Best Underwater Scooters
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
There are very few adjustments to the original torpedo design that was used in the 1950s. The idea behind this is that if it isn’t broke, there is no need to fix it. While there were some minor adjustments in style- such as sharper edges or bright colors, there was one thing that really concerned us, and that was in regards to the cage of the propeller. It was incredibly important that the cages to the blades were small enough so that fingers couldn’t accidentally get trapped but large enough to let water in to improve speeds. We liked designs that created a good distance between the handles and the propellers so there were absolutely no risks of any underwater mishaps.
Speed
The faster that the propellers can take you means that you will be able to travel much longer distances on one charge. We make sure to include some of the fastest designs out there on the market that could reach speeds up to about 5-7 miles per hour. The faster designs typically have different gears that users can shift into to slow it down and speed it up as they see fit. The slower models that go anywhere between 2 and 3 miles per hour were typically set at a lower price point but often didn’t have enough juice to travel down very deep.
Battery Life
Many companies may claim that their batteries will last anywhere from 60-120 minutes, but we made sure to check with previous users to ensure that those numbers were accurate. In some cases, there were an overwhelming number of users that didn’t feel that their battery lasted very long, and if there were enough users making those claims, we moved on to another design. Not only did we want to make sure that these products had decent battery life, but we also took a look at how easy they were to charge. In most cases, users simply had to twist off the front of the unit in order to give it a good charge, and then twist it back on before heading back into the water.
Value
This was just a little bit tricky because the price tags for most of these designs really pack a punch. We were able to find some brands- from trusted companies such as YAMAHA that offered options that were at an affordable price point that might set you back as much as you spent on your wetsuit. However, the more affordable options often weren’t able to travel the same speeds, go down as far, or hold a charge as long as the higher end models. If you are a casual diver that isn’t interested in diving down more than about 15-30 feet, you might find that the more affordable options might be better suited for your needs. The higher priced options that we selected might set you back about four digits, but these options are designed to really move and are made for the more serious divers.
Top 10 Picks
1. YAMAHA RDS250
YAMAHA is one of the most predominant names when it comes to these products, so it comes as no surprise that they are topping our list. Founded in 1887, YAMAHA is one of the leading names out there on the market for electronics and power sports equipment, so you know when you purchase a YAMAHA product you are getting the very best. We loved the RDS250 design because it hit all of the marks that divers would want in a DPV, and it is backed by the YAMAHA name.
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The exterior of this unit comes in four different colors: black, grey, blue, and red. It has a sleek design that is made to look like a mini torpedo with a handle along the top. Turning it on is really simple, and can even be done underwater with the flip of a switch that runs along the top of the handle. What we really like about this design is that is has a mount for a GoPro located at the top so that it will be able to record everything that you see.
Speed
One charge will give users about 120 minutes of continuous use underwater, and this device is capable of speeds up to 2.5 miles per hour. Plus, it weighs in at just 18 pounds and can reach depths up to 100 feet.
Battery Life
Impressively, this battery can last for about two hours at average speeds.
Value
One of the things that we liked most about this model is that it has a price tag that runs about in the middle of the road in terms of price. It isn’t the least expensive out there, but it is far from being the most expensive either. With the YAMAHA name behind it, we think this is the best value currently out there on the market.
Summary
If you are looking for something that is going to get the job done and allow you to explore portions of the ocean that you otherwise couldn’t reach, the RDS250 design will be the perfect addition to your next dive trip without breaking the bank.
2. YAMAHA Seal
The Seal isn’t something that is designed necessarily for reaching the far depths of the ocean, because not all underwater travels are created the same. The Seal is made more for swimmers that want to explore more shallow areas of the ocean or freshwater, and don’t want to be weighed down with a lot of extra bulk. One of the greatest features about this design is that it is incredibly lightweight and won’t weigh you down as much as some of the other designs out there on the market.
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One of the things that caught our eye about this design is the fun color options that seem to stand out from all of the other basic color choices. Users can select from an all red model with white accents or a white model with bright blue accents. It has a short and abbreviated shell that hand handles that fit right below the propellers.
