Suppose you’re someone who regularly engages in the activities of snorkeling or diving. In that case, you will be more than aware of how frustrating it can be to lose momentum when trying to explore the wonders hidden underwater. Like in any industry, snorkeling enthusiasts saw that this was an issue and created the underwater scooter. The underwater scooter isn’t a new idea, and you may recognize it from any famous film, including water sports. Due to the fact that this handy bit of tech is not commonly owned, people aren’t aware of how accessible underwater scooters are or how inexpensive they can be.
What is an underwater scooter?
Whenever a diver goes underwater, they take a tank of gas with them that will last for a limited time, usually around an hour. Often this means you are limited to how far you can go as you don’t want to run the risk of running out of oxygen and potentially drowning. The water scooter was put into place to prolong the space you can cover when diving by accelerating the speed you move at. An underwater scooter works by using a propeller, pulling the diver through the water. They are usually powered by a battery instead of an engine, making them quite environmentally friendly.
Why are people choosing to use underwater scooters?
Aside from the fact that an underwater scooter enables you to cover more ground when diving, there are many other reasons why people choose to purchase underwater scooters. One of the main reasons is the conservation of energy. If you are using an underwater scooter, you don’t have to swim constantly to get to the locations that you want to, as you can depend on the pull of the scooter. This means that you won’t feel fatigued as quickly and will be able to enjoy the underwater experience for longer. Using an underwater scooter also means that you exasperate yourself far less, which means you use less oxygen in the tank – once more, prolonging how long you’ll be able to stay underwater. Not only is it just efficient, but these underwater scooters have jumped in popularity due to them just being an interesting little gadget.
What do you need to know to find the best underwater scooters?
What kind of diving do you do?
Though an underwater scooter can be a nifty gadget, it will not necessarily fit the needs of every diver. If you do snorkeling in shallow water, you probably won’t need an underwater scooter as you won’t have much distance to travel; instead, you should consider checking out the best snorkel mask available on the market right now. However, if you plan to do what is considered more deep-sea diving, this would be a handy tool. However, in this case, you would have to be careful not to get too carried away and travel too far with the scooter.
Using it safely
Before you buy an underwater scooter, you should ensure that you are aware of all of the safety procedures that you should follow when using one. Every scooter has different speeds and power levels and so will not be able to travel the exact distances. You should be aware of how far you will be able to travel with the scooter, as well as what the battery power is like. If you fail to do this, you may purchase a weaker model and find yourself only being able to use it for short periods of time, which may compromise your health. If you do purchase an underwater scooter, don’t jump in headfirst. Every chance that the particular unit you have purchased may malfunction, so you don’t want to go deep-sea diving before you know that it’s fully functioning.
Maintenance
Like any vehicle, underwater scooters require a certain amount of maintenance. You must make sure that the propeller is properly cleaned after use as it can easily be clogged with items found underwater, which could compromise how well it works. If you aren’t happy with your scooter’s speed or other elements, it is vital that you don’t try to make any alterations yourself. If you fiddle with any of the hardware, you may damage how the scooter works, which may risk your life in the future. Make sure that you get an underwater scooter with a warranty or insurance so that you can get it replaced if it stops working.
Battery
Battery life is significant when purchasing an underwater scooter as the battery life will dictate how long you are able to use the device. The cheaper the scooter is, the less battery life it is likely to have, so if you are someone that will want to travel far when diving- then you should consider investing in a pricier scooter. If you are not in the position to purchase a pricier scooter, then it may be worth purchasing some spare batteries so that you can dive for longer.
Handling
Not every model will be used the same way, and some require you to hold the scooter with both hands, whereas some don’t require you to hold them at all. If you have any disability, you may not be able to use handed underwater scooters, so you should look into purchasing one that uses a leash.
Speed
Speed can really vary between each scooter, but you should expect a range of around 2-5 mph. If you plan on using the scooter for some light diving, you won’t need it to be too fast. Getting a scooter that is a little slower may also save you a bit of money in the long run, especially if you don’t need it. If you are going to dive quite far, you will benefit from higher speeds as you will be able to travel further at faster speeds.
Buoyancy
Another feature of an underwater scooter that people are fast to glaze over is buoyancy. A scooter can either have negative or positive buoyancy. The fundamental difference is that negative buoyancy will pull you down into the water, whereas positive buoyancy will help you stay afloat. Some water scooters allow you to adjust the buoyancy, so check whether or not those are available.
Our Top Picks for the Best Underwater Scooters
[su_service title=”G GENEINNO Underwater Scooter ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 4 mph
- Depth: 164 ft
- Run time: 45 minutes
- Weight: 2.29 lbs
The Geneinno is arguably one of the most famous underwater scooter options available right now, especially for vacationing young families. This scooter has sprung into popularity due to a number of factors.
