Market Survey Results: Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) Also Known as Underwater Scooters

Final Question For All Scuba Divers:

What improvements would you like to see in DPVs?

• Move to the newer, better battery technology.
• More DPVs using magnetic props to lower the amount of failure points.
• Lithium Phosphate tech to help overcome travel difficulties.
• Standardized battery modules so that those can be rented on site, to get around air travel issues.
• Better matched performance. I have several of the same DPV that have different performance.
• More available training, opportunities to try various models before buying.
• I’d like to see manufacturers developing what we need rather than gimmicks.
• Battery cost needs to come down, it is ridiculous what the diving industry in general charges for lithium batteries. The individual components are not that expensive and assembly is not rocket science. That’s not to say you don’t need to know what you are doing to build one, but the markups they are getting are exorbitant.
• It would not be difficult to create GPS guide points underwater for DPV users, and this would make mapping easier and specific waypoints for further exploration or if you have to bolt for the exit. In this situation, the driver would place one to two digital sonar markers. They would provide direct triangulation for the diver and make returning to the guide point better. Furthermore, if you had to drop a scooter, it would aid in finding and recovering the unit. For dive shops in places like Cozumel, DPVs would be a potential money generator and potential introduction for traveling advanced divers. Pre-pandemic Grand Cayman was doing this. We need additional support for airbags if or when someone floods a scooter. Finally, the cost for scooters needs to have four ranges that would allow for better scaling across the market. There needs to be a modular design that would allow for this process and to interchange various parts to allow this to happen.
• Standardized batteries.
• Battery pack modularity and body break-down for travel.
• UX/UI: anyone who is not using a double-sided handle/trigger that can be easily operated via either single hand, with push button speed adjustments, and a modern display giving you a remaining battery percentage (not this count-the-blinking-lights nonsense), needs to be brought into this decade. That trigger also ought to be constructed so that it can’t be filled with sand/debris to inadvertently lock it on or off. Being able to fold the handle away for towing ought to be revisited. Further, charging ports ought to be built into the hull, and accessible externally without removing some giant nose cone. Lighting, we need better options for running video lights, especially powered by the scooter, other than strapping big blue lights externally with float arms, or even worse cam bands. This would include being able to adjust buoyancy in a wider window easily. Prop wash, any design that isn’t able to neutralize its own torque to the diver’s hand, and manage its jet wash to at least delay its impact on the environment through silt poofs, is a flawed design. Diver skill plays a large role here as well. The proliferation of wet motor & magnetically driven designs should continue to enhance reliability.
• It’s a scooter, not a rocket to Mars. Markups are ridiculous in the dive industry.
• More ambidextrous handles, trigger locks, decrease cost while maintaining same quality and reliability.
• The propeller shroud on my $7000 DPV is plastic. I’d like to see it be made from spun aluminum or carbon fiber. I have a pump which is used to vacuum seal the interior. I would like to see the pump work in reverse as well so that I can pressurize the internal space to aid in disassembling the DPV. As I travel, changes in elevation can make the DPV difficult to open.
• Greater range and burn times.
• Fresh/salt water balancing.
• Smaller, lighter units.
• Price and weight.
• Easier speed adjustment.
• Getting parts easily.
• Price is insane for such a simple technology used.
• More economical.
• Cost and reliability, instrumentation (battery level, speed/ distance, navigation, etc.)
• Reduce cost while maintaining reliability.
• Less heavy.
• More affordable.
• Size for travelling.
• Less weight — default neutral buoyancy.
• Lighter to carry on the surface.
• Better modularity for travel.
• Lower price.
• Lighter machines, and easier to travel with.
• Better batteries for longer dives.
• Torque compensation, sonar.
• Better battery health monitoring.
• Digital navigation (compass, speed, depth) display mounted to DPV.
• Weight and reliability.
• Consoles and sealed charging.
• Reliability.
• More affordable, leading to more availability to rent when traveling.
• I’m having difficulty mounting a weight in mine to make it neutrally buoyant. I don’t like the strap situation on mine.
• Cost, battery efficiency, packability.
• Inbuilt compass that’s not affected by the DPV itself.
• Price.
• Modularity.
• Faster charging battery pack, built-in compass, neutrally buoyant.
• Modular Li-ion batteries, lighter weight DPV not subjecting to degrading of performance.
• The battery capacity and small form factor.
• Less weight, rental batteries.
