The 7 Best Underwater Scooters For Underwater Exploration

Last Updated 23 Apr 2024 by Fiona Perisone

EDITOR'S PICKS

Recommended
Best Overall    
WINDEK SUBLUE Navbow Smart Underwater Scooter thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Fun to use
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Powerful and portable for snorkeling
  • Compatible with almost all action cameras
Recommended
Most Reliable  
Yamaha Jet Pod Pro thumbnail

4/5

  • Long battery life
  • Easy to use and store
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to recharge, but it can be nice to have a second battery
Recommended
Best Airline-Friendly Sea Scooter for Travel
G GENEINNO Lefeet S1 Pro Underwater Sea Scooter thumbnail

5/5

  • The battery is compliant with air carrying
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Support for mounting sports cameras

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Underwater scooters, formally known as diver propulsion vehicles, can be an incredibly helpful piece of equipment for scuba diving, free diving, swimming, and snorkeling. It can amplify your experience with the underwater world without added effort.

In this practical guide, we'll answer commonly asked questions, offer helpful shopping tips, and highlight some of the best underwater scooters currently on the market.

What Is An Underwater Scooter?

An underwater scooter or sea scooter is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers and snorkelers to increase their range underwater. These helpful devices were formally referred to as diver propulsion vehicles (DPV) or swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV), though you'll rarely hear them called that today.

The purpose of an underwater scooter is to propel its user through the water, helping them conserve energy and power through strong currents. They're great for divers with limited mobility, kids, and weaker swimmers who could benefit from a bit of support underwater.

How Does An Underwater Scooter Work?

Underwater scooters have a propeller on the front and back that use an up-and-down motion to propel the vehicle forward. The front propeller provides thrust, while the propeller on the tail stabilizes the scooter for a smooth ride. They're typically powered by a rechargeable battery.

To use an aqua scooter, simply hold firmly to the device and press a button or pull a trigger to turn the device on and adjust the speed settings. Use the handles to steer and the LED display to determine battery life.

The Seven Best Underwater Scooters

WINDEK SUBLUE Navbow Smart Underwater Scooter

Best Overall

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

WINDEK SUBLUE Navbow Smart Underwater Scooter

Features:

  • Supports one hand control DTC kit
  • Strong dual motors
  • Can drive multiple people at the same time
  • Compatible with almost all action cameras

This best-selling WINDEK SUBLUE Navbow Smart Underwater Scooter offers superior performance, 60 minutes of battery life, and three speed settings: free, sport, and turbo. The powerful diving tool hits top speeds of 5 mph— as fast as the men's 200m freestyle world champion. A D-ring buckle and tow cord allow for single-hand control, allowing users to adjust their face mask or relieve ear pressure with their equalizer.

Its OLED display shows speed, battery life, operation mode, and time of use. For added safety, the unit will flash and vibrate when the battery life is running low. Plus, it's compatible with most major action camera brands, so you can document your time underwater.

Material

N/A

Weight

20.59 pounds

Dimensions

22.8" l x 17.2" w x 10.1" h

Pros:

  • Fun to use
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Powerful and portable for snorkeling
  • Compatible with almost all action cameras

Cons:

  • Disassemble can be hard
  • It can feel heavy when operating
  • Expensive price point

Yamaha Jet Pod Pro

Most Reliable

overall 

4/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

Yamaha Jet Pod Pro

Features:

  • Has a powerful single motor and hydrodynamic design
  • Three different speed settings
  • Positive buoyancy
  • Foldable design

Introducing the Yamaha Jet Pod Pro, a lightweight, long-lasting underwater scooter that delivers a superior diving experience. Its low-density materials and positive buoyancy allow users to dive up to 30 meters at top speeds of 5.3 mph. A responsive throttle makes it easy to swap between three-speed settings as you maneuver beneath the waves.

Its swappable lithium-ion battery offers 65 minutes of continuous run time (on the lowest setting) and a speedy recharge time of only three hours. Use the built-in camera mount to capture every moment with your GoPro or action cam. When you're finished, fold away the control handles for compact storage, and use the retractable rubber carry handle for easy transport. Battery included, and it weighs only 8.36 lbs.

