Have you ever fantasised about cruising across the water like a dolphin? Yes, of course, that’s a unique fantasy, but it’s achievable with an underwater scooter! It’s a portable device that allows you to easily propel yourself through the water. In this article, let’s check out one of the coolest marine gadgets out there – underwater scooters.
What are underwater scooters and how do they work?
Underwater scooters, also known as DPVs or Diver Propulsion Vehicles, are a thrilling piece of diving equipment that appeals to a wide range of divers. There’s a model on the market for everyone, whether you’re a snorkeler looking to speed around the shallow reefs or a techie looking for a little extra thrill.
Overall, it’s a water scooter that will assist you in heading forward. Divers grab the handles from behind and allow themselves to be propelled through the water at up to 9 mph. Also, check out the Best Life Jackets for Boating.
Scooters will put an end to long, exhausting swims and high air consumption, making them suitable for those who want to explore the underwater world without exerting additional effort. DPVs also appeal to those looking for an adrenaline rush when engaging in their favourite sport.
A DPV is made up of a pressure-resistant, watertight casing that houses a battery-powered electric motor that propels a propeller. The sea scooter propels itself forward using a simple propeller mechanism at the back. When diving, this helps you to travel more efficiently underwater. Many sea scooters can also act as wave riders or submersibles.
They can be used by children for snorkelling all the way up to professional and commercial diving applications, depending on the model. They make it possible to dive around a large wreck in a single dive, and they make distant reefs accessible. Have queries regarding How to Choose Boat Propellers? Check out our guide on Boat Propellers to know more about how to choose the right boat propeller with all the necessary info.
Top 3 Picks
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Underwater Scooters?
Sea scooters are devices for underwater use. They utilize propellers to allow the user to travel underwater efficiently. They are usually hand-held and help to propel the user underwater, assisting them with swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, or other underwater activities.
Sea scooters are not designed to pull the user on their own, but rather to assist the user with swimming and with underwater transportation. This is particularly useful when the user is wearing heavy scuba gear. Sea scooters come in many different makes & models and differ based on power, design, durability, and more.
4 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying Underwater Scooters:
Before we wrap up our article, we want to help you make the best choice among the sea scooters above. We know we gave you a lot of options, and you might even be a bit overwhelmed. Evaluate these factors to sort through the options and pick the best one for you:
1. Depth
Depending on how you plan to use your sea scooter, depth will be a big consideration. Depth is mostly influenced by the durability of the design. The sturdier your scooter, the more it can stand up to the pressures at great depths.
Scooters will clearly mark their depth limits. Most sea scooters that are intended for professional use will reach depths of about 130 ft, which is typically considered the maximum depth for a recreational scuba diver.
2. Speed
Let’s get one thing out of the way – sea scooters aren’t meant to go extremely fast. They’re mostly meant to assist the user with swimming, scuba, snorkelling, etc. But with that being said, there still are a wide range of speeds available.
The most common speed range for sea scooters is between 2-4mph. It largely depends on the power of the propeller, but will also be influenced by your size and the weight of your gear. The difference between 2 and 4mph is very noticeable! But the devices do tend to get more expensive the faster they go.
Also, watch out for speed control settings. Sea scooters typically have 2 or 3-speed settings, but the more the better. You don’t want to go fast all the time, and it’s good to have the option when you want to slow things down.
3. Battery Life
It goes without saying that more battery life is better. The longer you go between charges, the more functional the machine. Typically, quality sea scooters will offer between 60-120 minutes of battery life.
Do consider that more battery life might also mean a heavier battery, meaning that you might sacrifice some portability in pursuit of longer scootering sessions. Also, longer battery life means a higher price!
However, generally speaking, you’ll want to aim for more battery life if you can. This is especially true when you consider that batteries lose longevity over time.
4. Durability
Of course, you want to consider a device’s durability. This is particularly important with sea scooters because they need to stand up to the water pressure of great depths. They also need to be extremely well water-proofed to protect the interior components.