• Battery size and safety.
• Cheaper price for all divers, DPV are a tool for a specific job.
• Weight.
• Battery.
• Size and range.
• Price reduction.
• More affordable. 
• More reliable would be good. And better, easier customer support and DPV repair.
• Reduced cost.
• Easier to travel with.
• Price.
• More modular designs, longer ranges or usage times. Light and other mounts. Dome window, saw this on an armjet once, and it looked great for a GoPro. Digital diagnostic display. Monitoring heat, discharge, cell V, temp outside, estimated runtime on current load/speed.
• Cruise control.
• Weighting options.
• Better batteries.
• Weight and cost of units going down. Plus more units with reduced torque using post swirl stator or similar. More intuitive weighting and options for externally mounted lights powered by DPV.
• Cheaper batteries.
• Cost decreasing.
• Inertia navigation. Sonar/acoustic connection to surface buoy with GPS and data link.
• Torque.
• Less noise and less pricey.
• Safer batteries, more energy capacity.
• Voltage reading by default.
• Improved affordability, better battery life, better battery longevity, easier service options that don’t require shipping long distances.
• Flight-friendly battery chemistry.
• Price.
• Weight out of water, as that is the barrier to using scooters in my more overhead/expeditionary diving.
• Price, reliability and serviceability. I want to be able to fix things myself.
• Affordability, weight out of water, availability.
• Affordability.
• Battery technology, particularly for travel.
• Pressure vessel remains intact between dives/charging. Long period maintenance.
• Intuitive ease of use and reliability.
• Better navigation data retrieval.
• Better distribution, more service centers or online user service courses. 
• Smaller DPV with the ability to travel with batteries without trade off on performance as a technical DPV.
• Cheaper battery packs.
• Improved internal cooling.
• Smaller form factor with larger power 100% adjustable speed, not just gears. (I know that Genesis and a couple of others do this, but I want it to be commonplace).
• Better batteries to extend range.
• Improved warranty.
• More tech re navigation, travel batteries, mounts, easier to balance and trim.
• Serviceability near my home location.
• Reliability.
• Longer battery time vs. weight.
• Burn time.
• Cost must come down.
• Better repair parts sources.
• Higher range to weight ratio.
• Lower price point.
• More navigational aids.
• Price.
• Cost, weight, size (for travel purpose).
• Rent availability.
• Price point, range, reliability.
• Affordability.
• Smaller, more battery life, lower costs, travel-friendliness.
• Cost and battery life.
• Increased run time, lower cost.
• Less expensive, while keeping all other parameters the same.
• More affordable navigation systems.
• Reliability.
• Lower weight more range. Essentially, better efficiency.
• More durability and stronger outside parts. Handles and shrouds, for example.
• Weight on land.
• Price.
• Service and price.
• Anti torque veins in Suex models.
• I’d like to see a ‘mini genesis 3.1’ or more like the size/power of the Seacraft go. But without the Seacraft’s proprietary batteries.
• Better design of trigger and “cruise control” to decrease chance of line entanglement and increase comfort.
• Better handling.
• More gears speeds.
• More mid-range and mid-sized scooters in the $4,000–6,000 USD price range.
• Less weight.
• Reduced price.
• Burn time in smaller models.
• Speed and weight.
• Size, weight, price.
• Battery repairability / proper BMS management.
• Cost.
• More efficient motor.
• Lighter and less expensive.
• Better navigation systems.
• More of a focus on universal parts. Less reliance on sketchy first party electronics.
• Become less expensive.
• Trigger adjustable speed, similar to Genesis.
• Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts.
• Size and duration.
• Improved battery technology, improved navigation options.
• User serviceable.
• More data from the DPV connected to the computer at no cost. That the manufacturer fulfills what was announced.
• Smaller size, airline capable.
• Affordable built-in compass and GPS built-in depth gauge.
• Battery lifetime.
• Safer battery that’s OK for air travel.
• Easier weighting/trim conversion between fresh and salt water.
• Better telemetry.
• Lighter weight and user-replaceable batteries
• Reduced bulk; easier attachment platform.
• Ease of maintenance, reliability, range.
• I would like to see the battery technology improve. The batteries are very expensive.
• Every DPV should have an ambidextrous handle. A mechanism that automatically clears kelp from the prop would be nice.
• Better battery life feedback.
• Battery duration improved, weight reduced.
