The ASIWO Manta Electric Underwater Scooter is a lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use tool designed for recreational underwater exploration.
Whether you’re a snorkeler, recreational diver, or just someone looking to enhance your pool time, the Manta offers an impressive balance of performance, safety, and portability. It’s designed to make underwater exploration more accessible, combining robust features like adjustable speed modes, powerful dual motors, and an intuitive user experience.
The Manta is particularly appealing for beginners, families, and those new to the world of underwater scooters, but it also holds enough power and versatility for more adventurous users. With a sleek design, travel-friendly portability, and built-in safety features, the ASIWO Manta has been gaining traction as an excellent value-driven option for those looking to explore the underwater world.
Key Features of the ASIWO Manta
Compact Design and Portability
One of the standout features of the ASIWO Manta is its compact size. Measuring just 20.7 x 8.4 x 6.8 inches and weighing only 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) with the standard 126Wh battery, this scooter is incredibly portable and travel-friendly. It’s small enough to fit into airline carry-on luggage, making it a great choice for travel enthusiasts who want to take their underwater adventures wherever they go.
Dual 600W Motors for Impressive Thrust
The Manta is equipped with dual 600W motors, which deliver 19.84 lbsf (9 kgf) of thrust. This powerful propulsion system allows users to move easily through the water, towing full dive gear or even another diver when necessary. Despite its small size, the Manta can surprise users with its strength, making it suitable for a variety of underwater activities.
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Adjustable Speed Settings
The ASIWO Manta offers three adjustable speed settings for different underwater experiences:
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Slow Mode: Propels at 2 ft/s (0.6 m/s) with a thrust of 9.92 lbsf (4.5 kgf), ideal for long snorkeling sessions, offering up to 35 minutes of runtime.
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Middle Mode: Reaches 3.3 ft/s (1.0 m/s) with 14.33 lbsf (6.5 kgf) of thrust, offering about 20 minutes of runtime.
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Fast Mode: The maximum speed of 5 ft/s (1.5 m/s) and 19.84 lbsf (9 kgf) thrust, offering an exhilarating experience but reducing the runtime to about 12 minutes.
These options allow users to adjust their speed to suit the environment, be it relaxed exploration or fast-paced thrills.
Depth Rating and Buoyancy
With a maximum depth rating of 40 meters (131 feet), the Manta is well-suited for most recreational diving and snorkeling activities. Its positive buoyancy ensures that if the scooter is released underwater, it will float back to the surface, making it easy to retrieve. This feature is especially valuable for beginners or when operating in open water where retrieving a lost scooter might be challenging.
Performance and Real-World Usage
The ASIWO Manta delivers surprising performance for its size. The dual 600W motors generate a substantial thrust, enabling users to easily navigate through water, tow gear, or even pull a second person. It’s particularly praised for how effectively it works at higher speeds, even with the drag caused by diving gear.
However, the battery life is one area where users need to plan carefully. At high speeds, the runtime can be as short as 12 minutes with the standard 126Wh battery. For those planning longer sessions, the 252Wh battery in the Manta Pro variant offers extended runtime—up to 24 minutes in fast mode and 70 minutes in slow mode.
For snorkelers and casual divers, the adjustable speed modes offer great flexibility. However, scuba divers using the Manta may prefer the higher speeds to account for equipment drag, but they will need to manage battery life effectively.
Battery Management and Travel Considerations
Battery Types and Charging
The standard 126Wh lithium-ion battery is sufficient for most casual users, providing runtimes of up to 35 minutes in slow mode and 12 minutes in fast mode. For longer underwater exploration, users can opt for the 252Wh battery (available with the Manta Pro) for extended use.
Charging times vary:
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126Wh battery: Takes 2-3 hours to fully charge.
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252Wh battery: Requires 4-5 hours for a full charge.
For travelers, it’s crucial to note that the 126Wh battery falls within the 100Wh-160Wh range, which requires prior approval from airlines for carry-on. The 252Wh battery exceeds the 160Wh limit and is not permitted for standard airline travel, making it a non-option for most passengers.
Optimal Battery Care
To extend the life of the battery, proper care is necessary. After each use, particularly in saltwater, rinse the scooter with fresh water to avoid corrosion. Allow it to dry completely before storing it, and avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures.
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Safety Features and User Experience
The ASIWO Manta is designed with safety and ease of use in mind:
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Fully encased propellers to prevent accidents.
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Auto-shutoff feature to stop the scooter if the user loses grip.
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Child safety lock to prevent unintended activation, especially important for families.
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Positive buoyancy to ensure the scooter floats to the surface if released.
These features make the Manta an excellent option for families, beginners, and anyone concerned about safety while enjoying underwater exploration.
Maintenance and Durability
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity of the ASIWO Manta. After each use, especially in saltwater, it’s crucial to rinse the scooter thoroughly with fresh water. Check the O-rings for any wear and apply silicone grease to ensure a watertight seal. Avoid storing the scooter in extreme conditions, such as in direct sunlight or a hot car, as this can damage the scooter’s components.
Conclusion
The ASIWO Manta Electric Underwater Scooter offers exceptional value for those looking to enhance their underwater adventures. Its lightweight design, user-friendly features, and impressive propulsion make it an ideal choice for recreational snorkelers, divers, and families. While the battery runtime may be limiting for extended use, its portability, safety features, and solid performance in various underwater conditions make it a top contender in its category. The Manta provides a great balance of affordability, usability, and fun, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of underwater exploration.
FAQs
How deep can the ASIWO Manta go?
The ASIWO Manta has a maximum depth rating of 40 meters (131 feet), which is suitable for most recreational diving and snorkeling activities.
How long does the battery last on the ASIWO Manta?
Battery life varies by speed setting. The 126Wh battery provides up to 35 minutes on slow mode, 20 minutes on middle mode, and 12 minutes on fast mode.
Can I take the ASIWO Manta on a plane?
The 126Wh battery requires prior airline approval for carry-on luggage, while the 252Wh battery is typically not allowed for air travel due to airline restrictions on lithium-ion batteries.
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