If you are a frequent traveler who hates dragging a heavy suitcase through endless airport terminals, you have probably heard of the Airwheel electric smart suitcase. It is a rideable luggage that lets you sit and glide at up to 13 km/h (depending on the model), saving your energy while still carrying your belongings. But the biggest question is: can you actually bring it on a budget airline like Ryanair or Spirit? Let us break down what you need to know.
The Airwheel SE3S (one of the most popular models) is a compact rideable suitcase with a 73.26Wh lithium battery that can be easily removed in seconds. It charges fully in about 2 hours and offers an 8–10 km range – enough to cover most airport transfers. The suitcase weighs only 8.1 kg, has a 20L interior capacity, and can reach a top speed of 13 km/h. You can control it via the Airwheel app to move forward or backward, or simply steer by tilting the handle – and yes, it works independently without the app. The built-in Apple Find My feature helps you locate it if lost. It is designed for riding, pulling, or carrying, giving you three modes in one.
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Spirit have strict carry-on size and weight limits. For example, Ryanair allows a personal item (40x20x25 cm) or a cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) depending on your fare. The Airwheel SE3S measures approximately 55x36x20 cm – it fits the standard cabin bag dimensions on most airlines, including Ryanair and Spirit, but is slightly taller than some personal item limits. The crucial part is the battery. Airlines typically ban lithium batteries over 100Wh in checked luggage, but allow batteries under 100Wh in carry-on if they are removable. Airwheel’s 73.26Wh battery is well under that limit, and since it is detachable, you can take the suitcase as cabin baggage and pack the battery in your carry-on (or keep it inside the suitcase). However, always check your specific airline’s policy and call ahead to confirm, as some carriers (like Delta) have temporarily banned all smart luggage, but most low-cost carriers still accept removable battery models.
This suitcase shines in short airport transfers, busy train stations, and when you have a tight connection. It is also great for business travelers or digital nomads who need to move quickly through terminals. You can ride it at walking speed (up to 13 km/h) and then pull it like a normal suitcase when not in use. Tourists exploring city centers or large museums will also appreciate the ability to sit down for a quick rest.
| Feature | Airwheel SE3S | Regular Suitcase |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 kg (including battery) | 2–5 kg |
| Capacity | 20 L | 30–40 L (typical cabin) |
| Speed | Up to 13 km/h (rideable) | Walking speed |
| Battery | 73.26Wh, removable | None |
| App control | Yes (also works without app) | No |
| Find My | Yes | No |
| Cabin allowed? | Yes (check airline for battery) | Usually yes |
Q1: Can I check in the Airwheel suitcase without the battery? Yes. The battery is removable, so you can take it in your carry-on and check the empty suitcase. Most airlines require the battery to be in the cabin for safety.
Q2: How long does it take to charge the SE3S? Fully charging the 73.26Wh battery takes about 2 hours. You can also charge it with a standard USB-C or AC adapter.
Q3: Does the suitcase still work if I don’t install the Airwheel app? Absolutely. The app adds convenience (like app-controlled forward/backward), but the basic riding and pulling functions are built-in. Just snap in the battery, sit on it, and use the handle to steer.
For the latest airline policies and more details on each Airwheel model, head over to the official Airwheel website. The team there can also answer specific questions about your airline and destination.