Electric underwater scooters are one of the newer types of Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) available on the market.
DPVs have been around a while, with the first ones being used in a military capacity in World War II.
They can be used for recreational purposes, military support and for scientific research assistance.
Until recently most of the models around were expensive, with very high specification designs, and used specifically for deep-sea diving amongst professionals.
Now there is an increasing number of underwater submersible electric scooters that are more affordable and that have been developed for recreational purposes.
If you are snorkeling or scuba diving, the propulsion provided by these models means that you can travel further distances in a faster space of time.
You are expelling less energy too, which means you will use up less oxygen when scuba diving.
It can help you get to scuba diving sites more quickly, with more time and energy to spend exploring the areas that you want to. Overall, it can provide a more adventurous diving experience.
They can also be helpful for kids, older people, or those with mobility issues that can tire more easily while in the water. They can just be a good old fashioned bit of fun too.
In this article, we will look at some of the widely available and best of the recreational electric underwater scooters.
We will cover a range of budgets and specifications to give you a better understanding of what you might want to invest in.
Best Underwater Scooters Comparison
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Best Underwater Scooter Reviews
Specs
| Battery | 22.2 V / 12 AH Lithium-Ion |
| Charging Time | 9 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 4.35 mph |
| Max Distance | 1.5 hours |
| Model Weight | 21 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 130 ft |
What We Loved
What the Yamaha 500Li gives you that not many of the other models we reviewed do, is an impressive top speed and powerful thrust.
It can reach top speeds of 4.35mph, which feels pretty fast when you are being pulled through the water by this small machine.
It has three speed settings and can handle depths of up to 130ft, so perfect for all but the most serious of scuba divers.
Why it Might Not Work For You
The Yamaha 500Li is on the more expensive side of things for what is still essentially a recreational diving model (even though the manufacturers refer to it as being ‘professional’).
Be prepared for this being more cumbersome than some of the less powerful models. At 21lbs, it is not the easiest to cart around in between usage.
Like the other Yamaha models, despite this having a Lithium-Ion battery, it still takes up to 9 hours to fully charge. This can be a real disadvantage if you want to use it for multiple dives in one day.
When you reach lower depths, there is a noticeable decrease in accelerative power.
Overall Verdict
This model is not cheap, so it is not one for using just around the pool or for some very basic snorkelling. Its powerful motor and fast top speeds will help you to reach dive sites quickly.
This gives you more time to explore; it is just a shame that it is not the lightest and takes so long to charge.
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Specs
| Battery | 25.2 v, 27AH Lithium ion Battery |
| Maximum Speed | 2.6 mph |
| Max Distance | 1.3 hours |
| Model Weight | 45 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 230 ft |
What We Loved
This is closer to a professional underwater scooter model than any of the others we have reviewed. It is very well designed, robust and made by a well-respected brand with many years of experience in the diving business.
While it doesn’t reach the fast top speeds of the Yamaha 500li, it is powerful.
It can accommodate propelling up to 3 divers at once and has saddle wings that can be utilized for this.Even when it is carrying 3 people, you do not notice a dramatic drop off in power.
It also has 3 speed options which is nice while you are getting used to the feel of the machine, and also if you want to conserve power.
It can be ridden with it out front or with it saddled between your legs. This offers extra versatility, and you can also find what position is most comfortable for you.
This model can take you as far down as 230 feet. This makes it perfect for deep-sea scuba diving expeditions.
Why it Might Not Work For You
Unless you are planning to use this for proper scuba diving excursions, it would be hard to justify the extremely expensive price tag of this model.
You really do have to hold onto this expensive model. The manufacturer claims it has naturally buoyancy control. A lot of users, however, have found it sinks quickly.
This could cause a problem if you lose hold, especially given it has such a hefty price tag.
It is also seriously heavy. Weighing 45lbs it is over four times the weight of some of the lightest models, and this makes it extremely cumbersome to carry around between uses.
