Modobag
Modobag is a Chicago-based private company that designs and sells the world's only motorized, rideable carry-on luggage. It sells direct-to-consumer via its own e-commerce storefront, targeting frequent business travelers, mobility-challenged travelers, students, and tech enthusiasts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Modobag does
Modobag is a Chicago-based private company founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Kevin O'Donnell and co-founder Boyd Bruner. The company designs, manufactures, and markets the Modobag 2.0, which it positions as the world's only motorized, rideable carry-on luggage. The product integrates a 150-watt belt-driven electric motor capable of indoor (4 MPH) and outdoor (7-8 MPH) speed settings, a removable Nano-Safe™ lithium-titanate battery (UN DOT 38.3, TSA, FAA, and IATA compliant, rated for 4,000+ charge cycles), GPRS-GSM real-time location tracking via an iOS/Android companion app, dual 5V USB charging ports, a CAD-designed aluminum chassis with ballistic nylon shell, and custom polyurethane wheels derived from skateboard/rollerblade technology. The unit carries up to 260 lbs and offers 2,000 cubic inches of packing space (~85% of standard carry-on volume).
The business is a single-product direct-to-consumer hardware operation. Modobag launched via a Kickstarter campaign in September 2015 (Early Bird pricing $999) and transitioned to owned e-commerce at shop.modobag.com, where the Modobag 2.0 is sold at $1,495 MSRP, currently promoted at $995. A Nano-Safe™ replacement battery is sold as an accessory at $199 (regular $249). The company does not appear to use third-party retail or distributor channels, and there is no evidence of subscription, licensing, or recurring software revenue. Customer segmentation spans frequent business travelers (primary), mobility-challenged travelers, college students, trade show attendees and urban day-trippers, and tech enthusiasts. The go-to-market motion combines crowdfunding, earned media (CNN, Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC), experiential demos at venues like Woodfield Mall, and organic social. The company has won the Edison Awards Silver (2017) and the Chicago Innovation Up-and-Comer Award (2016).
Modobag firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Modobag
- Legal name
- Modobag
- Website
- https://modobag.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Modobag is a Chicago-based private company that designs and sells the world's only motorized, rideable carry-on luggage. It sells direct-to-consumer via its own e-commerce storefront, targeting frequent business travelers, mobility-challenged travelers, students, and tech enthusiasts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Modobag industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Motorized Smart Luggage
- NAICS
- Battery Manufacturing (33591)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Personal Electric Transporters (Segways & similar) (CRACASAF)
Keywords
Where Modobag is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Modobag business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Modobag Hardware Sales: One-time hardware sales of motorized carry-on luggage. Primary product is Modobag 2.0 priced at $1,495 (currently on sale for $995). Replacement batteries and accessories sold separately.
- Accessories and Replacement Parts: Sale of replacement and accessory products including Nano-Safe Quick Release Battery priced at $249 (sale: $199)
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Modobag 2.0 at promotional price |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Modobag 2.0 at regular price |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Kickstarter Early Bird pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nano-Safe Battery accessory |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Modobag product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Modobag designs, manufactures, and sells the world's only motorized, smart, connected carry-on luggage for individual travelers. The core product is the Modobag 2.0, a rideable suitcase combining a 150-watt electric motor (up to 8 MPH, 6+ mile range) with traditional luggage functionality (2,000 cubic inches of packing space, removable Nano-Safe lithium-titanate battery). The company also sells the Nano-Safe Quick Release Battery as a replacement accessory, with distribution handled exclusively through direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
Product overview
Modobag is a single-product company offering the world's only motorized, smart carry-on luggage. The core product is the Modobag 2.0, a rideable suitcase that combines traditional luggage functionality with personal mobility, reaching speeds up to 8 mph and traveling 6+ miles on a single charge. The product line includes the Modobag 2.0 as the main offering and the Nano-Safe™ Quick Release Battery as an accessory. The Modobag 2.0 incorporates smart features including GPS-GSM real-time tracking, dual USB charging ports, and a companion mobile app for iOS and Android. The company also offers accessories including the Nano-Safe battery replacement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Modobag 2.0 Motorized, smart, connected carry-on luggage with a 150-watt electric motor reaching up to 8 MPH and a 6+ mile range per charge. Features include dual USB charging ports, GPRS-GSM tracking via companion iOS/Android app, removable Nano-Safe battery, dimensions of 22"L x 14"H x 9"W with 2000 cubic inches of packing space, and a 260 lb rider capacity. Sold via shop.modobag.com.
- Nano-Safe Quick Release Battery Removable 3-pound lithium-titanate (LTO) battery for the Modobag 2.0, featuring nano-crystal technology for safety and longevity. Quick-release design supports TSA/FAA/IATA airline compliance. Sold at promotional $199 (regular $249) via shop.modobag.com.
