The Micro Luggage from Swiss company Micro Mobility is designed to help with that last minute dash to the boarding gate. Either that or it will attract the attention of airport security so that you miss your flight all together – provided they can catch you. Either way, the luggage, which combines a wheeled suitcase with a micro scooter, is sure to turn heads in the departure lounge.
When a traveler feels the need for speed, they can fold down a built-in kickboard deck from the back of the case, grab hold of the height-adjustable handlebar and push themselves along on hard rubber (polyurethane) wheels. Because the handlebars and wheels don't turn, steering is done by leaning in the direction you want to go.
Designed to carry a a maximum load of 100 kg (220.5 lb), the Micro Luggage is intended for short trips of one or two nights away. Measuring 22 inches (55.9 cm) high, 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) wide and 10 inches (25.4 cm) deep, it should fit in a standard size overhead luggage compartment.
On the inside, Micro Luggage features a separate compartment for a laptop, another one for business cards and another for folders, which should keep business travelers happy since they can access their office materials without rummaging through their clothes.
Micro Mobility's Wim Ouboter developed the system in conjunction with travel luggage specialist Samsonite and has targeted its product at those travelers who want to glide their way to the security check point before everyone else. Shy, retiring types and drug couriers will probably want to steer clear of the Micro Luggage as it is sure to attract plenty of attention.
Micro Luggage is retailing for US$249.99 and the video below shows the product in action.
Source: Micro-Mobility
So often I seem to find that cases themselves add their own hefty weight to use up the airline baggage allowance - and with controls on hand baggage this could be in important factor. Also one has to consider its total weight when hoisting it into or out of an overhead compartment.
Now for the downside: *The wheelie mechanism takes up a lot of the space assigned to overhead locker space. *The text says "Designed to carry a a maximum load of 100 kg (220.5 lb)". This suggests it has been over-engineered as air;lines permit carry-on luggage only in a range of 7kg—12kg. That added strength might be adding to the weight of the luggage, and hence to the overall weight. *The airports I travel through never have the space for free-wheeling fun as per the video. Looks neat, but my experience is that people with ordinary carry-on luggage just keep blocking my path. *At $249.99 this is an expensive way to cut back on what you can actually carry with you.
Bottom line: fun but not quite right for the airport travel environment.
Reminds me of Trunki kids cases: http://www.trunki.co.uk/EN/categories/trunki_2
For kids up to about 5 they are fantastic - just sit them on it and pull them along, get them to pull it themselves when they're bigger. Particularly useful in airports that require you to endure a half-marathon to get to the gate (I'm looking at you, Easyjet at Gatwick!).