Material

Plastic

Weight

8.36 POUNDS

Dimensions

25" L X 15" W X 5" H

Pros:

  • Long battery life
  • Easy to use and store
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to recharge, but it can be nice to have a second battery

Cons:

  • Expensive price point

G GENEINNO Lefeet S1 Pro Underwater Sea Scooter

Best Airline-Friendly Sea Scooter for Travel

overall 

5/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

G GENEINNO Lefeet S1 Pro Underwater Sea Scooter

Features:

  • Underwater wireless control technology
  • New contactless waterproof buttons
  • Ultra light weight
  • Battery compliant with air carrying policy

Far-flung diving excursions require a sea scooter with a compact design and an airline-compliant battery. This mini-size G GENEINNO Lefeet S1 Pro Underwater Scooter fits easily into your suitcase, so you can bring it along for dives at dream destinations around the globe.

Don't let its small size fool you. It's powerful, reliable, and easy to use, thanks to three speed settings and a reliable waterproof design. Multiple units can be paired together, so purchase one for each person in your diving group for easier operation. An upgraded battery with a 16% longer run time keeps the fun going for longer than ever before.

Material

Plastic

Weight

7.7 pounds

Dimensions

9.84" l x 7.87" w x 12.6" h

Pros:

  • The battery is compliant with air carrying and makes travel around the world easier
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Support for mounting sports cameras

Cons:

  • Expensive price point

TUSA SAV-7 Underwater Scooter

Worth the Splurge

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

TUSA SAV-7 Underwater Scooter

Features:

  • Progressive acceleration system
  • Saddle wings help scooter pull 3 divers
  • 3-speed propeller adjusts to different angles and pitches
  • Maximum speed of 2.6 miles per hour; depth rated to 230 feet

If you're serious about scuba diving, it's worth investing in something with the latest technology and the longest product life. But don't waste your time shopping around. This TUSA SAV-7 Underwater Scooter has the durability, versatility, and performance you're looking for.

Its progressive acceleration system allows you to make speed adjustments on the move, reaching speeds of up to 2.6 mph and depths of up to 230 feet. A three-speed propeller adjusts to different angles and pitches, while saddle wings help to pull three divers at once without a noticeable drop-off in performance. Users can quickly check the LED battery indicator to see how much of the 80-minute battery life they've got left.

Material

N/A

Weight

58.85 POUNDS

Dimensions

31.5" l x 21.5" w x 17.5" h

Pros:

  • Good battery life
  • A hand-free operation that feels natural
  • Great speed

Cons:

  • Expensive price point

Sublue WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter

Best for Deep Dives

overall 

4/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

Sublue WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter

Features:

  • Speed up to 1.5m/s and go deep up to 40 meters
  • Waterproof performance
  • Pool and beach friendly
  • Positive buoyancy for extra safety

Sublue's powerful WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter helps you dive deep without wasting your energy and return to the surface safely. It glides effortlessly through the water at speeds up to 3.35 mph and depths of up to 131 feet. And it comes with a detachable float to facilitate positive buoyancy.

The deep-diving scooter comes equipped with a universal action camera mount that works with GoPro and other popular action camera brands. Its rechargeable lithium battery provides a run time of up to 30 minutes. Connect it to the rapid two-hour charger while you resurface for a lunch break, and it'll be ready to go again by the time you're finished.

Material

N/A

Weight

10 pounds

Dimensions

20.6" l x 17.2" w x 9" h

Pros:

  • Great for kids and adult
  • The more affordable price point

Cons:

  • The battery only lasts about 30 minutes, and it takes over 3 hours to charge
  • Recommend a second battery

ASIWO Turbo Electric Sea Scooter

Best for the Pool

overall 

5/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

ASIWO Turbo Electric Sea Scooter

Features:

  • Field-Oriented Control for super linearity & high torque
  • Child safety lock
  • Designed to fit in your airplane carry-on
  • Powerful motor - dual thrusters provide up to 19.84lb power

Did you know you can use a sea scooter at the lake or pool too? This ASIWO Turbo Electric Sea Scooter makes for hours of family fun at the water park, neighborhood pool, or nearest body of water. Its compact design fits easily inside a carry-on suitcase, so you can bring it with you on vacation too.

Made using waterproof materials with positive buoyancy, it automatically floats to the surface when released. Its removable rechargeable battery runs for up to 35 minutes and recharges in less than three hours.