• More travel-friendly DPVs.
• Use commercially available power-tool batteries, like the Blacktip scooters do.
• Lower prices, easy replacement batteries.
• Battery performance and longevity.
• Affordability.
• Integral ‘power remaining’, compass and depth displays. Automated adjustment for water density (by having an internal water vessel).
• Reliability and speed increasing with price decreasing.
• More light.
• Less expensive batteries with good burn times.
• Lower prices.
• Smaller size and weight.
• Lighter weight, smaller size, increased range.
• Cheaper cost.
• Smaller size, lower weight, longer runtime.
• Prices coming down.
• Access to more optional training.
• Size.
• Increased battery capacity without size increase.
• Less magnetic so can mount compass direct to DPV body.
• Price reduction (with respect to range and reliability).
• Battery technology.
• Better navigation system.
• Lighter, smaller, better range, better underwater navigation tools (updated Sinapsi/ Eron kind of tools).
• Lower price.
• No need to open hull. Battery meter. Smaller and lighter, please.
• Better reliability.
• Smaller batteries.
• Costs are crazy!!! Same for spare parts.
• Price.
• Better battery options.
• Lower cost.
• Easy service/maintenance.
• Noise reducing.
• Smaller size, lower cost.
• Longer range.
• Lower cost. Better features in regards to battery life/price.
• Affordability.
• Navigation.
• Battery life; affordability.
• Decrease in size.
• Vacuum ports.
• I would love to see more non-proprietary battery packs like the Genesis.
• Price.
• Variable speed options.
• Cost.
• Better torque reducing solutions in Suex scooters, price decrease, training.
• Less need for improvements — more making current tech affordable.
• Better adjustment (quickly lengthen or shorten).
• Lower price point, neutral buoyancy, more safety features.
• Better range, price.
• External charging, narcotics drive, eliminate rear shaft seals.
• Battery management systems, standardizations.
• Affordability, weight, cost to own.
• Cheaper; lighter.
• Weight, size.
• Reduce size and increase battery output, better low maintenance.
• Less weight, more range.
• More speed and range for less weight, and batteries that aren’t so expensive to replace.
• Replacement battery cost is astronomical.
• Improvements in weight and battery capacity.
• More cost-effective.
• Easier to travel with and transport.
• Battery monitor while diving.
• Cost.
• Proper bulkhead sealing.
• Vacuum seal option.
• Lower price and integrated lights.
• Mainly cost reduction as adoption rates increase.
• Smaller size and weight while maintaining stability, lower price.
• More modular acceleration ramp.
• Smaller size, longer battery duration and reduced prices.
• Range and price.
• Size & weight.
• Lower price tag.
• External charging.
• Small size, lightweight, but also stability (these don’t go hand in hand).
• Range, speed, stability.
• Affordable prices.
• Smaller, lighter.
• Standardized and exchangeable batteries.
• Bring the cost down.
• Developing some standardization among manufacturers in order for DPVs to accommodate a wide range of installed accessories (camera, mounts, nav systems, etc.)
• Reliability.
• Lower costs with increased reliability.
• Range.
• Lower cost.
• More range, faster recharge.
• Available to rent in more places.
• Cheaper price.
• Underwater navigation tracking system.
• Better technology to increase battery life/reduce battery deterioration.
• Reduce weight; ability to easily rent batteries.
• More availability of accessories.
• Navigation assistance.
• More energy dense and cheaper batteries. So, more range for the same weight and price.
• Cheaper.
• Reduction in cost and ease of travel.
• Smaller size, less weight, silence.
• Lighter weight out of water.
• A reduction in cost and weight.
• Lighter, smaller, cheaper.
• Heating in the sun is very risky with some DPVs with displays.
• Range, cruise control.
• Noise reduction.
• Display remaining battery level.
• Check actual speed and not only the speed gear. More cave survey and mapping tools.
• Reliability.
• Underwater navigation and communication, lighter, cheaper.
• Built-in navigation.
• Size, weight, reliability, battery / power improvement.
• More simplicity.
• Weight, ease of weighting in salt and fresh water.
• Cost.
• Lower costs, better/simpler methods to balance scooter.
• More affordable.
• Cost.
• Impossible to flood, user replaceable batteries, user serviceable units (especially in the field), completely isolated / waterproof electronic panel, higher depth limits for the travel-friendly and/or cheaper models.
• Weight.
