We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Luggage + Bags Suitcases + Duffel Bags The 10 Best Ride-on Suitcases of 2024 These ride-on suitcases make traveling easier for parents, and more fun for kids. By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 15, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa On particularly stressful travel days, I’ll enviously eye the tiny tots scooting past on pint-sized firetrucks or dinosaurs as I sprint to my gate, and I’ll think to myself, “I want what they have.” What they have is a ride-on suitcase: a genius luggage upgrade designed to make travel more fun for kids and less overwhelming for parents. “Ride-on suitcases can make traveling with a young child easier as you navigate the airport,” says Dr. Whitney Casares, a pediatrician, mom and author of Doing It All. “Since little ones often don't have the stamina to walk for prolonged distances and can become distracted in busy airport terminals, it's helpful to have a way to keep your kids focused and contained as you try to get from point A to point B.” In addition to storing your little ones’ clothes, these hybrid helpers also provide a place for kids to sit while waiting in line for security or moving between terminals; some double as scooters, while others fold out into beds. Read on for the best ride-on suitcases for all ages and budgets. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Stokke JetKids BedBox at Target ($229) Jump to Review Best Budget: Goplus Ride-on Suitcase with Spinner Wheels at Amazon ($76) Jump to Review Best Designs: Younglingz Ride On Suitcase at Younglingz.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Self-driving: Airwheel SE3S Smart Rideable Suitcase Scooter at Amazon ($859) Jump to Review Best Fold-out Seat: Lugabug Travel Seat at Lugabug.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Scooter: Flyte Scooter Suitcase at Walmart ($130) Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review Best for Older Kids: iubest Scooter Luggage Carry On at Amazon ($229) Jump to Review Most Innovative: Mountain Buggy Skyrider Luxury at Mountainbuggy.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Checked Size: MiaMily Check In at Miamily.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Stokke JetKids BedBox PHOTO: Nordstrom $229 at Target $229 at Nordstrom $229 at Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It Kids can ride on this sleek and customizable suitcase, then fold it out into a footrest or bed. What to Consider There isn’t a seatbelt or harness, although there’s a convenient strap across the front that kids can hold on to. JetKids by Stokke BedBox checks all our boxes: it’s spacious, stylish, and easy for kids to maneuver by themselves while riding or walking — but beyond that it doubles as a convenient footrest or fold-out bed, which sets it apart from all of the other picks on our list. It’s even got the pediatrician stamp of approval. “I really like the Stokke Jetkids Bedbox because it has sturdy construction, plenty of room for storage, and even folds out into a mini bed your little one can use once you reach your destination,” says Dr. Whitney. It’s a game-changer for little ones and parents alike on busy travel days. It’s both entertaining — kids can pick from six colorways and customize their ride with stickers — and efficient, thanks to five gallons of ample interior storage. Plus, it has a practical top-opening lid with an easy-access compartment. While a seatbelt or harness would offer an extra safety feature, we appreciate that the streamlined design makes it easy for kids to hop on and off on their own, and there’s a convenient top handle they can hold for security. Shock-absorbent wheels are another bonus: they swivel and provide a smoother, safer ride. While it’s one of the pricier options available, the thoughtful extra features and sleek, Scandinavian design make this a worthwhile investment (or a very thoughtful gift) in our book. The Details: 18.1 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches | 6.6 pounds | 77 pounds (supported) | 2 years and up (for bed feature); 3 to 7 years (ride-on feature) Best Budget Goplus Ride-on Suitcase with Spinner Wheels PHOTO: Amazon $76 at Amazon Why We Love It This cheery suitcase comes in a range of playful patterns. What to Consider There aren’t any handles or straps for extra security. For a more wallet-friendly option, our go-to is the Goplus Ride-on Suitcase with Spinner Wheels, which offers true value for its price given that it comes with a coordinating backpack in addition to the suitcase itself. It’s available in five adorable themes, including yellow bumblebee, blue dinosaur, and pink unicorn. While there aren’t any handles or straps to help secure your little one, there are convenient foot rests to help them steady themselves; between the sturdy seat and smooth spinner wheels, those that can sit well on their own should have no trouble maneuvering on this versatile spinner suitcase. Inside, there are plenty of handy organizational features: one side boasts a zippered compartment, while the other features compression straps to help you fit clothes, blankets, diapers, toys, and