Speed
This unit weighs in at just 12 pounds, making it one of the lightest options to make our list. That lighter weight comes at a bit of a cost, however, and that cost is concerning speed and depth. The top speed on this unit is about 2 miles per hour, which some users find to be just a little too slow. Plus, it is only able to reach depths of slightly over 30 feet, which may not be deep enough for the type of exploration you are interested in.
Battery Life
Fully charged, this battery lasts up to one hour.
Value
Sure, it doesn’t travel as fast and can’t go as deep as some of the others, but you will be happy to hear that the price tag is one of the lowest prices out there on the market. Many of the options out there exist far out of reach in terms of price for many divers, but this model will allow you to get a little boost in the water without breaking the bank.
Summary
If you were discouraged by the high price tag of almost all of the other designs out there on the market, you will be pleased to see an affordable price point in the YAMAHA Seal model. Plus, it comes with the confidence that comes when you purchase a YAMAHA product.
3. TUSA SAV 7 EVO 2
Tusa has been manufacturing scuba gear since 1952. The brand has its headquarters in Japan and each product is designed to ISO 9001 standards. This scooter is one of their most impressive inventions yet. Included with the scooter is a hands-free saddle that allows you to explore the ocean, down to 230-feet, like never before.
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You may expect something flashier at this price point, but that’s actually one of the things we love about this scooter. It is unassuming by looks but packs a punch. It is available in glossy black color with minimal branding and markings or in yellow. This device also comes with a hands-free saddle that reviewers have described as, “sitting on a stool horizontally.” This provides a great way to get up close and personal with the fish and coral. Even more impressively, two friends could join you by holding on to the wings of the saddle. This will not affect the speed of the scooter, all three of you can still cruise at the same speed.
Speed
On the higher (deeper) end of the spectrum, the SAV 7 EVO 2 can reach depths of 230-feet. The average speed of this scooter in the open water is about 2.6 mph. The speed is easily controlled by pulling on the pitch adjustment dial and choosing between the three speeds. Speed One is for faster speeds, Speed Two is for standard speeds, and Speed Three is slower.
Battery Life
The battery life is also quite impressive. You could glide continuously underwater for anywhere between 70-110 minutes, most people averaging about 100-minutes. There is an LED battery life indicator screen that lets the diver know how many more minutes they have until their swimming on their own.
Value
If you are looking for a basic, first timer, 50-foot depth scooter, this is not the device for you. This is, by far, the most expensive scooter on our list. However, if you are a seasoned veteran to diving and looking to explore deeper depths, at higher speeds, for a longer period of time, this is well worth it.
Summary
Being propelled hands-free allows you to explore the ocean in a whole new way. You can swim with the fishes, twist like a dolphin, and even tow your friends along to create your own “school.” This is the most expensive model we have come across, but also the most unique.
4. Sublue Whiteshark
Our next addition is a great scooter for the whole family. It weighs in at about seven pounds and has security netting on the propellers to avoid injury. Reviewers say they feel like they are flying with this machine and that it is easy to steer.
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The style of the Whiteshark is striking. Contrary to its name, it actually looks more like a spaceship than a shark. There are three different color options to choose from, including Arctic White, Aqua Blue, and Space Blue. It is a very portable scooter and only weighs 7.7-pounds. The propellers of the scooter feature a safety net to avoid accidental injury.
Speed
This scooter has a depth rating of 131-feet and can perform at speeds up to 3.35 mph. The unit features double thrusters that release 8 kjf to propel you seamlessly through the water. There is a trigger on each side of the scooter that needs to be pushed down in order to move.
Battery Life
The rechargeable and sealed battery will last for thirty minutes, propelling at an average speed. Many reviewers have been pleasantly surprised by the strength of the battery in such a small machine.