The first characteristic of this particular scooter that has allowed it to remain so popular is its portability. The Geneinno only weighs a remarkable 2.29 lbs and can fit into any carry-on luggage without any issues. This has made it extremely popular for people who regularly go on holiday and engage in water sports. This water scooter is also compatible with most go-pros and will fit the needs of anyone who does any aquatic life photography. It also means that your swimming won’t be restricted when underwater as you will be able to record all that you need to without having to hold a camera.
This scooter was produced ideally for shallow diving, and however, it can reach depths of 164 ft. This scooter has a positive buoyancy, which means that it will help you stay afloat. This is perfect for anyone with children, as it will help them stay afloat. Not only this, but if someone was to let go of the scooter, then it would just float to the surface of the water and would not be lost.
One of the more unappealing elements of this scooter that you may notice is the battery life. You can expect around 45 minutes of running time from this scooter which may not seem like a lot, however for the intended use of this scooter, that is more than enough. This scooter also reaches speeds of 4 mph, which means you can really make the most of the time that you do spend underwater. The battery is also removable, which means if you have plans for longer diving trips, then you always have the option to charge a few up and then replace them when you need to. It may be worth investing in a diving watch to know when your scooter is about to die; if you aren’t sure where to find one, you can always check out the best dive watches for less than 1500 available on the market.
Overall, this is just an excellent underwater scooter at a more than reasonable price. It is a perfect tool for anyone who wants to jet off on holiday or record their underwater travels. It also looks great, with a modern orange matte finish- what’s not to love?
[su_service title=”Sublue WhiteShark ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 3 mph
- Depth: 40 ft
- Run time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 6 lbs
This particular underwater scooter looks similar to something that you would find in Sci-Fi movies due to its futuristic look. It looks like a quality bit of technology, and if you look at all of its features, you can see that the intrinsic features match the sleek external look.
This is another ideal model for people who don’t plan on doing some deep-sea diving as it is limited to depths of 40 ft. This means that we would not recommend this model if you plan on traveling further. This underwater scooter also gives you the opportunity to mount a camera, which is perfect for anyone that enjoys recording what they see underwater.
This scooter has a dual propeller system and can reach 3mph, making it powerful and able to cover a lot of ground quickly. However, the scooter only lasts 30 minutes. Due of its time limits underwater, this can be inconvenient. Given the scooter’s low price, now isn’t the incorrect time. It’s also not awful considering it was designed for shallow water, where you won’t go deep. Its rechargeable battery allows it to be easily recharged if it dies, despite its shorter runtime than most underwater scooters.
This is another underwater scooter with positive buoyancy, which means that if you were to let go of it in the water, it would float to the top, and you wouldn’t lose it. This feature has also made it very popular among people who are learning how to swim, as it enables them to stay afloat as they learn while also gently encouraging them to kick forward with their legs.
It is also an extremely simple device to use, as all you need to do is press down on the handles to start the propellers, and when the handles are not being touched, the gadget stops completely.
[su_service title=”Yamaha Seascooter with camera mount ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 2 mph
- Depth: 15 ft
- Run time: 1.5 minutes
- Weight: 12 lbs
This particular design of water scooter may be the design that you are more familiar with as divers commonly use it within their training process. It has a classic bright red design, which means it will easily stand out in the water in the event that you may lose it.
This water scooter is for family fun and water treading and swimming. This underwater scooter has many safety measures because it was designed for families. The caged propeller makes this scooter safer, especially for families. It also shuts off automatically if it overheats or jams.
Once again, this scooter has positive buoyancy. This only continues the trend of this scooter being perfect for children as it will help them stay afloat while using it. It also means that you don’t really have to worry about losing the scooter as it will float to the top of whatever body of water that you are swimming in.
What really stands out about this sea scooter is the prime running time of 1 and a half minutes. This will give you plenty of time to explore the body of water that you are swimming in, with time to spare. While you’re spending a long time under the water, you also have the chance to record all that you see. This is due to the fact that there is space to mount any adventure camera, such as a go pro. This means you can enjoy your adventures while also recording the memories.
[su_service title=”Sublue Seabow Professional ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 4 mph
- Depth: 131 ft
- Run time: 75 minutes
- Weight: 8 lbs
This is a more advanced choice for deep-divers. Its OLED screen provides all the necessary underwater data. This data covers speed, battery power, and mode. The battery power display shows how long you have left to operate. It also shows how long it’s been operating, so you won’t need a diving watch.
This scooter is one of the few having a dual-motor technology, so you can combat solid currents without emptying your scooter power. This feature also saves energy, which is great for long-distance diving, and the 75-minute run duration. This gives you plenty of time to discover the sea’s secret treasures without worrying about your scooter dying.
This scooter may be one-handed. This allows you to use your other hand without worrying about the scooter not operating since you’re not hitting the button.
Sublue producers also prioritize quality. This scooter is entirely waterproof thanks to industry-leading waterproofing technology. This protects the scooter’s internal components, including the battery, extending its lifespan.