Quantifiable outcome
- Travel 3x faster than walking speed (8 MPH vs ~3 MPH walking)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Modobag
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Modobag technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Modobag partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Product Development Technologies (PDT)minorDesign firm providing insight as Modobag designers and engineers finalized the chassis, dashboard, and exterior compartments. PDT is a regular winner of prestigious awards including ADEX, Spark Awards, and Good Design Awards.
- Michael Carvajal (MIT)minorMIT graduate and faculty member who partnered as consulting engineer. Previously worked on MIT's CityCar project and designed a two-passenger folding electric vehicle. Brought expertise in urban mobility and holds two patents.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Modobag competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Segway-Ninebot: Segway-Ninebot is the dominant personal electric mobility brand (e-scooters, self-balancing transporters, go-karts). Comparable to Modobag because it pioneered the consumer personal-electric-transport category that Modobag's motorized luggage also targets, though Segway-Ninebot's portfolio is far broader and motor-vehicle-sized.
- Razor USA: Razor is an established consumer brand in kick scooters, electric scooters, hoverboards, and ride-ons for kids and adults. Comparable to Modobag because both bridge luggage/mobility and target lifestyle/gift buyers with motorized personal-mobility hardware at consumer price points and rely heavily on retail and seasonal demand.
- Travelpro: Travelpro is an established premium luggage brand (crew-pilot heritage) widely sold through retail and travel channels. Comparable to Modobag on the carry-on form factor and frequent-flyer buyer, but with a traditional, non-motorized product line distributed via mass retail and airline partnerships rather than DTC.
Emerging players
- Inmotion Technologies: Inmotion makes electric unicycles, e-scooters, and other personal electric transporters sold direct-to-consumer globally. Comparable to Modobag because both sell motorized personal-mobility devices with proprietary battery/electronics, target tech-savvy and commuter buyers, and rely on viral demo marketing.
- Trunkster: Trunkster was an early smart-luggage DTC startup featuring built-in GPS, battery, and motorized drive. Closest historical direct peer to Modobag because Trunkster attempted precisely the ride-able smart luggage concept, validating demand while also illustrating the execution challenges in the category.
Regional players
- Globe Tracker / Aktivo Scooters: Aktivo is a micromobility brand operating in Asia-Pacific markets with electric scooters and personal transporters. Comparable to Modobag as a DTC personal electric mobility player, though geographically focused on APAC where Modobag's customer base is also spreading.
Direct peers
- Away Travel: Away is a premium direct-to-consumer luggage brand with built-in USB charging and other smart features on carry-on suitcases. Most directly comparable to Modobag on the 'smart luggage' axis — same customer (frequent travelers, business flyers), same premium DTC positioning ($200-$500), same carry-on form factor — though Away does not have a motorized ride function.
- Raden (by GTT): Raden built a smart-luggage DTC brand known for built-in batteries, USB charging ports, and connected features before being acquired. Directly comparable to Modobag because it pioneered the smart/connected carry-on category, shares the premium DTC positioning, and validates — as well as constrains — the smart-luggage market that Modobag competes in.
- Horizn Studios: Horizn Studios is a premium smart luggage brand offering connected features (GPS, smart chargers, removable battery packs). Comparable to Modobag because both target frequent flyers with tech-forward carry-ons priced in the premium tier ($400-$800), and the same 'smart luggage' use case that legitimizes Modobag's $995-$1,495 price floor.
- Monos Travel: Monos is a premium DTC luggage brand with carry-on sized hardside suitcases targeting design-conscious travelers. Comparable to Modobag as a contemporary premium DTC luggage newcomer in the same shopper consideration set, though Monos' products are non-motorized and target a different aesthetic.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Modobag social profiles
Digital presenceModobag compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Modobag financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Modobag leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Modobag funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Modobag M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Modobag
What does Modobag do?
Modobag designs, manufactures, and sells the world's only motorized, smart, connected carry-on luggage for individual travelers. The core product is the Modobag 2.0, a rideable suitcase combining a 150-watt electric motor (up to 8 MPH, 6+ mile range) with traditional luggage functionality (2,000 cubic inches of packing space, removable Nano-Safe lithium-titanate battery). The company also sells the Nano-Safe Quick Release Battery as a replacement accessory, with distribution handled exclusively through direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
Is Modobag a public or private company?
Modobag is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Modobag founded?
Modobag was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Modobag based?
Modobag is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Modobag make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Modobag Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Replacement Parts.
Who are Modobag's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Segway-Ninebot, Razor USA and Travelpro. Emerging players are Inmotion Technologies and Trunkster. Globe Tracker / Aktivo Scooters is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Away Travel, Raden (by GTT), Horizn Studios and Monos Travel.
Does Modobag have an API?
No public API is recorded for Modobag.
What industry is Modobag in?
Modobag's product category is Motorized Smart Luggage. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACASAF, Personal Electric Transporters (Segways & similar). Its NAICS code is 33591 and its SIC code is 3751.