Image via Complex Original
Traveling is super fun. You know what else is super fun? Riding on a scooter. The underrated mode of transportation may play fourth or fifth banana behind other childhood rides like BMX bikes, skateboards, and Power Wheels, but man, if you were good at it, you could pull off amazing tricks like this:
Now Suitsupply, Amsterdam-based purveyor of reasonably-priced quality suits and tailored gear, has combined the simple joys of kicking past haters on a scooter with the practicality of carry-on luggage. If you've ever had to haul ass through the airport to make a connecting flight, or wanted to jet through customs, consider picking up Suitsupply's new Race Case.
Finished in Italian calf leather with nickel zippers, it looks luxe enough to pass muster at a "real" job or office setting. Inside, there's plenty of compartments to keep your stuff and a padded space to secure a 15" laptop. Oh right, and the extendable handle also has pebbled leather grips, so you can steer like a boss.
Speaking of steering, the Race Case is more of a trolley than a true scooter, so in order to maneuver around pedestrians or other traffic, you'll have to lean into the turn gradually. Sharp turns definitely aren't advised, unless you want to risk looking like this guy:
We got our hands on the Race Case and took it for a spin around Midtown NYC. Check out our hands-on experience and a breakdown of how it works.
Step 1: Pull the leather latch at the top to bring the rolling scooter wheels down.
Setting up the scooter part of the Race Case was honestly the trickiest part to figure out. We didn't have a manual, but it literally took us 30 minutes and change to discover that you just can't kick the scooter wheels down, you have to pull on a leather latch adjacent to the handle in order to lower the wheels. With minimal practice, you can easily master the one-handed transition, just pull, step on the top, and then you're literally ready to roll.
Step 2: Kick, push, your way to the office (or through the airport).
We can't lie: Riding around on the Race Case is really, really, fun. It definitely feels like being a kid again, except you're probably dressed up in something decidedly nicer. Your pride takes a hit if you're willing to use this thing in public, but whatever, you'll be moving too fast to notice.
Some people will think you are annoying. Most people will think you are awesome. The degree of self-awareness required to willingly ride a scooter-suitcase in public is a healthy one, but consider it a reminder to not take yourself so seriously. Also, unlike that dude who wears Heelys at the airport, since your suitcase is your transportation, your outfit doesn't have to suffer.
Step 3: Prop the wheels back up and arrive in style.
Getting the Race Case back to carry-on mode is super easy. There's a brake on the back you can use to slow down, and when you stop, just pull the leather latch, push the case down on the wheels, and you're all set. You now have zero excuses to miss that connecting flight—or show up late to a meeting.
Suitsupply Race Case, $499, available for pre-order at suitsupply.com