underwater scooter models

Best 6 Underwater Scooter Models

Underwater scooters are used in various applications to help scuba divers gain more range and speed while they are exploring the ocean.

These scooters can be used as a recreational vehicle for divers who want to have more fun underwater. They are also used in the military to assist soldiers in various missions and in scientific applications to help marine experts maneuver throughout the sea faster and easier.

If you are interested in buying an underwater scooter, there are several models and brands out there for you to choose from.

We have put together a list of what we think are the very best underwater scooter models to help you narrow down your search. And if this is your first time buying a diving propulsion vehicle, be sure to check out our helpful buyer’s guide before you make a purchase.

What is an Underwater Scooter?

underwater scooter models

An underwater scooter is a type of diving equipment that scuba divers use to improve their range while exploring underwater.

The diver’s range, or speed, can often become restricted due to the breathing gas they must have with them and the rate that it is consumed.

Underwater scooters are used in recreational, scientific, and military applications.

They are also commonly referred to as a DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), Underwater Propulsion Vehicle, or a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle or SDV.

These scooters are available in a broad range of sizes from small and easily portable for recreational purposes to larger enclosed units that can carry multiple divers for a long distance.

The earliest known use of an underwater scooter was during WWII and it was used for military purposes. At that time, the DPV was designed based on the current technology used for torpedoes.

The 6 Best Underwater Scooter Models on the Market

Tusa SAV-7 EVO2

New TUSA SAV-7 EVO-2 Underwater Diver Propulsion Vehicle DPV Scooter with Lithium Ion Battery, Charger, & Saddle
  • Vehicle includes lithium ion battery, charger, & hands free saddle
  • 10% More Torque than Standard "SAV-7"
  • Continuous Cruise Time in Open Water: 70 - 110 minutes
  • Average Cruising Range in Open Water: 2.25 - 4.5 miles
  • Speed Control: Progressive acceleration system at trigger with use of saddle and 3-speed pitch propeller

The Tusa SAC-7 EVO2 is the ideal underwater scooter for recreational fun and even some professional use. It is preferred by those who use it for underwater fishing such as spearfishing, and it is also a good choice for those who like underwater photography.

The maximum depth for this DPV is 230 feet, and the run time on a fully charged battery is 120 minutes. It has a buoyancy of -8 oz. and a maximum speed of 2.8 mph.

This DPV can easily pull two divers at once. It features a 3 speed propeller, is very reliable, and can be used “hands-free” which allows the user to take stunning photos underwater.

Tusa SAV-7 EVO

TUSA SAV-7 Underwater Scooter
  • Underwater scooter designed to propel up to 3 scuba divers at once
  • Progressive acceleration system lets you make speed adjustments on the move
  • Saddle wings help scooter pull 3 divers without noticeable performance dropoff
  • 3-speed propeller adjusts to different angles and pitches; LED battery indicator
  • Maximum speed of 2.6 miles per hour; depth rated to 230 feet

The Tusa SAV-7 EVO is the perfect choice for recreational use and professional underwater activities. It is a good scooter for those who enjoy underwater photography and videography. The maximum depth for this machine is 230 feet and the run time on a fully charged battery is 80 minutes. This DPV has neutral buoyancy and operates on a maximum speed of 2.6 mph.

The Tusa SAV-7 EVO is capable of pulling two divers at once. It features a three-speed propeller and the user may ride the scooter hands-free.

sublue WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter Dual Motors

sublue WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter Dual Motors, Action Camera Compatible, Water Sports Swimming Pool Scuba Diving for Kids & Adults
  • Simplified user-friendly design for quick and simple use. Streamlined and symmetrical design. Universal interface compatible with almost sports cameras which can be mounted to record everything under water in a most direct view. Keep the kids busy - During this special period of time, make space for social-distancing will be wise. This will be the powerful tool to keep the kids busy in the pool, fun enough to keep them stay at home.
  • Portable small size with large energy. The total weight of 3.5kgs makes it easy to carry without any troubles during travelling, double thrusters release 8kgf thrust to explore the world underwater.
  • Easy use in a safe range. Provided with a floater to achieve zero buoyancy and the propellers are designed with a safe protective net to prevent fingers from accidental injury.
  • Powered by a sealed and chargeable 11000hAm battery, which can run up for 30 minutes in normal usage. The working depth is rated to 40M, with maximum 3.35miles/h speed.
  • The battery of Sublue’s underwater product is waterproof if it is setup correctly to accord with the user manual. However, battery compartment is not watertight seal design, so water get in there is under normal circumstance. Water in the battery compartment would NOT damage the battery or the product.

The sublue WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter Dual Motors is the ideal underwater scooter for recreational divers because it is built for speed. This DPV can reach a maximum depth of 40M.

It has a run time of 30 minutes on a fully charged battery, and a maximum speed of 1.5 m/s which is quite great for an underwater scooter.

The sublue WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter Dual Motors is travel approved. It weighs just ‎10 Pounds. and comes with a 11000hAm battery.