With an 80-minute maximum use time, for deep dives, some people could find this slightly restrictive, although generally, it should be enough.
Overall Verdict
The TUSA SAV-7 is probably the closest you are going to get to a proper professional DPV without paying upwards of $5,000.
Great for deep-sea diving and for multiple divers to use. It is just a shame it is so heavy and that it doesn’t float the way it should.
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Specs
| Battery | 12v / 7.5Ah sealed lead acid battery |
| Charging Time | 12 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 2 mph |
| Max Distance | 1.5 hours run time |
| Model Weight | 12 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 15 ft |
What We Loved
This model will be well suited for use with kids that want to become more mobile in the water when swimming or snorkelling.
It is one of the most affordable models around, so perfect if you don’t want to spend a fortune to let your kids give it a go.
Because it only reaches top speeds of 2 miles per hour, you don’t have to worry about your kid heading off too far, or too fast. Perfect for playing around in the pool.
It has a GoPro mount point if your kids want to film their underwater explorations.
Why it Might Not Work For You
This really is a very basic model with a lot of limitations. It is slow, and while fine for kids, with a heavier rider, it struggles to provide enough propulsion to even move at slower speeds.
The battery is a lead-sealed one, rather than a higher quality lithium-ion one. This means the battery life will not have the same longevity and will need to be replaced sooner.
It also takes a whopping 12 hours to recharge. This is a real downside as your kid will have a long wait before they can use it again.
Not ideal if they are spending much of their day by the poolside or at the beach.
You wouldn’t want your kids to be diving deep underwater with one of these models, but it can only manage 15 feet in depth. No good really for adults wanting to do a bit of diving while snorkelling.
Considering the lack of power this model has, it is still not one of the lightest models we reviewed, weighing in at 12 lbs.
This makes it more cumbersome, especially for kids, when trying to lift it out of the water when the power is off.
In terms of reliability, the Yamaha Seal doesn’t have a fantastic reputation, and it is not uncommon to experience problems with the battery or motor.
Because the Yamaha models have a large, uncovered propeller, you have to make sure that kids with long hair have it tied back. Otherwise, it could easily get wrapped inside it.
Overall Verdict
For an affordable starter option for young kids holidaying around a pool or the beach, this could be a perfect choice.
For anyone wanting a bit more versatility, power or range, then another model and a bigger investment would be required.
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Specs
| Battery | 22.2 V lithium-ion battery (147Wh) |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 2.5 mph |
| Max Distance | 2 hours |
| Model Weight | 6.33 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 100 ft |
What We Loved
While this doesn’t hit high top speeds, the Bixby Swim Jet, has lots of other positive features going for it.
For starters, it has a unique design that makes it easier to ride using one hand while still staying balanced.
This will appeal to a lot of people, and it can make it easier to equalize your ears while diving or play around with your GoPro if you have one.
It is also very lightweight, the lightest of all the models we have reviewed. It makes it very easy to move around when it is not in use.
It has a generous maximum depth capacity of 100 feet, and it can run for the longest of all the models we reviewed.
You get up to two hours of swim/dive time, and it only takes 2 hours to charge it back up again.
Why it Might Not Work For You
The limited top speed of 2.5 mph will be frustrating for those that want to use it in a more serious diving or snorkeling capacity.
It doesn’t have the oomph that some of the more expensive models have and struggles to get up to its top speed when propelling heavier riders.
Some people may not actually like the one-handed style design, and prefer to feel more balanced using one that offers two hand grips.
For a mid-priced model, this doesn’t have the depth capabilities that some of the other models do.
Overall Verdict
For a mid-price point model, the Bixpy Swim Jet offers a unique design and a long run time. It is just a shame that it doesn’t go faster or deeper.
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Specs
| Battery | 22.2 v, 140wh battery power |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 4 mph |
| Max Distance | 45 mins |
| Model Weight | 8.15 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 164 ft |
What We Loved
This is another affordable mid-price point model with some nice features.
