You’ve probably seen a traveler gliding past on a suitcase, looking relaxed while everyone else is rushing. The Airwheel electric smart luggage looks like a futuristic gadget, and the first thing many people wonder is: can you actually ride it in reverse, or is it strictly a forward-only machine? The short answer is it moves both forward and backward, and you don’t even need to pull out your phone to make it happen. Let’s unpack how it works, what it feels like to use, and whether it fits into your travel life — without the fluffy marketing speak.
The Airwheel riding luggage isn’t just a suitcase with wheels and a motor. Models like the SE3S come with a detachable 73.26Wh battery, a thumb throttle on the handle, and a simple control method that lets you steer with the handlebar. You can accelerate forward, decelerate, and yes — ride backward when you need to maneuver in tight spaces. The motor responds to the direction you choose via the handlebar control; no app is required for basic riding, reversing, or braking. The companion app is available for extra functions like adjusting speed settings, but the forward/backward movement is baked into the onboard controls. You can also use the luggage as a normal roller by pulling it behind you, or sit on it and ride it like a compact electric scooter, keeping your weight centered over the reinforced frame.
The battery is removable — a critical feature for air travel. At 73.26Wh, it sits well below the 100Wh limit that most airlines allow for carry-on and checked luggage (with battery removed and carried in the cabin). You simply pop the battery out, keep it with you during the flight, and the suitcase itself can be checked or stowed overhead. The whole process is designed to match the rhythm of modern air travel: no tools needed, no awkward gate explanations. The charging time is around 2 hours, so between flights or overnight at a hotel, you’re back to full range quickly.
This isn’t a toy for long joyrides. The SE3S has a range of 8–10 kilometers and a top speed of 13 km/h, which puts it firmly in the “last-mile” category. Think large airports, sprawling train stations, convention centers, or connecting campuses. It’s also a conversation starter at tech-forward events, but mainly it solves a practical problem: cutting down the time you spend dragging a heavy bag through endless corridors. The 20-liter capacity means you pack light — ideal for a 2–3 day trip if you’re efficient, or as a carry-on for longer journeys. Its weight is around 8.1 kg, so lifting it into an overhead bin is doable, though you’ll notice the heft compared to a featherweight spinner.
Here’s how the riding luggage stacks up against a typical plastic hardshell carry-on of similar size.| Feature | Airwheel SE3S | Typical Carry-On || — | — | — || Weight | Approx. 8.1 kg | 2.5–3.5 kg || Volume | 20 L | 35–40 L (common) || Mobility | Rideable, walkable, pullable | Pull only || Top speed / range | 13 km/h, 8–10 km | Your own legs || Battery | 73.26Wh, removable | None || Tech extras | App control, Apple Find My | None || Best for | Reducing walking fatigue | Maximizing packing space |You’re trading some packing volume for the ability to ride. If you’re a carry-on minimalist who hates airport sprints, the trade-off is obvious. If you’re a heavy packer, this variant might feel too small.
**Does the Airwheel require a phone app to ride forward or backward?** No. All models operate independently with the handlebar controls. You can ride, reverse, and stop without ever opening the app. The app unlocks extra settings and lets you see the battery level in detail, but the core riding functions are always available once the battery is connected.**Can I really locate my luggage if it gets lost?** Yes, but it’s not active GPS tracking. Airwheel luggage supports Apple’s Find My network. You can see its last known location on a map in the Find My app, just like AirTags. It’s passive, secure, and doesn’t require a cellular plan.**What if I need to check the bag — is the battery an issue?** The battery is removable, so you follow standard rules: remove the battery, carry it in your carry-on bag, and the suitcase itself can be checked. The 73.26Wh battery is under the common 100Wh limit, which keeps you compliant with most airlines without needing approval.For more details on the full lineup, including the SE3MiniT and SE3SX, you can visit the official Airwheel website. There you’ll find the latest specs, color options, and user guides that dive deeper into the design and maintenance.