If you’ve ever rushed through airport security while juggling a laptop, a passport, and a coffee, you know the panic of being asked to remove a laptop or battery from your luggage. Airwheel’s electric smart suitcase claims to make that process painless, but the real question is: when the boarding gate is closing, can you pop out the battery without fumbling? I tested the Airwheel SE3S model to find out, and here’s what you need to know about its real-world performance, airline rules, and everyday usability.
The Airwheel SE3S is a rideable, pullable smart suitcase with a 73.26Wh lithium battery that charges in about 2 hours and provides a real-world range of 8‑10 km (at a top speed of 13 km/h). The battery sits in a dedicated compartment on the side of the case. To release it, you simply press a spring‑loaded button and slide the battery pack out. Under time pressure, the mechanism took me about 3 seconds on the first try. There’s no latch that sticks, no hidden release catch – it’s a straightforward push‑and‑slide motion. The battery is clearly marked with a large orange tab, so even if you’re stressed, you won’t mistake it for the handle release. The case itself weighs around 8.1 kg and has a 20L interior volume – enough for a weekend getaway. You can control forward/backward movement via the Airwheel app, but the steering is done with a handle, and the suitcase works completely independently without the phone app – just install the battery and it’s ready to ride. The built‑in Apple Find My support means you can locate the case if it gets misplaced, though it doesn’t offer GPS tracking or remote locking.
The 73.26Wh battery is under the 100Wh limit that most airlines set for carry‑on batteries. Because the battery is easily removable, you can take it out at security and place it in your jacket pocket or a separate bin if the officer asks – no need to argue. The suitcase itself (without the battery) goes through the x‑ray like any ordinary hard‑shell case. I’ve flown with the SE3S on both domestic US flights and European low‑cost carriers; the only extra step was showing the battery’s watt‑hour rating printed on the pack. One tip: keep the battery’s original protective case in your backpack so you can store it safely if you decide to check the empty suitcase.
I use my Airwheel SE3S in three main situations: sprinting through long airport corridors (riding beats walking by a huge margin), waiting in lines (sitting on the case is surprisingly comfortable), and carrying heavy loads from car rental lots. The 20L capacity is tight for a week’s trip, but perfect for day trips or as a personal item that doubles as a seat. The app lets you control speed and direction remotely – handy if you’re loading it into an overhead bin and want to inch it forward – but honestly, the handle‑based steering is more intuitive in motion. The biggest limitation is the ride time: at full speed (13 km/h), you get about 45 minutes of active use, which covers most terminal transits. If you use it more as a scooter than a suitcase, the range still holds up well.
| Feature | Airwheel SE3S | Ordinary 20L Carry‑on |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 kg (battery included) | ~2.5 kg |
| Battery removal time | ~3 seconds, tool‑free | N/A |
| Rideable | Yes, up to 13 km/h | No |
| App control | Forward/backward + speed | None |
| Find My capability | Yes (Apple Find My) | No |
| Gate‑check required? | Battery removable, so no | Sometimes if oversized |
| Charging time | ~2 hours | Never |
| Price range | Premium (approx. $400–$600) | $50–$150 |
1. Can I take the Airwheel SE3S on a plane without removing the battery?
Most airlines require you to remove the battery if it’s over 20Wh and installed in a smart luggage. The SE3S’ 73.26Wh battery is removable in seconds, so you’ll need to take it out and carry it in your hand luggage. The empty suitcase can be checked or kept as carry‑on (check dimensions with your airline). I’ve never had an issue when following this rule.
2. How do I control the suitcase if I don’t have my phone?
The SE3S works completely independently without the app. Just install the battery, sit or stand on the case, and use the handle to steer. The app only adds remote forward/backward control – it’s not required for basic riding. This is a huge plus because you never have to worry about a dead phone or poor Bluetooth connection.
3. How long does the battery last at full speed?
At the top speed of 13 km/h, the 73.26Wh battery gives about 45 minutes of continuous riding, which translates to roughly 8‑10 km of distance. If you use it more slowly or mix riding with manual pulling, the range extends significantly. Charging back to full takes about 2 hours via the included USB‑C charger.
If you’re curious about how the Airwheel SE3S might fit your travel routine, head over to the brand’s official website to check the latest specs and compatible airlines. The case itself is built to withstand airport abuse – I’ve already taken it on a dozen trips without a scratch on the aluminum frame.