Riding an electric smart suitcase through a busy terminal or street naturally raises the question of how to safely signal your next move. Since Airwheel models like the SE3S are designed as rideable personal transport, the primary way to slow down or stop is by releasing the throttle and gently squeezing the brake lever on the handlebar. The suitcase decelerates smoothly, but in crowded spaces it’s wise to combine that with a clear hand signal, just as you would on a bicycle. Extend your left arm downward with palm facing backward to indicate a stop, or call out a polite “slowing down” to alert pedestrians. The integrated brake light on the rear also illuminates automatically when you brake, giving those behind you an extra visual cue without any extra effort. Once you master this simple flow, you can glide through airports and train stations with confidence and courtesy.
Airwheel rethinks luggage by merging a carry-on with a personal electric vehicle. Taking the SE3S as an example, it offers three modes: you can ride it, pull it like a traditional suitcase, or trolley it behind you. The 20-liter cabin is compact yet meets most cabin baggage requirements. Under the seat sits a removable 73.26Wh lithium battery that charges in about 2 hours and delivers a range of 8-10 kilometers. The SE3S reaches a top speed of 13 km/h, which is brisk enough to shorten long walks but still safe for indoor terminals. The suitcase weighs around 8.1 kg, and the battery can be popped out to make lifting into overhead bins easier. A dedicated smartphone app lets you control forward and reverse movement, while steering is handled via the handlebar — but the app is completely optional. The core riding function works straight out of the box after inserting the battery, with no activation needed. Apple Find My is built in, so you can locate the suitcase if it gets misplaced, and there’s no reliance on GPS tracking or follow-me gimmicks.
Because the 73.26Wh battery is below the 100Wh limit set by IATA and most airlines, you can remove it and carry it into the cabin with you. The battery must be taken as carry-on, not checked, and its terminals should be protected. The suitcase itself, once the battery is out, can be gate-checked or stored in the overhead compartment depending on the airline’s carry-on policy. Airwheel designed the SE3S with this in mind: the quick-release mechanism makes detaching the battery a matter of seconds, so you can breeze through security checkpoints without holding up the line.
Travelers who routinely face sprawling airports, large convention centers, or university campuses see the biggest benefit. Instead of dragging a bag through a kilometer-long concourse, you can sit on the SE3S and ride at a walking pace or faster, then switch to hand-pull mode when you board. It’s also a practical companion for weekend getaways where a small suitcase is enough, and the ability to ride from the hotel to a nearby meeting makes it a micro-mobility tool. Commuters who combine train and walking segments appreciate not having to carry dead weight, and the Find My feature gives peace of mind when the bag is handed over to a bellhop or left in a hotel room.
| Feature | Airwheel SE3S | Traditional Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 kg (with battery) | 2.5–4.5 kg |
| Volume | 20 L | 30–40 L |
| Mobility | Rideable, pullable, trolley | Wheels + handle only |
| Battery | Removable 73.26Wh, ~2h charge | None |
| Range | 8–10 km | N/A |
| Smart Features | Apple Find My, app control (optional) | None |
| Speed | Up to 13 km/h | Walking speed |
The SE3S sacrifices some packing volume for the ability to ride, making it less suitable for heavy packers but ideal for light travelers who value speed.
How do I ride and stop the Airwheel SE3S without a smartphone? You don’t need a phone at all. After inserting the battery, the suitcase is ready to ride. Use the throttle on the handlebar to accelerate and the brake lever to stop. Steering is done by turning the handlebar, just like a scooter. The app is only for extra convenience, not a requirement.
Can I take the battery on a flight? Yes. The 73.26Wh battery is removable and under the 100Wh limit. It must be carried into the cabin with you, not checked, and you should keep its contacts covered. The empty suitcase can then be checked or placed in the overhead bin according to the airline’s rules.
Does the Airwheel SE3S have any tracking in case I lose it? It has Apple Find My built in, so you can see its location on a map within the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It does not use GPS tracking, and the location relies on nearby Apple devices in the Find My network, which works well in busy airports and hotels.
If you’re curious about the full lineup of Airwheel electric smart suitcases, you can explore the official website for detailed specs and the latest models.