It is on the lighter side, at just 8.15 lbs, making it nice and easy to move around in between use.
It also propels you along faster than a lot of recreational models. With a top speed of 4 mph and pretty impressive power thrust, it makes it a fun option.
It can take you down to deeper depths than many recreational models too. All the way down as far as 164 feet, which makes this quite unique when you consider the price.
If you accidentally let go, it won’t sink to the bottom of the pool or ocean either. It is made from a buoyant material, meaning it will bob back up to the surface.
Why it Might Not Work For You
The biggest drawback with the Geneinno Underwater Scooter is its paltry run time.
Because it is more powerful than some models, it will only run for a maximum of 45 minutes, and this could prove limiting for some users. At least it does charge back up in just one and a half hours though.
Overall Verdict
Providing you do not want to use this for longer distance excursions, you may find the speed and performance of this model worth the price tag.
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Specs
| Battery | 140 wh battery power |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 5.5 mph |
| Max Distance | 1.5 hours |
| Model Weight | 28 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 65 feet |
What We Loved
The Hoverstar Acqua Jet Dive has a very unique shape.
It allows more than one diver to be propelled at once, and because it has a powerful motor, with a seriously impressive top speed of 5.5mph, it can do this with relative ease.
It also has three speed control modes that can be used if you want to control the speed or conserve power.
Some people will like the slimline design, which glides through the water without too much effort. It also has handle straps, saving the scooter from getting away from you if you accidentally let go.
Why it Might Not Work For You
The design may not appeal to all users. It is bulky and the way you have to hold it, with your arms over the wings, may not be the most comfortable or practical riding position for everyone.
It is also one of the heavier models and this, combined with the awkward size of the Jet Dive, could be off-putting.
Considering the price tag, we would have liked to have seen the diving capabilities to be more than they are.
The maximum depth you can take this to is 65 feet, a lot less than some other less expensive models.
Overall Verdict
The unique design may not be for everyone, and the limited dive depth capacity is a shame when you consider the cost of this model. If you want a lot of speed though, this could be a good choice.
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Specs
| Battery | 11.1v/ 121WH |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Maximum Speed | 3.35 mph |
| Max Distance | 30 mins |
| Model Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Rated for Depth of | 130 ft |
What We Loved
It is one of the lightest of all the models we reviewed, but it can still take you down to 130 feet and it has decent speed capabilities.
Why it Might Not Work For You
There are a few things that make us feel there are other products in a similar price bracket that offer better value for money.
The biggest problem with the Sublue WhiteShark is its run time. At only 30 minutes, this will be limiting for longer distance divers or snorkelers.
You have to hold down both throttle triggers, on either handhold area, for propulsion.
This means if you need to equalize your ears or lift one hand for any reason, you won’t get any power while you are doing this.
While the model is lightweight, it doesn’t look as streamlined or sleek as some other models, like the Geneinno, for example.
There have also been some reported problems with the battery compartment not being totally watertight, although the company does seem to have responsive after-sales support.
Overall Verdict
A mid-priced point model that has good power and is lightweight. It is a shame, however, that it has very limited running time capacity.
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Safety Should Always be at the Forefront of Your Mind
It is easy to get carried away with some of the more powerful electric underwater scooters. They can carry you down to deep ocean depths in fast times.
You should always familiarise yourself with the model in shallow waters and fully test it out before heading to lower ocean levels.
If you are scuba diving with one, you may even want to consider taking a course on using one of these DPVS.
They will provide you with a good overview of things to consider, including navigational issues, troubleshooting problems that could occur with your machine while underwater, and other safety protocols.
Always be aware of the depth you are traveling to and the capability of the scuba scooter you are using. You could experience serious problems if you take one farther than the depth it is designed to handle.
If you are allowing your children to use one for swimming and snorkelling, they should always be closely supervised. You should not let them travel too far out or too deep under water.
They should not be allowed to use one of the powerful models that can take them too far, too fast.
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