Value
Pricewise, this device doesn’t make us want to faint. Overall, it is lightweight, powerful, and has a unique and pleasing visual design. It doesn’t have as many special features as some of the other scooters on the market but it has proven to be reliable and durable, making it well worth the price.
Summary
If you are looking for a simple and dependable machine, this would be a great option for you. It is compatible with almost all underwater and sports cameras and very user-friendly.
5. Jerry Rat
What we really liked about this design is that it is just a little bit different from everything else on the market. While most of the other brands offer the tornado look, this one offers a design that looks a little bit like a jet. This innovative design keeps hands and arms farther away from the blades, and might even help you cruise in the water a bit faster. The only downside to this design is that it comes in one of the highest prices points out there on the market.
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What drew us to the Jerry Rat was that it doesn’t quite look like anything else out there on the market. It is housed in matte charcoal gray matte plastic with sharp orange accents along with the propeller. Users hang on to the handles located on the arms of the wings.
Speed
If you are really looking to book it underwater, this is going to be your best options. This little unit is capable of reaching speeds up to almost 7 miles per hour. On the downside, this unit weighs just over 30 pounds, making it one of the heavier options on our list.
Battery Life
One charge lasts about 1-2 hours, and there is an LED indicator to show users how much battery life is left in the battery.
Value
This may be one of the fastest options out there on the market, but it also comes with one of the highest price tags. Before you take the plunge, be sure that the speed and weight of this design are going to benefit your dives.
Summary
It may come at a large price tag, but this unit can really move underwater. If you are willing to pay the high price point that will run you about as much as a plane ticket to a tropical island, this will be an excellent addition to your next underwater expedition.
6. KaiRover
The KaiRover is a good middle of the road design for people that don’t want something that is too fast and too expensive. This unit has a simple design that looks just like many of the YAMAHA designs out there currently on the market. We like it because it offers users a good deal of power without carrying the heavy price tag that we have seen on some of the other models.
Read moreStyle
This unit is offered in a basic blue color that has black accents along with the case as well as the handles. Users can press a button that is found on the back of the handle to toggle it from on to off while they use it in the water.
Speed
Like we said earlier, all of the features of this design fall about in the middle of the road. It can reach a top speed of about 3 miles per hour and can reach a maximum depth of about 98 feet. KaiRover feels that their product is perfect for casual snorkeling or shallow scuba diving.
Battery Life
The battery life of this scooter is about two hours at an average speed.
Value
What we liked most about this design is that it comes in at a price point that is one of the most affordable options out there on the market.
Summary
If you are looking for something that can reach a pretty average speed without setting you back too much money, the KaiRover will sure to be an excellent addition to all of your diving or snorkeling gear.
7. Sea-Doo Dolphin
What we liked about the Sea-Doo Dolphin is that is lightweight and easy to use, and it is perfect for children swimming in modest bodies of water as well as for snorkeling and shallow diving. It comes in a bright color that will be sure to get you noticed by other swimmers out on the water.
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If you were in the market for something that was just a little bit more fun, this is going to be a perfect fit for your underwater adventures. It comes in two different color options that include blue with electric green trim, as well as yellow with navy trim. It has two handles along the sides that have buttons that allow users to turn them on and off again easily.
Speed
If you are looking to go incredibly fast, this might not be your best option. It has a top speed of about 2 miles per hours, and it is only able to go down about 15.5 feet. The entire unit only weighs just over 12 pounds, making it one of the easiest to carry, even by smaller divers and swimmers.
Battery Life
At average speeds, this battery lasts for up to two hours.
Value
The price of this unit can pack quite a hefty price tag, even for something that isn’t really capable of traveling down that far for the more serious divers. However, users love how easy it is to use, and they feel like the 2-hour battery life is pretty accurate- which is something that can be rather inconsistent in other designs.
Summary
If you want something that you can have a little bit of fun with, whether it be in the pool with the kids, at the lake or snorkeling in the ocean, the Sea-Doo Dolphin is a very solid and dependable price of gear that won’t let you down.