Material

N/A

Weight

7.7 pounds

Dimensions

20.7" l × 8.4" w × 6.8" h

Pros:

  • It has a bright color that is easy to spot
  • A more affordable price point
  • Self floating design

Cons:

  • Battery life doesn't last very long

Yamaha Seascooter

Most family friendly

overall 

4/5

Quality

Speed

Ease of Use

Cost

Yamaha Seascooter

Features:

  • Includes an auto shutoff, dual-trigger control, caged propeller casing
  • Positive buoyancy
  • With built-in mount
  • A thrust speed of up to 2mph / 3. 2km/h, rated for 15ft / 4. 6m running depths with a run time up to 1. 5 hours with normal use

If you are seeking an underwater scooter that the whole family can enjoy, then you must check out this Yamaha Seascooter. Designed for family fun in the pool, it can speed up to 2 mph and 4.5-meter depths for up to one and half hours of use.

Safe to use for kids as it has auto shut off, dual-trigger control, and caged propeller casing the Seal. With positive buoyancy, meaning the Seal Seascooter will float, parents can have peace of mind.

Material

Plastic

Weight

15 pounds

Dimensions

11.2" l x 11.2" w x 19" h

Pros:

  • Long battery life
  • Great good power
  • Easy to use
  • Quiet enough that it will not scare the fish away

Cons:

  • It can feel heavy for travel
  • Battery maintenance is required every three months
  • Takes a long time to charge

Are Sea Scooters Worth It?

Wondering if an underwater scooter is worth the splurge? While they aren't a necessary purchase for every snorkeler or diver, there are a few scenarios where the underwater vehicle certainly does come in handy:

Weak Swimmers— An underwater scooter can be useful to snorkelers and divers with less experience underwater. By eliminating the need for constant kicking, it'll conserve your energy and boost your confidence underwater.

Long Dives— Divers covering long distances can benefit from a sea scooter that helps them go further, faster. Plus, they'll help those who haven't built up the stamina required for longer dives.

Technical Divers— An underwater scooter can be a beneficial tool for technical divers hauling extra equipment.

Fun to Use— There's no shame in using an underwater scooter just for fun and shallow dives. Racing through the water at top speed is a guaranteed thrill— especially if you're new to the world of scuba diving!

How Much Does An Underwater Scooter Cost?

There's no denying that underwater scooters are a bit of an investment. It's worth saving up and splurging on a high-quality vehicle that offers the best performance and product life. Expect to spend upwards of $500 to $800 for a pro model with the features you're looking for. While there are cheaper models on the market, they won't offer the same fast speeds, maximum depth ratings, and battery life.

What To Look For In A Dive Scooter

These days, there are sea scooters available at every price point with virtually any product feature you could possibly want. Here are a few key design details that separate the best underwater scooters from the rest:

Battery Life

Products with longer battery life can help you reach off-shore dive sites and enjoy longer underwater excursions between charges. Look for products with a speedy recharge time that'll have you back in the water before you know it.

For Aqua scooters with long battery charging times, it is recommended that you can opt to purchase a spare battery.

Maximum Depth

If you're the type of diver who likes to skim the ocean floor, you'll need a dive scooter that can handle deeper waters. Look for something with a maximum depth rating higher than 100 ft/30 m.

Camera Mount

If you're the type of diver who can't live without their GoPro, be sure to select a vehicle with an action camera mount that allows for hands-free footage.

Product Reviews

Before finalizing your purchase, skim through the customer ratings and reviews for insight into performance, product life, and potential downsides.

Buoyancy

Some scooters have zero buoyancy, meaning they won't sink or float. Of course, it also depends on whether you are using it in salt water, where it is easy to float, or in fresh water or pool water.

Speed

Take the scooter's speed into consideration when purchasing an underwater scooter. Some scooters can go really fast, while some can go slow. The fastest underwater scooter's speed is about 5.6 mph.

Are underwater scooters safe?

You're probably wondering, are underwater scooters safe? And the answer is yes. When used correctly in a suitable diving location, underwater scooters are generally quite safe. But as with any diving equipment, they do pose a few dangers:

Ascending or Descending Too Rapidly

Changing depths too quickly can lead to decompression sickness (DCS) or an arterial gas embolism (AGE). While a barrel roll or sudden thrust to the surface may sound fun, it can leave you with dangerous equalization problems like vertigo, hearing loss, and broken eardrums.

Diving Too Deep

Before use, double-check the operation manual to see how deep your sea scooter can safely go. Going beyond that can damage your equipment.

Dead Batteries

Sea scooters can travel long distances, meaning a poorly-timed dead battery can leave you stranded a long distance from the boat. It's essential to leave yourself enough battery life to return safely.

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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