Additionally, the scooter can reach 4 mph. This underwater scooter is about as quick as it gets, so you can cover more ground on a charge. It also means you can quickly return to shore to change the battery if your scooter is losing charge.
Due to its impressive appearance, high-tech features, and long runtime, this scooter is great. It is a mid-range item, so you will pay more but receive a great product.
[su_service title=”Yamaha YME 22500 ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 4 mph
- Depth: 130 ft
- Run time: 90 minutes
- Weight: 12 lbs
This is a pretty heavy-duty underwater scooter that can deliver some excellent performance. This particular scooter was made to have flexibility in mind and cater to professional users and those using it for recreational use.
This scooter can hit speeds of 4 mph but also has 3-speed options. This means that you don’t have to keep going at a constant speed, so you can take the time to slow down and really take in your underwater surroundings. It also means you can save a bit of power when you don’t need to use it too intensely, which will prolong the time you can use it.
You won’t really need to worry about the battery life of this scooter, as it offers a run time of around 90 minutes. This is more than enough time to really make the most of your diving experience, and when matched with the fantastic speed of the scooter, you will be able to cover a lot of range.
A beneficial feature that this scooter has is auto buoyancy. Usually, when you buy a scooter, it will either have negative or positive buoyancy. This means that they will exceed in specific environments, whereas this scooter will be able to thrive in all. It also means that you don’t have to try and fight against the pull of your scooter, which will save you a lot of energy in the long run.
The scooter’s flood avoidance technology is another highlight. Your scooter’s battery won’t be compromised, ensuring your safety. This improved waterproofing extends scooter life. Because the internal hardware won’t be harmed, which is a problem for many low-quality underwater scooters.
This scooter also looks really good. This scooter will fit in nicely with any diving kit with a sleek black matte finish and green trim.
[su_service title=”Aquarobotman MagicJet Seascooter ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 4 mph
- Depth: 164 ft
- Run time: 100 minutes
- Weight: 7 lbs
Due to its distinctive style, the scooter may initially turn you off. A single trigger system lets you use the Aquarobotman with one hand. If you want a more intense experience, get one for each hand to drive you through the water quicker.
Appearances can deceive strongly. Despite its unusual appearance, this underwater scooter is powerful. It can travel at four mph, so you can travel far rapidly. This lets you maximize battery life and travel deep.
That this scooter can be customized for everyone is cool. You can use one-handedly. If you prefer two hands, parallelize the underwater scooters.
The producers worked hard to make their goods eco-friendly. They used a MagicJet, which won’t contaminate the water or disturb the wildlife you may encounter while diving. This encounter will take longer due to the Aquarobotman’s 100-minute run time. This is a long duration for an underwater scooter and is great for lengthy dives. The scooter will provide you hours of enjoyment on a single charge, making it ideal for aquatic sports.
For those who wish to monitor their underwater time, the scooter has three mounting options. This means you can film everything you want and get a 360-degree view.
[su_service title=”Jerry Rat Underwater Scooter ” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Specs
- Speed: 5 mph
- Depth: 66 ft
- Run time: 100 minutes
- Weight: 30 lbs
The Jerry Rat Underwater scooter is the last but not least stunning. First, the scooter’s plane-like form is intriguing. This scooter design streamlines you to cover more ground.
This scooter rules underwater scooters. The 100-minute runtime is enough for aquatic activities. At 5mph, this scooter is the fastest on the list, so you’ll travel far in 100 minutes underwater. Progressive acceleration enables you change your scooter speed to examine your surroundings or dodge an obstacle.
Positive buoyancy lets scooter users float. If dropped in water, it floats your scooter. It switches off automatically if it breaks. This protects against propeller blade debris.
This underwater scooter, like most, has a front camera mount. This scooter makes scooter travel easy to record. The scooter’s camera may connect to a waterproof interface to display your footage. This is useful because go pro users can’t see what they’re filming and wind up with worthless material.
The Best Types of Underwater Scooters
After seeing our top seven underwater scooters, you may still be unsure which one is best. It can be confusing, therefore we chose the best alternatives for different situations.
The Best Underwater Scooter for Families
Geneinno
The Geneinno is the best family underwater scooter. Its buoyancy prevents your youngster from drowning if dropped. It’s inexpensive, so if a child breaks it, you won’t be unhappy.
The Fastest Underwater Scooter
The Jerry Rat underwater scooter is capable of reaching the highest speeds on the list. It will be the perfect scooter for anyone that loves traveling through the water at high speeds, and this scooter will get you to your desired location fast. You can also control the speed settings, so if at any point you decide to slow down, you will be able to do so quickly.
The Best Underwater Scooter for Video
The Aquarobotman MagicJet Seascooter is perfect for those of you that enjoy making content when diving. With 3 mounting points, this scooter will have you covered on all fronts and will allow you to put together some really good video and in-depth video content.