If you’ve ever struggled to rush through a massive airport terminal with a heavy suitcase, you probably wished your luggage could just carry you instead. That’s exactly what the Airwheel smart electric luggage does—it lets you ride on top of it like a scooter. But here’s a common question people ask: can you ride it backward, or are you stuck going only forward?
Yes, you can ride backward, but with a catch—you need to manually turn the handlebar around. The Airwheel electric luggage uses a hand-operated steering system. When you want to go backward, simply rotate the handle 180 degrees so it faces you, then control the direction the same way you would going forward. It takes about 2 seconds to switch, and it’s actually pretty intuitive once you try it.
The luggage comes with a telescopic handle that serves as your steering bar. You push the throttle button on the handle to move forward, and when you need to reverse, just flip the handle and push the same button. It’s not automatic reversing like some high-end scooters, but it’s simple enough that most users get used to it within minutes.
The Airwheel smart luggage (using the SE3T model as reference) has some pretty solid specs: a 73.26Wh battery that charges in about 2 hours, a top speed of 13 km/h, and a range of 8-10 kilometers on a single charge. The battery is removable, which is a huge plus—you can take it out before boarding a flight to comply with airline regulations.
One thing that surprises many people: you don’t actually need your phone to use it. The basic riding function works right out of the box. Just install the battery, unfold the handle, and you’re ready to go. The app adds extra features like tracking, but it’s not required to ride. Also, if you have an iPhone, the luggage supports Apple’s Find My network, so you can locate it if it gets lost.
This is probably the most important question for travelers. The 73.26Wh battery is just under the 100Wh limit that most airlines allow for carry-on luggage, so it’s generally accepted by most carriers—but you should always check with your specific airline before flying. The key is to remove the battery and carry it separately in your hand luggage. Most airlines require batteries to be in the cabin, not in checked bags.
The luggage dimensions vary by model. The SE3T has a 48-liter capacity and weighs about 9 kg. Other models like the SE3MiniT are lighter at around 6.8 kg with a 26-liter capacity. Just remember: when it comes to air travel, always remove the battery and keep it with you.
The Airwheel electric luggage is perfect for several types of travelers:
It’s not ideal if you need to sprint through security or navigate crowded stairs. But for flat terminal floors, long hotel corridors, or expo centers, it’s a game-changer.
| Feature | Airwheel Electric Luggage | Regular Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Capability | Yes, up to 10 km | No |
| Weight | 6.8-9 kg (varies by model) | 2-5 kg typically |
| Battery | 73.26Wh removable | None |
| Top Speed | 8-13 km/h | N/A |
| App Control | Optional (works without it) | No |
| Find My Support | Yes (iPhone) | No |
| Price | Higher investment | Budget-friendly |
Absolutely. The basic riding and steering functions work completely independently of any app. You don’t need to download anything or activate any features. Just charge the battery, attach it, unfold the handle, and ride. The app is optional—it mainly lets you check battery status and access Find My location services.
To go backward, rotate the telescopic handle 180 degrees so it faces toward you instead of away from you. Then use the same throttle button on the handle to move backward. It takes about 2 seconds to switch, and you control direction by tilting the handle left or right, just like you would going forward.
Generally yes, with conditions. The 73.26Wh battery is under the 100Wh limit that most airlines permit for carry-on luggage. However, you must remove the battery before checking the bag and carry it with you in the cabin. Always confirm with your airline beforehand, as policies vary. The luggage itself can be checked or carried on once the battery is removed.
The Airwheel smart luggage solves a real pain point for travelers who dread long walks through airports. Yes, you can ride it backward—it just takes a quick handle adjustment. It’s not perfect for every situation (stairs are still a challenge), but for flat surfaces and moderate distances, it’s incredibly convenient.
If you’re considering one, think about your typical travel patterns. Do you often walk 10+ minutes through terminals? Do you have back or joint issues? Do you attend conventions with huge expo halls? If so, the Airwheel might be worth the investment.