In 2025, the top 5 underwater scooter brands for divers are Seabob (max speed 22 km/h, 90m depth), Dive Xtras (modular design, 18 km/h), Sublue (budget-friendly, 12 km/h, 40m), TUSA (lightweight, 15 km/h, 60m), and YAMAHA (longest runtime 120 mins, 18 km/h). Seabob leads with premium performance, while Sublue offers affordability; Dive Xtras excels in customization, TUSA in portability, and YAMAHA in endurance, catering to diverse diving needs.

Speed and Depth Comparison

In 2025, the market offers a range of options, from high-performance models capable of 22 km/h to budget-friendly choices that max out at 12 km/h. Depth ratings also vary significantly—some scooters can handle 90 meters, while others are limited to 40 meters, making them better suited for recreational diving.

The Seabob SRT7 remains the fastest at 22 km/h, with a 90-meter depth rating, making it ideal for technical divers. Dive Xtras Cuda X follows closely at 18 km/h and 75 meters, offering a modular design for customization. Sublue WhiteShark Mix Pro is the slowest (12 km/h, 40m) but compensates with affordability (around $1,200). TUSA SCA-01 hits 15 km/h and 60 meters, balancing speed and portability. Yamaha RDS250 focuses on endurance rather than speed, with 18 km/h and 50 meters, but boasts the longest battery life (120 minutes).

Here’s a quick comparison table for clarity:

For speed demons, the Seabob SRT7 is unmatched, but it comes at a premium price (around $5,500). If you need flexibility, the Dive Xtras Cuda X allows for add-ons like extra batteries or camera mounts. Sublue’s WhiteShark Mix is the cheapest, but its 40m limit means it’s not for deep dives. TUSA’s SCA-01 is a great middle-ground, while Yamaha’s RDS250 is the best for long dives where speed isn’t the priority.

Deep divers should prioritize depth ratings—anything below 60 meters won’t cut it for serious exploration. Meanwhile, speed matters most for covering large underwater areas quickly, like in reef surveys or search operations. If you’re just casually diving, a 12-15 km/h scooter is usually enough.

Battery Life & Range

In 2025, battery tech has improved, but runtime still varies widely—from 60 minutes on budget models to 120 minutes on high-end units. Range depends on speed, with most scooters covering 5-15 km on a single charge.

The Yamaha RDS250 leads in battery endurance, offering 120 minutes at medium speed (12 km/h), making it ideal for long dives. Seabob SRT7 provides 90 minutes at full throttle (22 km/h), but drains faster if pushed hard. Dive Xtras Cuda X lasts 80 minutes at 15 km/h, while TUSA SCA-01 manages 70 minutes at its max speed (15 km/h). The Sublue WhiteShark Mix Pro has the shortest runtime (60 minutes), but its smaller battery keeps weight down.

For multi-dive days, the Yamaha RDS250 is the best pick—its 120-minute runtime means fewer recharges. If you need burst speed, the Seabob SRT7 delivers, but expect shorter dives at top speed. Dive Xtras Cuda X is the most flexible, thanks to hot-swappable batteries, while TUSA and Sublue are better for short, casual dives.

Cold water reduces battery efficiency—some models lose 10-15% runtime below 15°C. Always check if the scooter has battery-saving modes (like Yamaha’s Eco Mode) for longer dives. If you’re diving multiple days, extra batteries (where available) are worth the investment.

Weight & Portability

A heavy scooter (over 15kg) becomes a hassle to carry on boats or through airports, while ultra-light models (under 8kg) often sacrifice power or battery life. In 2025, the best scooters balance portability with performance, ranging from 6.5kg for travel-friendly options to 18kg for high-power models.

The Sublue WhiteShark Mix Pro is the lightest at 6.5kg, making it easy to travel with, but its small battery limits runtime to just 60 minutes. At the opposite end, the Seabob SRT7 weighs 18kg—you'll feel that weight when carrying it, but you get unmatched 22 km/h speed and 90m depth capability. The TUSA SCA-01 (9.8kg) hits the sweet spot for most divers, offering 15 km/h speed in a manageable package. Dive Xtras Cuda X (12.5kg) and Yamaha RDS250 (14kg) sit in the middle—heavy enough for serious diving but still portable with proper carrying cases.

Here's how they compare in real-world portability:

• Airline Travel: Most airlines allow up to 23kg checked baggage, so even the Seabob SRT7 (18kg) fits with room for other gear. However, the Sublue (6.5kg) can easily go in carry-on if packed properly.
• Boat Handling: On small dive boats, under 10kg scooters (TUSA, Sublue) are easiest to maneuver without taking up much deck space.
• Underwater Control: Heavier scooters like the Seabob provide more stability in strong currents, while lighter models can feel twitchy.

The Sublue is the most compact at 55cm long, while the Seabob stretches to 85cm. Most models fold down for storage, but the Dive Xtras Cuda X requires partial disassembly (about 5 minutes) to fit in standard dive gear bags.

Bottom line: Under 10kg is ideal for travel, 10-15kg works for most diving scenarios, and over 15kg is best left for technical divers who need maximum power. 

Best Use Cases

For reef diving and snorkeling, the Sublue WhiteShark Mix Pro (12 km/h, 40m) is ideal—its 6.5kg weight and 60-minute runtime are perfect for casual dives. The TUSA SCA-01 (15 km/h, 60m) steps it up for coastal diving, with better speed and depth while staying under 10kg. If you're into wreck penetration, the Dive Xtras Cuda X (18 km/h, 75m) offers modular attachments for lights and cameras, plus the stability needed in tight spaces.

Liveaboard divers should look at the Yamaha RDS250—its 120-minute battery handles multiple dives without recharging, and the 14kg weight isn't an issue on larger boats. For deep or current-heavy dives, nothing beats the Seabob SRT7 (22 km/h, 90m), though its 18kg bulk makes it better suited for charter trips than backpacking.

Here's a quick scenario guide:

• Travel & Backpacking: Sublue (6.5kg) or TUSA (9.8kg)
• Multi-Day Liveaboards: Yamaha (14kg, 120min)
• Wreck/Cave Diving: Dive Xtras (12.5kg, modular)
• Strong Currents/Deep Dives: Seabob (18kg, 90m)
• Underwater Photography: Dive Xtras or Seabob (best stability)

Photographers need scooters with steady speed control—the Seabob's variable trigger and Dive Xtras' torque settings work best. Freedivers prefer lighter models like the TUSA, while rescue teams prioritize the Seabob's raw power.

The Sublue at 1,200 makes sense for occasional divers ,whilethe Seabob′s5,500 price is justifiable only for professionals or serious tech divers. The Dive Xtras Cuda X ($3,200) hits the sweet spot for advanced recreational divers who need customization.

In cold water below 10°C, the Yamaha and Seabob perform best with battery heaters, while tropical divers can use any model.

Match the depth, duration, and conditions of your typical dives to the right machine—don't pay for 90m capability if you only dive to 20m. The market in 2025 has optimized options for every need; you just need to pick your perfect match.