How Underwater Scooter Motors Work

Asiwo| 10 luglio 2025
How Underwater Scooter Motors Work

The propulsion system of an underwater scooter is powered by a brushless DC motor (BLDC).

This motor drives a rear propeller that pushes water backward, generating forward thrust ( following Newton’s third law ) .

These motors are quiet, energy-efficient, and corrosion-resistant—ideal for long-term underwater use .

Propellers are often enclosed with ducted housings and guiding fins to improve directional flow and thrust efficiency.

Most scooters run on lithium-ion batteries, providing about 60–90 minutes of runtime .

 Premium models also feature multi-speed controls and buoyancy compensation to adjust to underwater loads like dive gear.

Motor Types: Brushless vs. Brushed

Modern underwater scooters primarily use brushless DC motors (BLDC).

These motors are more efficient, quieter, and have a longer lifespan since they eliminate mechanical brushes .

Some budget or older models may use brushed DC motors, but they tend to overheat and wear out faster.

A few high-end models (like jet-pump propulsion units) use an internal impeller system that offers greater thrust and better clog resistance.

For instance, the Sublue Vapor uses a 6-blade impeller and 12 guide vanes for high-performance thrust .

Overall, BLDC motors dominate because of their superior thrust-to-weight ratio and energy efficiency .

Recommended: Top 6 Best Underwater Scooters Under $600

Performance Comparison: Asiwo vs Other Brands

Here’s a breakdown of major underwater scooter brands and their motor specs:

Asiwo

  • Asiwo U1 is a dual-use design for both surfing and diving, with a 1100W brushless motor. It features 3 speeds: approx. 6kgf (low), 12kgf (medium), and 17kgf (high); top speed reaches about 10 ft/s (≈3.05 m/s), with around 60 minutes of runtime .

  • Asiwo Manta is a compact diver unit powered by a 126Wh battery, with 3 speeds (2 ft/s, 3.3 ft/s, 5 ft/s); single-battery runtime is about 35 minutes .

  • Asiwo Mako is a smaller scooter with a 36V 300W brushless motor, top speed of 5 ft/s, and a 36V 2.5Ah (90Wh) battery providing up to 60 minutes runtime .

  • Most Asiwo products are lightweight (Mako = 2.6 kg, Manta = 7.7 lbs), great for beginners or casual users .

Snorkeling with Asiwo 2-in-1 DPV

Yamaha

  • Yamaha 500Li is a flagship model with a 500W BLDC motor, top speed of approx. 4.35 mph (≈7 km/h), and an impressive 90-minute runtime . It can dive to 40 m and includes 3-speed control and auto buoyancy adjustment .

  • Yamaha Seawing II uses twin motors, offering speeds up to 5 mph (≈8 km/h); combined power ≈1000W, with about 40 minutes of runtime .

  • Yamaha RDS300 is more affordable, with top speed ≈ 3 mph, runtime ≈ 90 minutes .
    Yamaha units are known for durability. The 500Li is best for long, deep dives; Seawing II is speed-focused with twin-motor setup.

Sublue

  • Sublue MixPro has dual motors with approx. 11kgf (≈110N) thrust, top speed of 1.8 m/s (≈6.5 ft/s), and a 122Wh battery lasting 60 minutes . It weighs just 3.55 kg and can dive 40 m.

  • Sublue Vapor is a high-end pump-jet scooter with 21kgf thrust, max speed of 10 km/h, and a 29.6V 13Ah (384Wh) battery, also with 60 minutes of runtime .

  • Sublue Navbow uses twin motors, delivers 15kgf (≈147N) thrust, top speed 2 m/s, and 60-minute runtime .
    Sublue is known for powerful thrust and innovative designs. Vapor is top-tier for strength; MixPro is light and well-balanced.

Comparison Table

Brand & Model Motor Type Max Thrust Top Speed Runtime Efficiency (N/W)
Asiwo U1 Brushless DC 17 kgf (≈167N) 10 ft/s (≈3.05 m/s) ≈60 min ≈0.15 N/W
Asiwo Manta Brushless DC — (light-duty) 5 ft/s (≈1.52 m/s) ≈35 min
Asiwo Mako Brushless DC 5 ft/s (≈1.52 m/s) ≈60 min
Yamaha 500Li Brushless DC ~10 kgf class 4.35 mph (≈7 km/h) ≈90 min ≈0.14 N/W
Yamaha Seawing II Brushless DC 5 mph (≈8 km/h) ≈40 min
Sublue MixPro Brushless DC 11 kgf (≈110N) 1.8 m/s (≈6.5 ft/s) ≈60 min ≈0.90 N/W
Sublue Vapor Pump Jet BLDC 21 kgf (≈206N) 10 km/h ≈60 min ≈0.32 N/W
Sublue Navbow Brushless DC 15 kgf (≈147N) 2 m/s (≈4.47 mph) ≈60 min ≈0.24 N/W

Note: Thrust is listed in kgf and Newtons. Efficiency = approximate thrust-to-power ratio (N/W) for general comparison.

Conclusion

In summary:

  • BLDC motors are the gold standard for underwater scooters due to efficiency and reliability.

  • Asiwo scooters (like U1, Mako) are great for beginners or families—lightweight, decent thrust, and dual-purpose options .

  • Yamaha 500Li is ideal for long deep dives, thanks to extended battery life .

  • Sublue Vapor excels in speed and thrust, perfect for advanced users seeking performance .

  • Sublue MixPro strikes a great balance between portability and power .

Choose based on your diving depth, budget, and performance needs.

FAQs

Q: What's the best underwater scooter for beginners?

The Asiwo Mako or Manta are excellent choices—affordable, lightweight, and easy to use.

Q: Can I use an Asiwo U1 for both diving and surfing?

Yes, the U1 is a hybrid scooter designed for dual-use with powerful thrust and good top speed.

Q: How long does the Yamaha 500Li battery last?

Up to 90 minutes depending on usage and speed level—great for extended dives.

Q: What's the most powerful scooter in terms of thrust?

Sublue Vapor, with a pump-jet design and 21kgf thrust, is among the strongest.

Q: Is a brushless motor really better than a brushed one?

Absolutely. Brushless motors offer more efficiency, longer lifespan, and quieter operation—ideal for underwater use.

Meet the Team Behind Asiwo

ASlWO not only handles design and manufacturing but also priolitizes meeting consumer needs through sales and service, delivering quality, performance, value, and professionalism in every product.

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