more. The backpack offers even more storage options, with two large pockets and a mesh water bottle holder. The Details: 18 inches (suitcase) 12 inches (backpack) | 5.5 pounds | 110 pounds supported (suitcase); 18 pounds supported (backpack) | 3 years and up | Polycarbonate and ACS hardshell, aluminum handle, 600D Oxford fabric backpack Best Designs Younglingz Ride On Suitcase PHOTO: Amazon View on Younglingz.com Why We Love It Glossy, kid-friendly designs and a moped-inspired shape are fun and functional. What to Consider It supports up to 80 pounds, but that’s including the weight of the child. Created by a mom of two with fellow traveling families in mind, this best-selling ride-on suitcase features some of the most vibrant patterns (think multi-toned unicorns and dinosaurs) and thoughtful features out there. We love the moped-inspired design, which features fold-out foot rests and handles to maximize stability, as well as a chic padded seat and a wide, adjustable seatbelt. Kids will have a blast riding through the airport on their new wheels, while parents can rest assured that they’re securely buckled in as they glide through the airport. The sturdy suitcase can support little ones up to 50 pounds and can store up to 47 linear inches of clothes, toys, and other travel essentials, allowing you to streamline your luggage by leaving the stroller at home. The Details: 18 x 20 x 13 x 9 inches | 10 pounds | Supports 80 pounds | 2+ years | Polycarbonate The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Self-driving Airwheel SE3S Smart Rideable Suitcase Scooter PHOTO: Amazon $859 at Amazon View on Airwheel.net Why We Love It This sleek, convertible suitcase can be used as a classic carry-on or ridden. What to Consider This can reach speeds of up to eight miles per hour — riders will need to exercise caution. Those with reduced mobility or anyone who just prefers to kick back and relax while traveling will love this ultra-sleek motorized model from Airwheel. This rideable suitcase is geared towards older children and adults up to 242 pounds, as it can go up to eight miles per hour and must be ridden with caution. “I don't recommend self-driving suitcases for kids,” cautions Dr. Whitney, who points out that the necessary parental oversight “adds an extra layer of responsibility and stress to airport transit.” However, this is a great option for tweens and adults. The user-friendly Bluetooth app makes it a breeze to navigate hands- (or rather, feet-) free, allowing you to set the speed and minimizing hassle as you make your way between spread out terminals. It’s crafted from durable, drop-resistant aluminum that will stand up to life on the road, as will the sturdy tires and waterproof exterior. While there’s a top handle for carrying convenience and a telescoping handle that makes it a breeze to roll along, the true draw of this suitcase (and the reason behind its steep price point) is that it can be comfortably ridden on — although we’d like to see a more size-inclusive weight limit. Perks include a cushion for a cozier ride, plus a removable power bank, an integrated TSA lock, and a padded interior laptop sleeve. Inside, there’s plenty of room (a whole 20 liters of capacity) to pack your belongings. The Details: 20 x 14 x 9.4 inches | 20.7 pounds | 242 pounds (supported) | Aluminum, PC coating Best Fold-out Seat Lugabug Travel Seat PHOTO: Amazon View on Lugabug.com Why We Love It This portable, affordable, and easy-to-use attachment slips onto any suitcase. What to Consider It’s not compatible with hardside luggage or suitcases with four spinner wheels. For a versatile and ultra-portable alternative to a ride-on suitcase, consider this fold-out attachment that transforms almost any piece of softside luggage into a kid-friendly seat in seconds. Weighing in at just one and a half pounds when empty, this featherweight seat is completely collapsible, meaning it won’t add any bulk or heft to your luggage when it’s not in use. It’s a breeze to set up and makes getting through the airport with kids easier than ever: simply slip the seat onto your suitcase, secure your child inside using the lap belt (be sure to balance their weight in the center, to make pulling easier on your end), tilt the bag back, and you’re good to go. Parents who prefer to move at their own pace will love the control this offers, while kids delight in the hammock-like seat. Note that the attachment is best paired with softside luggage, which you’ll want to make sure is fairly full in order to avoid the suitcase toppling over when you add your child’s weight. Once they’re strapped in and you’re moving, you’ll be pulling their full weight, so it’s a good idea to test this out at home first to check that you’re comfortable with the full load. The Details: 13 x 1.5 x 13.5 inches | 1.5 pounds | Supports 50 pounds | 2+ years | Nylon Best Scooter Flyte Scooter Suitcase PHOTO: Amazon $130 at Walmart View on Zincsports.com Why We Love It Safety features include a rear brake, a locking handlebar, and a suitcase shell that can absorb impact. What to Consider There’s no way to sit on it — kids can either pull it like a normal carry-on, or ride it like a scooter. Remind