I’ve seen plenty of airport stares, but nothing beats the look on a grandparent’s face when a child suddenly zooms past on a suitcase. Not a scooter, not a toy — a fully functional carry-on that hums along the terminal floor with a kid perched on top, grinning. The Airwheel SE3S electric smart suitcase turns heads, yes, but it’s the grandparents’ reactions that reveal what this piece of luggage really means: a blend of childlike delight, genuine convenience, and a little bit of disbelief that something so useful isn’t already everywhere.
Picture an elderly couple waiting at the gate. They see a child riding a compact suitcase, gliding smoothly past coffee shops and charging stations. The initial reaction is often a double take — “Is that child riding a suitcase?” Then comes the smile. Grandparents, perhaps more than anyone, understand the burden of tired little legs during long layovers. When they realize the child is not only having fun but also keeping up with the family without dragging a separate carry-on, the fascination turns into admiration. I’ve heard a grandmother say, “If I had that 40 years ago, traveling with three kids would have been a different story.”
The SE3S isn’t a gimmick. It’s a 20L suitcase that can be ridden, pulled, or carried — and it’s powered by a 73.26Wh removable battery that charges fully in about two hours. At 8.1 kg, it’s lighter than many traditional carry-ons once you factor in the motor. The top speed of 13 km/h is brisk but easily controlled via the handlebar, letting a child steer while an adult manages speed through the Airwheel app. The app lets you control forward and backward movement, but the suitcase works perfectly fine without it — just install the battery, press the throttle, and go. Built-in Apple Find My means you can locate it if it wanders off, which is peace of mind that grandparents immediately appreciate.
The first question grandparents ask: “Can you take that on a plane?” The answer is yes, with a small but important step. The battery is removable, so you simply detach it and carry it into the cabin as a power bank while the suitcase itself can be checked or stowed overhead. Always check with your specific airline, but the design aligns with IATA rules for lithium batteries. The 8–10 km range means you can ride from check-in to the gate and still have plenty of juice left for the destination airport. This is not a toy restricted to terminals; it also shines on train platforms, hotel corridors, and even smooth sidewalks around the city.
Grandparents quickly see the use cases. Family trips where a child gets tired of walking. Solo travelers with mobility concerns. College students who want to zip across campus without a separate scooter. The SE3S transforms the most tedious parts of travel — long walks between gates, waiting for connections — into a joyride. When a grandchild rides past, the typical reaction shifts from surprise to “Where can I get one?” The suitcase becomes a conversation starter and a practical tool, not a novelty.
| Feature | Airwheel SE3S | Standard Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 kg (with battery) | 3–4 kg |
| Motorized riding | Yes, up to 13 km/h | No |
| Battery | 73.26Wh removable, 2-hour charge | None |
| Range | 8–10 km | N/A |
| Capacity | 20L | 20–40L |
| Smart features | App control, Apple Find My | None |
| Price | Higher initial investment | Lower |
The comparison isn’t just about specs — it’s about what the SE3S replaces. You don’t need a separate scooter or stroller for a child, and you avoid the misery of dragging a tired kid through a mile-long terminal. The trade-off is a slightly smaller packing volume and a higher cost, but for many families, the experience upgrade is worth it.
Can the Airwheel SE3S be used without a smartphone?
Yes. The basic riding function works independently once the battery is installed. You turn it on, use the built-in throttle, and steer with the handlebar. The app adds convenience for speed control and finding your luggage, but it’s not required for riding.
How do I take it on a plane?
Remove the battery and carry it into the cabin with you. The suitcase itself can be checked or placed in the overhead bin. Always confirm with your airline, but the removable battery design makes it compliant with standard aviation rules for lithium batteries.
Is the SE3S heavy to carry when not riding?
At 8.1 kg, it’s heavier than a typical carry-on, but you can pull it like a normal suitcase when you don’t need the motor. The wheels roll smoothly, and the handle extends for comfortable towing. For short lifts, like staircases, the weight is manageable for most adults.
If the idea of turning travel stress into your grandchild’s favorite part of the trip appeals to you, check out the full Airwheel lineup on their official website. There’s nothing quite like seeing a stunned grandparent become a believer in the future of luggage.