Look for a machine made with heavy-duty materials, and one from a trusted manufacturer. Also, it never hurts to check out customer reviews to see how the devices hold up to extended use. We made sure to comment on each device’s durability in our reviews above.
The 7 Best Underwater Scooters – Reviews
Let’s get right into our product reviews. It’s worth noting that there’s a wide variability when it comes to sea scooters. They are very much sorted based on power and capability so that they are accessible at many different price ranges. Let’s check out a bunch of different choices so you can get a good idea of the right one you could opt for.
Yamaha RDS250 – Best Overall Choice
Let’s start with our top pick. The Yamaha RDS250 is a reliable brand, and it’s our top pick because it’s a great combination of price and performance. There are more powerful scooters available, but for this price, you can’t get much better.
It’s a device with a lot of potential. This thing can dive to a depth of 100 feet (30 metres) and maintain a steady speed of 2.5 miles per hour. It’s suitable for underwater assistance while snorkelling, scuba diving, or just having a nice time!
On a full charge, the battery will last up to 2 hours, which is very impressive for a sea scooter. It can go on long trips on a single charge and is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater. Overall, it’s our favourite because it’s so usable and user-friendly. Great speed, long battery life, and dependable performance from a reputable manufacturer. Essentially, it’s the best you can get for the money.
Pros:
- 2-hour battery life.
- Speeds up to 2.5 mph.
- Great performance in salt and freshwater.
- Highly durable and leakproof (no flooding).
- Camera mount for GoPros.
Cons:
- Not the most powerful sea scooter.
Yamaha Seascooter – Best Budget Choice
Yamaha is our top budget pick as well. We selected it as our top budget pick because the price is absolutely unbeatable. However, bear in mind that this is not a sea scooter intended for use on the beach. This sea scooter is mostly intended for recreational use and can only be used in shallow waters and pools. However, we think it’s awesome for these purposes!
It’s only suitable for 15 feet of depths, so keep it in the pool or in the shallows. It moves at a pace of 2mph, allowing you to quickly jet around the pool. This product also has safety features to keep the fan stable, as it is intended for children. Overall, it’s a decent discount choice. Only make sure you just want to use a sea scooter for fun. This isn’t the one for snorkelling or scuba diving!
Pros:
- Inexpensive sea scooter.
- Great for recreational use.
- Safety features for kids.
- GoPro mount.
- Speeds up to 2mph.
Cons:
- Not for deep waters or scuba diving/snorkeling.
- Battery needs maintenance every 3 months.
Yamaha YME22500 – Best Premium Choice
Let’s look at our “best premium” option. Within the premium price range, this is the best product we might find. It’s another Yamaha product, which comes as no surprise. This YME22500 is without a doubt Yamaha’s most powerful model. It’s meant to be used both professionally and recreationally. It’s a clear step up from Yamaha’s previous offerings, both in terms of quality and price!
This machine can achieve a maximum speed of 4.35 miles per hour and has 500 watts of power. It has a battery life of 90 minutes and can dive to 130 feet deep (ideal for most scuba dives).
Most importantly, it is dependable and well-constructed. It outperforms the other machines on this list in terms of flood security and is supported by a trusted brand with responsive customer support. The best “premium” option without a doubt.
Pros:
- Durable and built to last with superior flood prevention.
- 90-minute run time.
- 500 watts and 4.35 mph max speed.
- Sleek and aerodynamic.
- Up to 130 feet depth.
Cons:
- Premium price tag.
- Not ideal for extra deep scuba dives (beyond 130 ft.)
WINDEK SUBLUE Scooter
WINDEK has developed a nice product. The dual propeller mechanism of this sublue scooter would most likely be the first thing you notice. This is perfect for combining strength and stability. The propellers on either side of the rider help to stabilise the rider and are also easy enough for children to understand.
It’s a capable unit, but it’s clearly designed for recreational use. It’s classified for a depth of 40 metres, but it’s not quite rugged enough to last that long. It’s certainly best suited as a pool toy or a shallow water snorkelling companion.