your littles that the journey can be just as fun as the destination with this scooter suitcase from Flyte, which features a fold-down deck suitable for children four to eight years old to ride on. It’s easy to unfold and lock into place, and boasts easy-grip rubber handles as well as three smooth-gliding wheels. It functions like a normal scooter, allowing kids to practice their balance as they lean forward to steer and activate the rear brake to stop. This is an excellent pick for more active kids, as they can zip around the airport alongside you while carrying their own belongings. The compact, two-wheel suitcase is made from a durable waterproof exterior, and features an interior compartment with one small pouch and a zippered pocket to keep your small essentials organized. The Details: 19 x 13 x 10 inches (folded); 29.5 x 13 x 23.6 inches (unfolded) | 7.5 pounds | Supports 110 pounds | 4 to 8 years | Aluminum The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Toddlers Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase PHOTO: Amazon $70 at Amazon View on Trunki.com Why We Love It This lightweight, easy-to-maneuver pick comes in 10 adorable patterns, all of which are almost pet-like. What to Consider The compact design means packing space is limited. Dr. Whitney recommends the Trunki Ride-on Kids Suitcase, calling it a “good, less expensive option for young travelers.” Its compact design and ergonomic seat make it ideal for toddlers, who will surely appreciate the kid-friendly themes like firetrucks and tigers. Inside, you’ll find 18L of space to stash diapers, wipes, a few toys, and some clothes. While it’s not a massive amount of space, it’ll save you some room in your own suitcase. Best of all, it boasts versatile carrying systems: kids can ride around on it, holding the horns for extra stability, or they can tote it around behind themselves like their personal pet thanks to the multifunctional strap. Parents can use that same strap as a tow leash when kids tire out, or can double it up as a shoulder strap for carrying convenience. The Details: 18.5 x 8.2 x 12.6 inches | 3.5 pounds | Supports 110 pounds | 3 to 6 years | Plastic Best for Older Kids iubest Scooter Luggage Carry On PHOTO: Amazon $229 at Amazon Why We Love It The adjustable handlebar means this scooter-suitcase can grow with your kids well into their teenage years. What to Consider It’s only available in pink and blue. Keeping tweens and older kids occupied can be more of a struggle than trying to wrangle a toddler — to help smooth your transition from security to your gate, set them up with this smooth-rolling scooter-suitcase. With two front wheels and a back brake, the scooter platform is equipped with non-slip handlebars and a grippy deck. The dual-position handlebar can be adjusted to a height of 27.5- or 31.5-inches, accommodating your growing child into their teenage years. The durable, water-resistant polycarbonate shell is spacious enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes thanks to its 22L capacity: inside, you’ll find zippered pockets, a mesh pouch, and compression straps to maximize packing potential and keep toiletries, tech, and all their other essentials organized. Best of all, the suitcase can be separated from the scooter base, so your kids can continue to use the luggage aspect even once they outgrow the scooter. The Details: 20 x 14 x 8.3 inches | 7.5 pounds | Supports 145 pounds | 4 to 15 years | Polycarbonate Most Innovative Mountain Buggy Skyrider Luxury PHOTO: Mountain Buggy View on Mountainbuggy.com Why We Love It A fold-out seat complete with a rolling base and safety harness set this stylish carry-on apart. What to Consider It’s only available in brushed silver, and can only support up to 33 pounds. Jetsetting families will love the versatility of this compact, brushed carry-on, which features a fold-out seat for toddlers that makes long walks between terminals far more enjoyable for everyone. While the durable Skyrider Luxury is sleek and stylish enough to use as an everyday carry-on, it also doubles as an ultra-secure rolling seat, thanks to Mountain Buggy’s patented base chassis with four spinner wheels and a built-in security lock. Kids will feel snug in the plush, padded liner, which boasts equal parts comfort and safety thanks to a three-point harness — a feature which Dr. Whitney advocates as “preferable.” The suitcase also comes with a generous 3-year warranty. The Details: 22.5 x 16 x 10 inches | 7.5 pounds | Supports 33 pounds | 9 months to 3 years | Polycarbonate The Best Luggage for Children of All Ages, Tested and Reviewed Best Checked Size MiaMily Check In PHOTO: MiaMily View on Miamily.com Why We Love It This chic, design-forward suitcase is suitable for both kids and adults. What to Consider It’s better suited for two year olds and older. Kids and adults alike can rejoice over this sleek and minimalist suitcase, which comes in both carry-on and checked sizes in sophisticated colors like forest green and charcoal. The flared design proves you don’t need to sacrifice fashion for function, offering a sturdy base that can comfortably support up to 220 pounds — meaning you and your little