• High-capacity batteries easily available.
• Forbid the ones that can be operated hands free and placed between your legs. Incredibly dangerous with just a tiny bit of deviation from perfectly horizontal and no hand on the throttle as it’s fixed and just keeps going.
• Size.
• Better batteries.
• Size reduction.
• Smaller batteries with greater life.
• Better customer service.
• Easier to trim.
• Standard ambidextrous handles, continued improvements in reliability, some integration of battery health with my dive computer.
• Lighter/smaller.
• Price to value is kind of off at the moment. $10K for a DPV. Hard to justify. 
• Prices are ridiculous. It’s not a rocket to the moon!
• Always improving the battery. If necessary, other battery types that make it easier to transport the scooter on an airplane.
• Increase ease of air traveling.
• Lighter batteries, longer range.
• Some sort of navigation that does not require you to shoot a monstrous buoy to get signal.
• Lower weight for given specifications.
• Removable prop.
• Price.
• Cost.
• External charging has its advantages and would be appreciated. My SUEX came with a standard set of weights for salt water and fresh water. These weights are supposed to ensure neutral buoyancy and horizontal trim. However, I find that stick-on tire weights — like the ones that come with GENESIS DPVs— allow the user to fine tune the buoyancy and trim of the DPV much more precisely.
• Range.
• Battery life.
• Lower price & weight of battery.
• Inclusion of a kill switch. A tech diver died here in Vancouver a few years back when his DPV dragged him up to the surface because the thruster got stuck in the on-position.
• Being able to travel easier with batteries.
• Built in compass, firmware updates.
• I would like to have reliable DPVs, with less weight. And GPS underwater.
• Cheaper.
• After sale support.
• Built in compass or (when technology allows) GPS functionality, built in lights.
• Weight to come down. Torque at high speeds, increased motor efficiency to require less power for given thrust thereby requiring less battery, reducing weight, and/or increasing range.
• An instant temporary shutoff button method. To shut it completely down just to clip it off for a brief moment is a bit inefficient. A quick temporary switch for that would be a nice improvement.
• Weight.
• Become smaller and lighter.
• Higher quality and reduced cost.
• Lighter surface weight and longer range.
• Price.
• Better buoyancy management.
• Cost, battery, gauges.
• Lighter, faster and longer duration.
• Weight.
• Manufacturer-independent navigation.
• More affordable and more flight travel-friendly (weight & size).
• Lower priced options. More reliable/ durable.
• Battery gauge.
• External charging port.
• Reduced weight on land.
• Battery efficiency.
• More modular.
• Some type of GPS system.
• Smaller/lighter.
• Affordability.
• More travel-friendly
• Continued improvement of propeller line/fouling resistance. Additional work on reducing DPV noise. Motor optimization available now from third-party vendors can produce some truly capable and nearly silent DPVs.
• I would like to see more active seal testing capability that is always present on the assembled scooter. I would also like an industry effort toward manufacturing accessories that are neutrally buoyant in fresh water to allow accessory addition/removal without requiring significant re-ballasting/trimming of the DPV.
• Training opportunities prior to purchase.
• More DPVs available under $4000.
• Built in compass/computer or underwater version of GPS developed.
• Built-in lights.
• Size and weight.
• Better navigational systems for travelling to targets and recording the actual path traveled.
• Reliable cost-effective navigation
• Weight to power to battery ratios. 
• More DPVs with magnetic drive.
• Better battery technology, leading to more range and less weight.
• Sonar.
• Weight reduction.
• Lower costs.
• Good trim and balance.
• Smaller DPVS for recreational use that don’t get in the way as much. (and/or able to be used as a backup from manual propulsion).
• Cheaper.
• Lower weight, longer battery life.
• Size, cost.
• Less expensive.
• Affordable navigation system with waypoint support that can be retrofitted to any DPV.
• Lighter overall, battery efficiency.
• More training.
• Training opportunity for people that live away from things to have a chance to do it. 
• Affordability (outrageous prices).
• Self-driving.
• Lower cost, better manufacturer support.
• Less expense, lighter and more compact.
• Lower cost.
• Easier to operate, cheaper, sturdier.
• Easier handling when not in the water, lower price, introduction of how to use them during tech courses.
• Navigational functionality, something like a breadcrumb-type system to navigate back to anchor lines or retrace steps within a cave system.
• Greater accessibility for divers of all levels.