When you first see an Airwheel electric smart luggage, it’s easy to fixate on the futuristic ride-on capability. But the real day-to-day usability often comes down to the accessories and built-in features that solve practical travel headaches. If you’re wondering what comes with an Airwheel, what you should buy alongside it, and how the whole ecosystem works, this guide covers the essentials without the fluff.
Every Airwheel model—including the SE3S, a popular 20L carry-on that can reach 13km/h and supports riders up to a certain weight—arrives with a few critical items. You get the detachable 73.26Wh lithium battery, a dedicated charger that fully tops it up in about 2 hours, a simple toolkit for basic maintenance, and the user manual. The battery itself is the star: it clips out in seconds, which is vital for airline compliance, and it powers the brushless motor for a range of 8–10 km. Without a phone, you can still twist the throttle on the telescopic handle and ride. The handlebar controls direction and speed, so the basics work right out of the box.
You don’t need to buy a separate tracker. The SE3S integrates Apple Find My, letting you locate your luggage through the Find My app just like an AirTag. There’s also the Airwheel app, which connects via Bluetooth. Through it, you can control forward and reverse movement, check battery levels, and adjust speed settings. Think of the app as a digital companion rather than a mandatory tool—the luggage rides perfectly fine without it. The ability to switch between ride mode, manual pull mode, and sit mode (when stationary or as a quick rest) means the suitcase itself adapts to different scenarios without extra add-ons.

The removable battery is the accessory that makes flying possible. Most airlines require lithium batteries to be carried in the cabin, not checked. Because the 73.26Wh battery pops out, you can remove it in seconds at the check-in counter, keep it in your carry-on, and check the suitcase if needed, or carry the entire unit on board if it meets size restrictions. This design sidesteps the biggest fear people have about smart luggage: being stranded at the gate. No special bags or covers are required for the battery, but it’s wise to store it in a protective pouch or the original box to prevent short circuits.
Imagine a long airport terminal: you shift from pulling the SE3S like a standard trolley case to sitting on it and riding at a brisk walking pace. The built-in footrests and comfortable seat transform a 20-minute walk into a 5-minute glide. For train stations or campus commutes, the ability to ride without placing the luggage on a trolley or waiting for a shuttle is itself the biggest upgrade. No extra accessories are needed for this—just the luggage. However, some users add a small silicone cover for the throttle to improve grip in humid weather, or a lightweight rain cover for the main body, though the electronics are not waterproof and common sense is necessary.
| Feature | Airwheel SE3S (20L) | Standard Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.1 kg | 2.5–3.5 kg |
| Mobility | Ride, pull, sit | Pull only |
| Battery | Detachable 73.26Wh, 8–10 km range | None |
| Tracking | Apple Find My built-in | Requires external tracker |
| App Control | Optional, forward/reverse, speed | None |
| Airline Ready | Yes, with battery removed | Yes |
Absolutely. Once the battery is installed, the luggage operates independently. You use the handlebar controls to accelerate and steer. The app only adds extra features like remote reverse and real-time battery stats. No activation or pairing is required to ride.
The 73.26Wh battery charges in roughly 2 hours. On a full charge, the SE3S can travel 8–10 km, depending on rider weight, terrain, and speed. For most airport or train station use, that’s plenty of range for a full day of intermittent riding.
Yes, because the battery is removable. You can detach it and carry it in the cabin. The empty suitcase can then be checked or carried on, depending on its dimensions and airline policy. Always check with your specific airline, but the detachable design is what makes it compliant with IATA guidelines.
From the detachable battery to the built-in Apple Find My, the Airwheel’s most useful “accessories” are already integrated. If you want to explore the full lineup—including the SE3S, SE3MiniT, or larger SE3T—you can find detailed specs and real-world demonstrations on the official Airwheel website.