Ride-on suitcases are a game-changer for family holidays, offering the best kids’ travel luggage solution for stressed-out parents.
These clever cases turn airport transits and travel days into a fun adventure, keeping little adventurers entertained and making journeys more enjoyable.
This guide has been updated for 2025 to reflect the latest models and parent feedback, helping you find the perfect ride-on suitcase for your family.
Why Consider a Ride-On Suitcase?
- Hands-free parenting: Instead of carrying both your child and their luggage, you can let them ride comfortably while you pull them along.
- Teaches responsibility: Even toddlers can start learning to “manage” their own bag. The fun design makes them excited to pack and keep track of it.
- Practical convenience: One less thing in your arms. Your toddler’s suitcase doubles as transport and storage, making travel smoother.
What to Think About Buying a Ride-On Suitcase
Before you buy, it’s worth thinking about what you need from a ride-on suitcase. Here’s a quick guide to the most important features to check for.
Why Should Your Child Look After Their Own Suitcase?
Travel is the perfect opportunity to teach young children responsibility. Giving them their very own bag (that’s fun to ride as well!) makes them feel proud and grown-up. It’s a small but valuable life skill they’ll carry with them forever. For parents, it’s also one less bag to juggle when your arms are already full of passports, snacks, and emergency wet wipes.
What is The Best Age for Ride-on Suitcase?
There isn’t a strict rule, but most ride-on cases are designed for children from around 2 to 6 years old. For example, the popular Trunki can hold up to 50kg, making it suitable for younger and older kids alike. Instead of focusing solely on age, consider your child’s abilities. Some 2-year-olds have excellent balance and can ride happily, while others might need a year or two before they’re ready.
Which Style of Kids’ Luggage Will Suit You?
Children’s travel bags come in all shapes and sizes. Within the ride-on category, there are a few different styles to consider:
Ride-On Suitcase – A sturdy case with wheels that kids can sit on. They can either push with their feet, or you can pull them along using a strap. Easy-to-open clasps mean little ones can get to their toys without asking for help.
Scooter Luggage – Best for slightly older children who love scooting. It’s basically a scooter with a suitcase attached, which folds up neatly for boarding.
Suitcase Seats – These clever add-ons turn your regular bag into a ride-on by attaching a fold-out seat. Some premium cases even come with a built-in seat already.
Can a Ride-on Suitcase Be Used as a Carry-On?
In most cases, yes. Popular brands like Trunki and JetKids are designed to fit in overhead lockers. The key is to check the airline’s size restrictions before you travel—most allow carry-ons up to around 20 inches.
Do Children Get Their Own Hand Luggage Allowance?
If your child has their own seat, they also get their own carry-on allowance—just like any adult passenger. That means you can take your bag plus their ride-on suitcase. For infants travelling on your lap, airlines are usually more restrictive. Always double-check before flying.
Best Ride-On Suitcases (Quick Picks)
- Best Overall: Duffel Profiled Ride-On Suitcase
- Best Multipurpose: JetKids by Stokke BedBox
- Best Seat Option: MiaMily Suitcase
- Best for Toddlers: Trunki
Best Ride-On Suitcases for Toddlers: A Detailed Review
Here are the top picks for 2025 based on real-world testing and parent feedback.
Best Overall: Duffel Profiled Ride-On Suitcase
If your child is between 3 and 6 years, this suitcase is a brilliant pick. Unlike others that are pulled behind you, the Duffel Profiled Ride-On is pushed like a regular suitcase, keeping your child right in front of you with no drifting.
It has excellent wheels, a stable seat with a safety belt, and even a leg rest. The newer models now feature padded seats, making them more comfortable for longer airport journeys.
Although it may not be as well-known, it deserves more attention.
Best Multipurpose: JetKids by Stokke BedBox
This isn’t just a suitcase—it’s a total travel helper. The Stokke JetKids BedBox holds your child’s things, lets them ride through the airport, and even turns into a small bed on the plane.
The lightweight, sturdy, and 360° spinner wheels make it easy to roll around.
The only downside is that the fold-out mattress takes up some of the storage space, so you can’t pack quite as much.
Still, if you fly a lot, having a comfy bed for your little one makes it totally worth it.
Most Popular Classic: Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase
If you’ve ever Googled “best kids ride-on suitcase,” you’ve seen Trunki. It’s the original and still one of the most loved, thanks to its fun, colourful designs and tough build.
It’s the perfect size for little hands to help pack and pull, and it’s virtually indestructible.
The only drawback is the fixed wheels and long pull strap, which can make steering in crowds a bit awkward. On the plus side, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Best for Energy Burners: KiddieTots Scooter Luggage
Want to burn off some toddler energy? The Kiddie Tots scooter suitcase is part luggage, part scooter—perfect for older, more adventurous kids.
It fits carry-on requirements, has fun LED light-up wheels, and a telescopic handle that grows with your child. This style is best for kids who are already confident on a scooter.
Best Seat Option: MiaMily Carry-On with Built-In Seat
If you’d rather not buy another suitcase, consider a model with an integrated seat. The MiaMily carry-on features a built-in seat, eliminating the need for extra accessories.
This setup is especially helpful if you’re travelling solo with kids—one less thing to juggle!
Pros: No need for an extra suitcase, compact and portable, best for solo parents.
Cons: Seats usually fit only smaller toddlers; some add-ons take a little time to set up.
My Verdict
If your toddler is under four and you want a reliable classic, the Trunki or Duffel Profiled Ride-On Suitcase is a strong choice. For families who fly often and want in-flight comfort, the JetKids BedBox is hard to beat.
If your child is energetic and old enough, the KiddieTots scooter luggage adds fun to long walks. And if you’re travelling alone with young kids, the MiaMily carry-on with its integrated seat can be a lifesaver.
Whichever you choose, ride-on suitcases don’t just carry belongings—they give you peace of mind. They turn exhausting airport treks into playful adventures, give toddlers a sense of independence, and give parents one less thing to juggle.
