Sea scooters are commonly used by divers, snorkelers, and other water enthusiasts to guide them through the water.
They’re also referred to as diver propulsion vehicles (DPV), aqua scooters, and underwater scooters.
These devices are a great way to explore underwater as you’ve never done before.
These are fun devices that make exploring underwater that much more exciting.
If you’re eager to buy one and get into the water, here’s everything you’ll want to know about using a sea scooter and whether they’re worth the hype.
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What Is a Sea Scooter?
A sea scooter isn’t like the scooters you used to ride on the sidewalks of your neighborhood.
While it still helps you get around, it’s to help you move through the water faster.
When you want to swim through the water more quickly, you’ll hold onto the handles of the scooter as it propels you forward.
They’re great for deep dives and for swimming.
They’re not as popular for shallow dives since you can explore the area reasonably quickly without assistance.
How Do Sea Scooters Work?
These diver propulsion vehicles work by propelling you through the water, but how?
Almost all sea scooters are battery-operated.
Once you turn on the device, the propeller will start moving you through the water faster than your body could take you without one.
These lightweight underwater devices have a speed limit, and you can adjust the speed accordingly to your preference.
Since these scooters are for underwater use, they all come with waterproof circuitry to ensure they function correctly underwater and that you can travel through the water safely.
The battery life on underwater scooters will vary from model to model.
Some will last for about an hour and a half, while others may only last for 45 minutes.
Where Can You Use a Sea Scooter?
Does a sea scooter sound thrilling? They are! They’re great tools to help you explore the underwater world without running out of air as quickly.
The best thing about these devices is that you can use them in various bodies of water.
Can You Use Sea Scooters in the Ocean?
Yes, you can! Using a sea scooter in the ocean is the most popular reason people purchase them.
You can use an underwater scooter when scuba diving or snorkeling in the sea.
They’re most common for scuba divers, but anyone can enjoy using them.
Divers use them to help them cover more of the ocean with the same amount of air in their oxygen tank.
Something you’ll want to keep in mind when using a sea scooter in the ocean is how deep the device is designed to go.
You’ll need to look at the manual of the DPV to see how deep it can handle going.
You’ll want to abide by the max depth to ensure your safety and the equipment’s quality.
Going too deep when the device can’t handle it may cause it to malfunction or break.
Can You Use Sea Scooters in a Lake?
Absolutely. Just like in the ocean, swimmers and divers use the device to travel through the water faster and explore more than they usually would be able to.
Sea scooters are fantastic for exploring larger lakes but smaller ones too.
Since most lakes are made of fresh water, you’ll want to ensure that the scooter you purchase can be used in fresh water and not just salt water.
Can You Use Sea Scooters in a Pool?
Some people think you can’t use sea scooters in a pool because they’re smaller bodies of water, but that’s not true.
You can use one in the pool.
Using one in the pool helps get you used to maneuvering the device, so you feel more comfortable using it in a lake or ocean.
How Safe Are Sea Scooters?
Sea scooters are very safe. Since they’re designed to work underwater, the manufacturers ensure that they cannot go above a specified speed.
While they’ll let you travel faster than you are swimming by yourself, the max speed of most DVPs is about three miles per hour.
Some reach speeds almost five miles per hour, though.
The most used speed is two miles per hour because it’s safe and still allows you to take in all the marine life surrounding you.
They make the scooters lightweight.
The lighter they are, the easier it is to maintain control over the device as you move through the water.
Combined with the relatively low speed, that makes them very safe for divers and other underwater explorers.
You can find some underwater scooters that weigh approximately five pounds, but some weigh more than ten pounds.
Either way, once you’re underwater, they’ll feel like they weigh even less.
If you plan on using a sea scooter for scuba diving, monitoring your oxygen tank’s capacity is going to be necessary.
As fun as zooming through the water can be, you don’t want to get lost in the excitement and forget to monitor your tanks.
If you fail to do so, that’s when safety can become an issue.
While sea scooters are generally safe devices, you’ll want to ensure that you’re using them according to the instructions.
Types of Sea Scooters
Before you buy a sea scooter, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting one that suits your needs.
Just because you can use them in most bodies of water doesn’t mean you can use just any scooter.
Sea Scooters for the Ocean
The ocean is where most people use a sea scooter.
If you’re interested in getting one for your ocean exploring, you may want to look for one that has a higher max speed.
This higher speed allows you to explore more ground faster than one with a lower maximum speed.
If you’re scuba diving or snorkeling, you may want to look into an underwater scooter that has a GoPro mount.
This way, you can capture all the marine life on video or camera as you explore.
One of the main things to consider when purchasing a sea scooter for diving in the ocean is the buoyancy adjustment.
You’ll need to monitor your depth as descending and ascending for your safety.
Getting a sea scooter that can go as deep as you like but can also safely help you return to the surface is essential.
Sea Scooters for the Pool
You can use a sea scooter for swimming in the pool.
If you plan on using yours in the pool, you’ll want to make sure it’s suitable for pools.
The Sea-Doo Scooter is perfect for using in the pool to practice using it or for fun.
How Much Do Sea Scooters Cost?
Well, it depends on the brand and which water scooter you purchase.
Some will run you upwards of $1,000, while you can still find some great and affordable ones for a couple of hundred.
The best way to find more affordable sea scooters is to purchase used or second-hand ones.
If money isn’t an issue, then buying a brand new one may be better for you.
If you’re interested in a DVP for professional diving, getting a high-quality scooter, be prepared to spend at least $1,000.
What Is the Fastest Sea Scooter?
If you’re looking for a speedy water scooter, the Yamaha 500li is one you’ll want to check out.
This Yamaha sea scooter is known for its speed and is one of the fastest on the market.
With 500 watts of power, it can reach speeds up to 4.3 miles per hour.
Are Sea Scooters Fun?
While fun is relative, most people who’ve used an underwater sea scooter before will say that they are fun.
They’re incredibly fun for water lovers because you can see a variety of fish and other marine life in a completely new light.
Are Sea Scooters Worth it?
It depends on who you ask, but most people will tell you that sea scooters are worth it.
They’re great for short dives or when you snorkel because most of their battery lives don’t last for more than an hour or so.
That being said, some divers or snorkelers don’t think they’re worth it for longer dives since their batteries don’t last for hours.
To make them worth it for longer dives, purchasing an additional battery will make using an aqua scooter much more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Sea scooters are lovely tools for divers, snorkelers, or anyone looking to explore underwater in a new and exciting way.
They’re handy for professional divers and the average person who wants to cover more water faster.
These underwater tools travel at a safe speed and are very fun to use.
If you’re looking into purchasing an underwater scooter for yourself or the water sports lover in your life, knowing how they work and what to look for is essential.
Whether you or a loved one plan on using a DPV in the ocean, lake, or pool, you’ll have an incredible experience underwater.