WINDEK SUBLUE WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter

WINDEK WhiteShark Mix Pro Underwater Scooter with Action Camera Mount Dual Motor 40M Waterproof for Water Sports Swimming Pool & Diving & Snorkeling & Sea Adventures (Mix Pro Black)
  • DUAL-MOTOR: The world’s FIRST DUAL-MOTOR underwater scooter. Innovative design features the perfect combination of propulsion and stability. Private family time in the pool! Now even the kids can have a great time for some fancy swimming styles. Great way to have a fun sport time when staying at home.
  • REVOLUTIONARY PERFORMANCE: Exciting upgrades, doubling the battery life with fast charge, the WhiteShark MIX PRO can now remarkably run for 60 mins & fast charging within just 2 hours. Propel at a remarkable speed, the WhiteShark MIX PRO can now push up to 1.8 m/s (4.02 mph) at max, or run at 1.2m/s (2.68 mph) to maximize the using time. The DOUBLE thrusters is able to release 8 kgf thrust to explore the world underwater.
  • SAFE & STABLE: Mix Pro adds the Low Battery Alert function for your safety, once it's alerted, please approach to some place safe immediately. It also design a floater to achieve zero buoyancy and design the propellers to have a safe protective net, preventing fingers from accidental injury. The industry leading sealing and waterproofing technology also stand guarantee for the best diving experience, which allows the deepest range at 40 m ( 131 ft ).
  • PHONE & ACTION CAMERA MOUNT: With the newly designed built-in Phone Mount on the floater, simply bring your phone while using the WhiteShark MixPro, ready to use for all user. Capture epic moments using your smartphone by securing it onto the designated phone mount located on the floater. You can still easily attach your action camera onto the universal mount to record everything under water in the most direct view.
  • PORTABLE & CONVENIENT: Small size but with plenty energy. Powerful enough to drive multiple people at the same time. Only 20% of the size of conventional DPVs in both size and weight. FAA compliant batteries also allows easy to swap spare batteries. Easy for everyone to carry everywhere.

The WINDEK SUBLUE WhiteShark Mix Underwater Scooter is the ideal underwater scooter for the traveling scuba diver. It is capable of reaching a maximum depth of 131 feet and has a run time of 60 minutes on a fully charged battery. This scooter has a maximum speed of 2.68 mph and neutral buoyancy.

It is one of the lightweight DPV models weighing only 7.72 lbs. This makes it a great scooter to take along on trips to the ocean.

Sea Doo-SD15001-RS1

Sea Doo-SD15001-RS1 Underwater SeaScooter
  • Speed: 7km/h/4.35 MPH
  • Run Time: 90 Minutes
  • Power: 500W
  • Depth Rating: 40 Meters/130 Feet
  • Gear:3 gears

The Sea Doo-SD15001-RS1 is the perfect underwater scooter to use for speed and recreational diving. It has a maximum depth of 130 feet and a total run time of 90 minutes on a fully charged battery. This DPV has a maximum speed higher than any other on the list at 3.7 mph. It also has a neutral buoyancy.

The Sea Doo SD15001-RS1 includes a GoPro mount and has an ergonomic design. It is lightweight which makes it a good choice if you have to carry it a long distance to the shore.

XLAB Torpedo Versa 500

XLAB Torpedo Versa 500 Airflow Carbon Fiber Front Hydration System
  • Easy to Drink East to Refill - Stop reaching down for frame bottles. The Torpedo Versa 500 allows you to keep both hands on the aerobar, giving you added control and confidence. Designed to allow you to refill your bottle on the fly, saving you valuable time and energy while racing or training.
  • Aerodynamically Invisible - Designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing the Versa 500 fits snugly between your arms and effectively hides the bottle from exposure to the wind. The bottle’s clean, aero shape allows air to wrap cleanly around the bottle while the Kamm Tail angled rear reduces drag. Airflow straighteners molded into the top of the bottle re-direct airflow for a clean, straight exit, further reducing drag.
  • Highly Adjustable - MEGADJUST mounting gives the widest cockpit configuration range of any vertical hydration system. Quickly and securely adjusts to aerobar extension widths 70 mm-150 mm (center-to-center) and accommodates up to 20° of aerobar extension rotation.
  • Compatibility - SECURECLIP BRACKETS tightly snap onto most industry standard 22.2 mm diameter aerobar extension with an audible click. Strong Velcro straps pull tightly, securing the brackets in place for no budging. Eliminates the need for zip-ties that can weaken, rubber bands that can suddenly snap or electrical tape that just makes everything sticky.
  • Includes - 769 mL (26 oz) capacity high density polyethylene, Food Grade BPA-Free Torpedo Bottle, silicone Torpedo Straw with bite valve, Solid Cap, Refillable Cap, 16 layer unidirectional carbon fiber Versa Plate, Telescoping Garmin and Wahoo compatible Versa Computer Mount, and carbon fiber Torpedo Cage with 6 pounds of grip.

The XLAB Torpedo Versa 500 is an affordable option for those who want an underwater scooter for recreational use. This model is the best value for the money. It has a total maximum depth rating of 150 feet and a total run time of 55 minutes when operating on a full battery. The buoyancy for this DPV is 2 lbs. and its maximum speed is 2.5 mph.