It has a top speed of 3.36 mph, which is very fast for a product in this price range! It also has a detachable head for better aerodynamics. In general, it’s a competent machine at a fair price. Don’t expect a behemoth, as it’s clearly designed for recreational use. However, for the price, it’s a fantastic sea scooter. Also Read: Ultimate Pontoon Boat Seats – Buying Guide
Pros:
- Great value.
- Impressive top speed of 3.3 mph.
- Lightweight – only 3.5 kgs.
- Dual propeller system for extra speed and stability.
Cons:
- Not the most durable materials – keep out of deep waters.
- Only 30 minutes of battery life.
TUSA-SAV Underwater Scooter
TUSA, a Japanese company, has built an amazing underwater scooter. This underwater scooter from TUSA is unusual in that it fits between a diver’s legs, propelling them forward while leaving their hands free. The stability and reliability of this scooter are clearly prioritised. It has a maximum depth of 230 feet, making it ideal for scuba divers. You can trust it in those depths because the motor and internal assembly are well-protected.
It isn’t the fastest scooter (top speed of 2.6 mph), but it does so quickly and consistently. What’s more, you have complete control over the speed. When in motion, the 3-speed propeller allows for consistent changes. It has enough torque to pull two divers at the same time! Overall, it’s one of the most durable choices on our list. It’s made of high-quality materials and can withstand scuba-level depths.
Pros:
- Hands-free riding – scooter propels the rider’s lower body.
- Very durable and depth rated for 230 feet.
- 80-minute battery life.
- Impressive torque can pull 2 divers at once.
Cons:
- Not quite as fast as other premium sea scooters.
- Very expensive.
WINDEK Seabow Scooter
It’s another sea scooter from WINDEK that we like. In comparison to the one we looked at earlier, this is their more “premium” product. In every way, this is WINDEK’s superior choice, and it’s a truly amazing computer. It has a depth rating of 40 metres (131 feet), making it ideal for some scuba divers as well as all kinds of snorkelers and swimmers.
It has a good performance and a dual-propeller configuration for added stability. It has a top speed of 4.47 mph, which is a lot for a scooter in this price range. It quickly zips around and is quick to pick up and use.
The components aren’t exactly of the highest quality. It can withstand daily use but don’t expect it to last for years. The emphasis was obviously on speed and strength over longevity, but that’s also why the price is so low!
Pros:
- Fast scooter (4.47 mph max speed).
- 60-minute battery life.
- Depth rated for 40 m.
- Affordable price tag.
- Compatible with most action cameras.
Cons:
- Not the most durable construction.
- More suitable for recreation use than deep diving.
Yamaha RDS300
We know there are a lot of Yamaha products on this list, but we just love their products. Their sea scooters are well-made, extremely functional, and reasonably priced. This one is no different. The RDS300 is a step up from the RDS250 we looked at earlier. It primarily has increased power. It accelerates more quickly, reaching speeds of up to 3 mph. A two-level rotational speed control system is also included. The one drawback is that, at 90 minutes per charge, the additional power means a shorter battery life.
Apart from that, it’s a lot like the RDS250. Both versions have a lot of sturdiness about them. All have buoyancy elements that can be removed. Rubber hulls and floodproof construction are included in both options. Overall, Yamaha has provided us with yet another excellent choice. Are you searching for the best fish finders with GPS? Check out these from Garmin.
Pros:
- Up to 3MPH max speed.
- Well-priced for what you get.
- Very durable design, rated for up to 100 ft.
- Heavy-duty rubber hull.
Cons:
- Shorter battery life than other Yamaha models.
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Final thoughts:
When it’s underwater scooters, there are so many awesome options available. We hope we’ve given you all the info you need to make the best choice. Our personal favorite is the Yamaha RDS250. We think this model offers the perfect blend of functionality, durability, and price. It reaches a nice top speed, it’s strong and durable to withstand depths, and the battery lasts for solid 2 hours. On top of that, the price is right, and we think it’s the best bang for your buck!
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