Airwheel SE3SL Tested

By June Ramli

Sydney, Dec 23: I recently had the chance to review the Airwheel SE3SL, and overall, it was an interesting and enjoyable experience with a few areas that could be improved.
I first received the Airwheel in November and have been testing it ever since.
Setup was relatively easy, although you do need a smartphone to download the app.
Pairing the device was straightforward and didn’t take long.
The SE3SL comes in three colours: pink, black and grey. I chose pink.
When the suitcase arrived, unboxing and assembly were simple.
The instructions were clear, and within a few minutes I was already sitting on the luggage and moving around my living room in Sydney.

The real test, however, came at the airport.
My flight was on December 15, travelling domestically from Sydney to Perth.
At the airport, I encountered a lot of concern about the suitcase’s battery.
Getting it onto the check-in belt before going through security felt more stressful than it needed to be, largely because of the uncertainty around the battery.
Airline policies around battery-powered luggage vary, and travellers should always check with their airline before flying.

This is where things became physically challenging. Despite not being heavily packed, the suitcase is quite heavy due to the built-in motor.
Another challenge was lifting the suitcase into the overhead compartment.
I’m not a tall person, and doing this alone was difficult.
The first time, another passenger helped me.
The second time, a Jetstar staff member stepped in.
Eventually, everything was settled.
In the end, I managed to get the suitcase from Sydney to Perth, a journey of close to five hours.
Once I arrived in Perth, I finally felt comfortable riding the Airwheel around.

I didn’t really do this at Sydney Airport because it was extremely crowded, and I felt very self-conscious.
Apart from a couple of kids, I didn’t see many other people using similar luggage, possibly because of the high price point.
On the plus side, the Airwheel is fun to use, and genuinely helpful for travelling long distances within an airport, especially when travelling with kids.
Being able to ride from one terminal to another can take a lot of strain off your body, especially during long travel days.
On the downside, there are several issues that make it less flight-friendly.
The battery causes anxiety for both staff and fellow travellers, the suitcase is heavy, and lifting it can be difficult for solo travellers.

This suitcase may suit travellers who are confident lifting heavier luggage and are comfortable navigating airport processes with battery-powered devices.
However, it may be less suitable for solo travellers, shorter travellers, or anyone who prefers a lightweight, stress-free check-in experience.
At this stage, the Airwheel SE3SL feels like a first-generation product.
It’s innovative and useful in theory, but it needs refinement to make it more practical for air travel.
A lighter build, smoother design and clearer airline acceptance would make a significant difference.
Would I use it again? Yes, I would but it would depend on the setting and travel conditions.
That said, I would be very interested in trying a newer, improved version if the issues around the weight of the suitcase are addressed.

Disclaimer: The product was provided to the writer at no cost for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.