What speed underwater scooters are designed for, and other things you need to know

The underwater scooter (also called Deep Propulsion Device (DPV),  is a device consisting of an electric motor and a propeller. This water vehicle allows the diver to be towed, which is simply holding on the handles. There is also equipment that can be held with a harness. An aquatic truster could easily become a piece of equipment for the legendary James Bond.

The aquatic truster offers a similar experience to jet-skiing with the difference that it is immersed in water. It allows the diver to improve his underwater experience, equipped with an aquatic truster, the diver can travel longer distances in a short time. It goes faster from point A to point B and saves its energy and concentration for the discovery of the aquatic environment and the underwater world.

Scuba divers praise the use of DPVs, they all agree on one thing: these machines allow us to push the limits of apnea and diving as we know it today.

With a DPV, you can explore, in an excursion, much more area on a site than with the strength of legs and fins. They allow access to parts of uncharted sites and secret underwater sites. Commander Cousteau would have been delighted to have similar equipment for these underwater expeditions.

DPVs are no longer reserved for experienced divers only, it is possible to equip you with a propulsion device and they are very easy to use.

Some models offer sensations other than discovery. They are so powerful that they provide incredible sensations of speed underwater, a good way to exceed these limits and to raise the adrenaline in the middle of the corals.

What speed underwater scooters are designed for?

The speeds of DPV varied differently depending on the model. The fastest known DPV ever designed and built is the Seabob F5 R. It has six speeds and power levels and can go up to 15 km (9.3 mph) on the seafood and  20 km (12.4 mph) on the surface. It has the capability to come to a complete stop by simply releasing the propulsion trigger.

Most DPVs designed for adults can go up to 4 to 6.5 km/h (2.5 mph to 4 mph). On the other hand, you can go with faster models if you have a budget.

The accessibility of the underwater scooter?

In recent years, the DPVs have emerged from the shadows. Previously, only a handful of experienced divers and very comfortable technically equipped themselves with these thrusters in order to go deeper to discover more and more of a dive site, a wreck, or an unexplored crevasse. 

Currently, there are thrusters that can be used by 12-year-olds who are just starting out diving. You do not need a license to ride an aquatic truster. As far as minor children are concerned, it is strongly advised to accompany their outing by an experienced diver.

It is also necessary to know and know how to manage certain diving techniques such as buoyancy for example and to know how to apply first aid and emergency actions in diving.

Where to buy an underwater scooter?

Be interested in the aquatic truster at a good starting point. By reading all the information and possibilities that this small watercraft offer, we quickly try to get one. 

Yes, but here you are, where could you buy an underwater scooter?

It is possible to find thrusters in physical stores, specialized shops, and some models are sometimes offered in supermarkets and also online. When you buy an aquatic truster, it is an investment. We have to determine why we buy this equipment and for what activity. These points could determine where you should buy your future equipment.

For use such as leisure holidays or discovery, don’t hesitate to start with an entry-level model readily available on the internet.

For professional use, it is best to go to a specialized shop at first. Then you could do new research on the web and thus found a model at a lower cost.

Since you shouldn’t hide it, DPVs are, like many products nowadays, cheaper on the internet.

Who can ride the DPVs?

As we have said before, you don’t need a permit to accompany your dives on an aquatic truster ride.

On the other hand, it is better to be comfortable with diving, it is recommended to do tests at sea after at least twenty dives under your belt. In this condition, you are ready to discover the sensations of an aquatic thruster.

Why use an aquatic thruster?

Of course, DPVs are designed to take you to the surface or on the seafloor, but for what purpose can you use the device? If you use it for snorkeling, then any of these devices will be more than enough, since you will not go out very deep or very far.

However, with the help of an aquatic thruster, we can go further. Indeed, a DPV can also be used for diving, depending on the distance you want to travel.

You can even use it to explore a cave or explore a wreck, the applications of the scooter are multiple.

And let’s not forget that there are things to consider, especially with regard to safety. For example, you want to make sure you have enough autonomy to get back ashore or to your boat. Some of these scooters can also be great for having a little more fun on a lake or in a large pool.

There are much more expensive models on the market, but the brands that are presented are aimed at a wider and less expert audience. Above all, they have the added characteristic of being able to be used at a much lower price than professional models. But in the end, these scooters must be used as you wish.

Where to ride the underwater scooter?

Finally, we could ride an aquatic thruster anywhere. It takes water, a little depth, good equipment since without a torch you would not see much.

To start and practice mastering the propulsion gear, do not hesitate to dive in your private pool or to inquire if there are diving courses in your municipal pool and if you have permission to come and train with your aquatic truster.

It is recommended, before making the first excursion, to know your equipment, its possibilities, and its limits.