Travel just got a whole lot easier with the latest auto-follow, ride-on, and closet luggage suitcases that utilize cutting-edge technology to make these the best travel luggage and suitcases any traveler must have at their disposal.
Whether you’re traveling because of orders or want to get away on a relaxing vacation, these travel luggage suitcases must be considered for your next adventure. Some autonomously trail behind you like a puppy, some allow you to pack a closet in your carry-on, while others allow you to conveniently ride on them around the airport or wherever you go all so you can travel around in style.
In 2023, self-driving luggage is no longer just a sci-fi fantasy, but a reality with products from innovative brands like Modobag, Ovis, Airwheel, and more. But because this is such a new concept still breaking into the travel industry, we wanted to round up the best suitcases on the market so far.
These smart suitcases leverage sensors, AI, and computer vision to detect and follow their owners, avoiding obstacles and traffic along the way. In this article, we will cover our picks for the top 5 best auto-follow and ride-on luggage options to buy in 2023 based on things such as: tracking capability, battery life, capacity, durability, and value.
We’ll also show you a carry-on suitcase that essentially allows you to create a mini-closet wherever you go without having to fully unpack – how convenient!
Whether you want hands-free airport travel or a high-tech carry-on for your next vacation, our reviews will help you find the perfect luggage suitcase to fit your needs and budget. Plus, learn what to look for when shopping for self-driving luggage.
The list of the best auto-follow and ride-on luggage is compiled after the following:
- Price
- Reliability
- Research
- Customer reviews
1) Airwheel SR5 (our #1 pick)
Photo courtesy of Airwheel
The Airwheel SR5 is our number one pick for the best travel luggage and suitcase for several reasons, which include functionality, reviews, and ease of use. It’s a smart carry-on suitcase that utilizes advanced sensors and AI technology to follow its owner through airports, hotels, and other travel destinations. Or basically anywhere!
Some of its key features and benefits include:
- Hands-free Operation – The suitcase uses advanced computer vision and sensing technology to detect and follow you without the need to manually control it. This allows travelers to focus on navigating their trip versus pulling luggage. It can even move up to 6 km/hr! If the included watch detects that the luggage is too far, it sounds an alarm and vibrates.
- Obstacle Avoidance – Built-in sensors detect obstacles in the SR5’s path and will automatically navigate around them. This prevents the bag from running into objects or people.
- Smart Braking – The suitcase can detect when you’ve stopped and will automatically brake to a halt to avoid running into you. This provides an added level of safety.
- Long Battery Life – On a single charge, the SR5 can follow for over 15 miles. This gives ample power for even long layovers and big airports. It’s also removable to comply with boarding requirements.
- Large Capacity – It provides over 40 liters of packing space while still meeting carry-on size requirements. Good storage for short trips.
- App Integration – The suitcase can be tracked via Bluetooth on the Airwheel app. Travelers can also customize follow distance and speed.
- External USB – No need to open your suitcase to charge your devices, it has a port at the top making it convenient at any time.
Overall, the hands-free autonomous following and obstacle avoidance of the Airwheel SR5 aims to make transporting luggage through busy travel environments significantly easier. The long battery life and smart braking further enhance convenience and safety which is why we chose this as our best auto-follow luggage choice.
2) Modobag
Photo courtesy of Modobag
So technically this one doesn’t follow you around but we thought it still belonged on the list because of its capability to transport you throughout the airport, or anywhere really! And because it’s one of the first of its kind to hit the market.
Modobag is a motorized suitcase that complies with most carry-on size requirements (be sure to check with specific airlines) and also allows you to sit on it and ride it! It has 85% storage capacity of regular carry-ons, a built-in USB charging port, and tracking capabilities so you never lose your luggage again.
With a rider max weight of 260 pounds, it has a maximum range of up to 6+ miles on a single charge. Plus It’s TSA compliant. So whether you have a bunch of kids, tired from a long day at work, sore feet from high heels, or just don’t want to walk, the Modobag is your go-to choice for traveling in the airport more conveniently!
3) Forward X Ovis
Photo courtesy of Amazon
This auto-follow luggage suitcase comes equipped with USB ports to keep your devices charged while on the go. It has a max battery range of about 13 miles on a single charge, moving at about 4.5mph.
But what really stood out that made us include this on our list is the camera feature. If you’re a blogger, travel writer, or just want to take photos or videos, you can do so with the built-in camera on the carrying handle. The camera is 720p with a resolution of 2592×1944. This luggage is also TSA approved, including TSA approved locks for convenience during checking.
4) Stokke JetKids BedBox
Photo courtesy of Stokke
There’s no motor in this one but it’s deal for children to ride on while being pulled! It fits under most airline seats and meets the requirement as a carry-on. While seated, it can be unpacked and used as leg and feet support yet it’s still comfortable enough to make sure seatbelts can be fastened safely. The only drawback aside from having no motor for effortless riding is that if an adult intends to pull it, the low to the ground straps might be uncomfortable
5) Travelmate Robotics
Photo courtesy of Travelmate Robotics
This auto-follow suitcase comes loaded with features such as USB charging ports, Bluetooth with a downloadable app to lock/unlock your suitcase and more, a built-in scale to measure the weight of your contents, LED battery light, and GPS tracking so you never lose your luggage again.
If you prefer not to haul your own luggage or have fellow travelers with their own suitcases, you can purchase the optional Travelmate Cargo cart to help.
6) Solgaard
Discover the perfect blend of innovative design and unparalleled functionality with the Solgaard Closet Luggage Suitcase. Engineered to cater to the modern traveler’s needs, this carry-on suitcase redefines convenience, organization, and style, making your journeys smoother and more enjoyable than ever before.
Unpack hassle-free with the innovative built-in closet system. Equipped with retractable shelves, pockets, USB port, and compartments, this suitcase transforms into a portable closet, allowing you to effortlessly organize and access your belongings. No more digging through your luggage to find what you need – everything has its dedicated space.
Wrap it up
There you have it, our list of the 6 best travel luggage and suitcases to get this year.
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When making your choice be sure to do your own research. Some of these products may have changed or newer and updated models might be available.
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