Modobag: The suitcase that will help you catch your flight on time

The motorised suitcase could help business travellers save time in the airport navigating between flights. But it costs $1,323 and weighs a hefty 8.2kg.

The Modobag is a motorised carry-on that travels at 8km/h. Courtesy Modobag

Late for your flight? Envious of children sitting comfortably on their ride-on suitcases? Then perhaps it’s time to fork out some serious cash for the Modo­bag.

The Modobag is a motorised carry-on that travels at 8kph (13kph if it’s outside) – three times faster than walking. If you’ve spent too long in Duty Free, throw your goodies in the case then climb on board and glide down the lengthy concourse to your gate.

Kevin O’Donnell, the Chicago entrepreneur behind the wheely bag, dreamed up the idea when dragging his own kids around on their cases.

He says it “will help make travel more functional and more fun”, and calls it one of the “most innovative and exciting advancements” for the travel industry since rolling suitcases were invented in the ‘70s.

But swallow hard before pulling out your credit card – this bag costs US$1,323 or $995 at the early bird price on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo.

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Measuring 56 x 22 x 35cm, the motorised concept features a memory foam-covered seat, foot pegs and a handlebar, its own tracking system, dual USB charging ports and a crush-proof laptop pocket.

It will cover almost 10km before the battery – fully charged in under two hours, 80 per cent in 15 minutes – runs out.

The lithium battery is kept in a separate, enclosed unit for protection, with over 4,000 charge and discharge cycles, and passes all United Nation requirements – “the strictest on the planet”.

The company also says the battery is compliant with the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, and that the Modobag is “compliant for carry-on with most major carriers” and compatible with “over 80 per cent of major carriers”.

Still, good luck lifting this 8.2kg bag up into the overhead compartment on your own.

Its makers hope it will be on sale from early next year, after a crowdfunding request on Indiegogo pulled in close to $300,000 from about 300 backers. A Kickstarter campaign last year had failed to reach enough money, but this time around, a video of passengers whizzing about Chicago O’Hare airport went viral, with 77 million views.

q&a blaze an unusual trail

Suzanne Locke reveals more about the Modobag:

Any warranty on my purchase?

Yes, but only a year – about the same as any electronic goods.

I thought lithium batteries and things like hoverboards were banned from cabins?

Several US airlines have banned hoverboards because of issues with overheating. Modobag says it uses a lithium nano-crystal battery that does not contain carbon – which is what causes fire safety issues – and which is rated at 96 watt-hours, under the 100 watt-hours for laptop batteries and other devices. Take your travel adapter – the Modobag comes with a US plug.

What if I want coffee on the go?

Modobag says a cup holder is in development, along with a tow bar (to allow the kids to be pulled along too) – but not in the first version being released.

Why does it matter whether the Modobag can be carried on?

Consumer Reports says that more than half of the 39,000 people they surveyed use carry-on luggage, three-quarters to save time and half to save money.

If I’m choosing a new bag and can’t afford the Modobag, any tips?

Consumer Reports says that you should look for a bag with squared edges, no protruding pouches, two wheels instead of four and an externally mounted handle.

Any limits on who can ride a Modobag?

You need to weigh less than 118kg – and be young at heart.

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