can twin with coordinating luggage. The interior, which boasts a generous 77-liter capacity, features all of the organizational bonuses you’d hope to find, from dual zippered compartments to several zippered pockets, plus a generously-sized waterproof mesh pocket. When no one’s sitting in the flip-up compartment, you can use it to secure personal items, like a diaper bag or weekender. The Details: 25 x 17.7 x 11.5 inches | 14.2 pounds | Supports 220 pounds | 2 years and up | Polycarbonate shell, polyprene seat, polyester lining Tips for Buying Ride-on Suitcases Read age and size requirements carefully Be sure to carefully read through any age, size, and weight requirements of each ride-on suitcase. You’ll want to confirm that your child is the appropriate age and height, so that they can comfortably and securely travel using their new suitcase, whether seated or scootering. It’s also a good idea to know how much mileage your family will get out of any given ride-on suitcase, particularly if you’re splurging on it — will your kids be aging out of it soon? Do you have other children or family friends to pass it down to? If your child is nearing the age or size limit, you may want to consider a piece with more potential longevity, like the kid- and adult-friendly MiaMily Check In. Consider capacity Particularly when it comes to ride-on suitcases for toddlers, packing space tends to be compact at best, and nearly nonexistent at worst. They’re often designed in unique shapes that don’t lend themselves to convenient packing as well as a traditional butterfly-hinge suitcase does — and some, like the JetKids by Stokke BedBox, are designed to store a mattress inside, further limiting capacity. If you’re in need of a more capacious set up, you may want to stick to your own carry-on and simply pair it with the Lugabug Travel Seat, which can be slipped onto a larger softside carry-on that you already own in order to create a seat. Look for sturdy materials and durable construction “When choosing a ride-on suitcase, seek out features like sturdy wheels and sturdy suitcase construction that will last you a few years,” suggests Dr. Whitney. She highlights safety features as a key priority, noting that “Ride-on suitcases with straps and harnesses are also preferable to those without them.” Suitcases made of durable polycarbonate shells will also stand the test of time, as they’re typically water- and dent-resistant. Frequently Asked Questions What ages are ride-on suitcases good for? “Ride-on suitcases are best for kids aged at least three years old,” says Dr. Whitney. Ultimately, it depends on their size and stability, she adds. “Before using a ride-on suitcase, assess your individual child's ability to handle using a ride-on suitcase safely, as all kids are different.” While younger or smaller kids might be able to safely fit in a fold-out chair, you’ll want to make sure your kiddos are big enough that their legs can reach the ground if they’ll be maneuvering themselves on scooter-suitcases. Are ride-on suitcases safe? Generally speaking, ride-on suitcases are safe for children two or three years old and up, depending on the design. “Ride-on suitcases are generally safe for older kids who can easily sit unassisted without falling over,” says Dr. Whitney, who adds, “Never use a ride-on suitcase with a baby or young toddler who can't sit sturdily on their own while in motion.” As for maximizing safety precautions, she notes it’s crucial to keep your childs’ hands out of the way of the suitcase wheels. Seatbelts, harnesses, and other features also help to keep your little one safe, she says. “If there is a seatbelt feature for the suitcase, it can make falls off the suitcase less likely,” she adds. If your tot or tween is riding on a standup scooter, it’s always a good idea to bring along a helmet in case of a potential fall or collision. Can I bring a ride-on suitcase as a carry-on? The majority of ride-on suitcases featured in this article are suitable to carry on to most airlines, with the exception of the larger MiaMily Check In. Many can even be stowed under the seat in front of you. However, it’s always best practice to check your individual carrier’s baggage restrictions in order to avoid any last-minute inconvenience. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd poured over dozens of reviews and product descriptions of the best ride-on suitcases, considering various styles, features, and convenient extras from trusted brands. She sought out comfortable and stylish pieces for a wide range of ages, prioritizing those we've tested with travel-friendly details like ample storage and smooth-rolling wheels, as well as lightweight construction for easy maneuvering. Sophie also spoke to Dr. Whitney Casares, a pediatrician, mom, and author of Doing It All, who offered expert insight regarding what to look for when selecting a ride-on suitcase for children. The 10 Best Kids' Headphones for Travel Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Jasmine Grant Jasmine Grant Jasmine is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her spare time, she's probably planning her next voyage to a nearby Caribbean island. learn more