feature of the original Airwheel is the see-through casing. It is completely transparent and looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Every person walking past you at the airport will do a double take.
Now you might be thinking “but everyone can see my stuff inside.” Fair point. Airwheel includes a three-digit combination lock and newer models also offer non-transparent options if privacy matters more to you.
The real showstopper though is the built-in RGB lighting. Using the Airwheel app on your phone you can set the bag to glow in any color you want. Picture yourself rolling through a midnight terminal with your suitcase lit up in electric blue. It is the kind of thing people stop and film.
The Battery Does More Than Just Power the Ride
The Airwheel runs on a removable lithium-ion battery that pops out in seconds. This matters a lot for flying because airlines require lithium batteries to travel in the cabin with you rather than in the hold.
Most models come with a 73.26Wh battery that fully meets TSA, FAA and IATA airline rules. You simply take it out before checking the bag and carry it with you. No drama at security.
One charge gets you about 8 to 10 km of riding which is more than enough for even the biggest airports. The battery also has two USB ports so it works as a power bank to charge your phone or tablet while you wait at the gate. The SE3 Mini T version goes even further with a 92.5Wh battery for extra range and charging power.
Which Airwheel Model Is Right for You?
The lineup has grown a lot since the first Kickstarter model. Here is a quick breakdown of what is out there in 2025.
The SE3S is the flagship. It has side-by-side dual wheels, hits 13 km/h and features a one-touch electric folding handlebar. Carry-on sized and holds up to 110 kg.
The SE3SL+ is the bigger sibling with a 48-liter packing capacity and weighs just 6.6 kg. It is one of the lightest rideable suitcases ever made and still fits most airline carry-on rules.
The SE3SX is the newest model and the one Apple fans will love. It has built-in Apple Find My support so you can track your bag straight from your iPhone. It also has dynamic LED lighting and cabin-size approval on most major airlines.
The SE3 Mini and SE3 MiniT are the compact versions. Same riding speed and weight capacity but in a smaller package that slides easily into overhead bins.
The SQ3 is made just for kids. Lower to the ground, tougher build and sized for younger riders. Great for families who are sick of carrying tired children through airports.
Prices start at around $459 and go up to $599 or more for newer models.
Can You Actually Take This on a Plane?
Yes. Airwheel built the whole product around airline compliance. The removable battery is what makes it work. Take it out, put it in your carry-on bag and the suitcase itself can be checked or stored overhead without any issues.
Every model comes with a TSA-approved lock so security agents can inspect the bag at checkpoints without breaking the lock. All models are certified TSA, FAA and IATA compliant.
One thing to keep in mind though is that airline rules differ. A few carriers have their own policies on motorized or battery-powered bags. It is always smart to call your airline ahead of time just to confirm. Better a two-minute phone call than a surprise at check-in.