The XLAB Torpedo Versa 500 has a slimline design that makes it easy to carry and transport. It also features a shrouded propeller for added safety.

This DPV may have a much shorter run time than the other underwater scooters on the list. But it is a good choice for anyone who wants to give this type of diving activity a try. Just be sure to not take it too far from shore at first.

Buyer’s Guide for Purchasing an Underwater Scooter

underwater scooter models

There are several factors to consider when you are buying a new underwater scooter.

Whether you are purchasing a DPV for the very first time or if you are buying a replacement model for your older vehicle that is outdated, this buyer’s guide will help remind you of the key factors to look for when browsing the current selection of underwater scooter models.

What Will You Use the Underwater Scooter For?

The main thing that you want to keep in mind when buying and underwater scooter is what you will be using it for.

Think about the primary purpose for your DPV, are you using it strictly for recreational purposes or will you also be using it for researching the ocean?

If your job requires you to use a DPV for research or exploring, you can still use your DPV for the occasional snorkeling adventure.

There are plenty of models that are suitable for both.

But to get the best underwater scooter to meet your needs, you must think about what you will be using the vehicle for the most.

Price Range – Don’t Pay Too Much for a Recreational DPV

If you are just planning to use your underwater scooter for snorkeling and general recreational use, you can purchase one of the affordable models that don’t have all the high-tech features the professionals would use.

But if you plan to use your DPV for serious diving so that you can explore caves or perform technical tasks, you will have to pay more for your DPV and those additional features.

Underwater scooters cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousands. And in most cases, you get what you pay for when buying one of these vehicles. The higher-end range of scooters include features like excellent run time that is typically up to 4 hours long and a maximum depth rating of 600 feet.

If you want to buy a DPV strictly for recreational use, you won’t need to buy a top-of-the-line model for several grand.

However, it is important to have a safe and reliable underwater scooter, regardless of why you are using it.

If you buy an affordable DPV that has a short battery life, it could potentially put you in danger if the battery goes dead too soon or if it is taken below the maximum depth rating.

Therefore, buying a scooter that is at least within the mid-range based on the price wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Look into the Battery Life

underwater scooter models

Another factor to consider when you are buying an underwater scooter is the type of conditions you plan to dive into.

Remember that a strong water current or flow will use up your battery twice as much as diving in calmer waters. So you will want to find a scooter with a good battery life if you plan to dive into unsettled waters.

The batteries installed in underwater scooters can provide you with a range of power. Most will also have gears that allow you to change your speed while underwater. DPVs that operate on Lithium batteries and large propellers will often last much longer than those that use other types of batteries or do not have a propeller. The power output on a scooter could range from several hundred watts to several kilowatts.

You should also be aware of the vehicle’s run time.

Some will only run for 30 minutes at a time, which is usually fine for recreational use. However, most divers prefer to have much more time. You don’t want to end up with a dead battery while you are too far away from shore. So having a long battery life can be lifesaving in some circumstances.

Factors that will affect your underwater scooter’s battery life include how much speed you used while diving and the amount of power that was used.

The Maximum Depth

Before you buy a new underwater scooter, you should find out about it’s maximum depth. This is a key factor to think about when buying any type of DPV.

The maximum depth rating will also help you determine the overall quality of the vehicle. If a DPV has a high depth rating, it’s likely that it is a very high quality machine and designed to withstand this type of use.

If a DPV has a low depth rating such as 15 feet or lower, you know that it is a lower-quality underwater scooter.

If you are interested in buying a product that will last for years to come and one that is very reliable, you may want to purchase an underwater scooter that has a high depth rating, even if you don’t plan to dive that deep, simply because you know that it will be a better quality scooter.

Buoyancy Control

When you are scuba diving, it is a well-known fact that anything you carry or have attached to you will have an affect on your buoyancy. That includes your gear and your underwater scooter.

The more buoyancy you have, the more difficult it will be to control the scooter and get to the depths you want to reach.

Most mid-to-high quality scooters will have buoyancy controls that can help you take control of this issue.

If you purchase an underwater scooter that doesn’t have these controls and you experience high buoyancy, you may have to make some adjustments to your gear to decrease the weight you are carrying.

The Weight of the DPV

The weight of your scooter will affect how you dive and how far down you are able to explore.

Plus, there is the fact that you will have to carry your underwater scooter around with you on land along with all your other scuba gear. Keep that in mind while you are shopping around for a new DPV.

If you plan to travel with your scooter, you will want to purchase a lightweight model that is easier to transport.

Which Underwater Scooter is the Best Choice for You?

Underwater scooters are available in many different models from a variety of brands. They are designed to help you navigate the ocean easier and with more speed.

You can take pictures underwater or record a video of your diving experience using these convenient vehicles.

It’s important that you pay attention to the factors when buying a new underwater scooter so that you purchase one that is safe and reliable.

When it comes to durability, you often get what you paid for with these machines. Therefore, you should expect to pay a little extra if you are hoping to buy a good quality DPV.

About the Author Long Le

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