8. Apollo AV-2 Evolution
This is one serious piece of gear that is made from really high-quality materials that will really be able to take a beating as you travel from place to place. What we like most about this device is that it is able to go almost 3 times deeper as some of the other designs, and it has a smart driving system that makes changing speeds and maneuvering as easy as a click of a button.
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This unit only comes in a solid black shell that is made from ABS resin that is considered to be shock resistant- so you can be a little hard on it and it shouldn’t break or damage in interior components. It has a front casing that is held on by the aid of two stainless steel latches. When it is time to change the battery, users simply have to unlatch the top and give it a charge and latch it back up.
Speed
What is great about the Apollo AV-2 Evolution is that it can reach depths of up to 300 feet, which is double that of what most of the other designs on this list are capable of reaching. It has a three-speed propeller system that can reach tops speeds of about 2.6 miles per hour. The bad news about this design is that weighs in at just over 40 pounds, which may be a little too heavy for smaller divers that don’t want to carry heavy gear.
Battery Life
What users really respond positively to is the addition of an LED indicator light that signals how much battery life is left in the unit (it can run continuously for about 100 minutes).
Value
This is one of the most expensive units currently out there on the market. However, if you are looking for something that is made to least, and is designed for serious divers that really want to explore reaches of the ocean that they have never seen before, this is going to be well worth the price tag to be able to achieve those things.
Summary
For serious divers that want something that will allow them to reach new depths in their diving, and have the extra money to buy something as expensive as this design, you won’t be disappointed with the performance of the Apollo AV-2 Evolution.
9. DEPTH RATING
This is a great option for swimmers and divers that aren’t looking to push the limits to see how far they can travel, but that want just a little help to allow them to stay in the water for longer periods of time. The specs of this design run about in the middle of the road. It isn’t the slowest or fastest, but it lives somewhere in between.
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The outside shell is coated with a resilient yellow plastic, and it offers 3 seals to ensure that no water will enter the unit and compromise the battery. The handle and the propeller cage are accented with a matte black plastic.
Speed
This scooter can go just a little bit faster than some of the other designs out there on the market and can reach a top speed of just shy of 4 miles per hour.
Battery Life
The downside that we found about this model is that I just don't have the same battery life as some of the other models. It takes about 4 hours to reach a full charge and will last about 40-50 minutes of continuous use in the water.
Value
The cost of this unit runs about in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive design out there, but it isn’t the most affordable as well. Considering that it can move pretty fast, and is made from high-quality materials, we find that it is well worth the price tag.
Summary
If you are on the market for something that is high quality without spending the amount of money that you would some of the higher end designs, the DEPTH RATING will be a great addition to your next diving trip this summer.
10. YAMAHA Mount Professional
This unit has all of the things that divers- amateur and veteran- would want in a diving device. It can run just a little faster and dive down just a little bit deeper than some of the other YAMAHA designs, but these added features mean that this unit has quite the hefty price tag.
Read moreStyle
We love the exterior look of this unit. It comes in a solid black shell that has sharp edges that looks like it was just made to slice right through the water without skipping a beat. It has sharp elective yellow accents along the top as well as on all of the buttons.
Speed
Top speeds can reach up to 4.35 miles per hour, which is pretty fast for a YAMAHA which typically have speeds that top around 3 miles per hour. It is able to reach depths up to 130 feet, and it weighs about 21 pounds- even including the battery.
Battery Life
With a full charge, it can give users up to 120 minutes of continuous use.
Value
The downside about all of these great features is that the price tag is a little painful This unit is some of the more expensive designs out there on the market. However, considering that it comes with the YAMAHA name, and it has a lot of features that will really enhance your dives, we feel that if you can afford it, it is well worth the price tag.
Summary
You can’t really go wrong with a YAMAHA product. This unit gives experiences divers all of the tools that they will need to help them get the most out of their dives every time they jump into the water.
Sources
- 5 Best Underwater Scooters In 2019, Outdoors Blog ,
- 5 Best Underwater Propulsion Scooter 2019, Marine Blog ,