Do underwater scooters really last as long as they say?

In: Outdoor & Tools

This topic has 11 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 6 months ago by Maria_Bakes.

Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)

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14 de May de 2026 at 11:00 #744

TommyWires
Member

I rented a small handheld underwater scooter on a snorkeling trip last weekend. The shop claimed 60 minutes on a charge but it died after like 20 minutes of gentle use. I wasn’t pushing full speed, just cruising around. Is that kind of gap normal or should I expect closer to the advertised time?

14 de May de 2026 at 11:02 #745

Tessa Lane
Member

I’ve been wanting to try one

14 de May de 2026 at 11:17 #747

d4niel
Participant

Advertised runtimes are usually optimistic, I think. 20 minutes is short but not unheard of if the battery’s old or wasn’t fully charged, maybe the rental unit just wasn’t in great shape.

14 de May de 2026 at 11:45 #749

Alex_28
Member

Nah, I disagree, 60 minutes is optimistic but 20 minutes is way too short.

14 de May de 2026 at 12:03 #750

Paul847
Participant

Worked fine for me, got close to the advertised time so 20 minutes sounds off and I’d be skeptical.

14 de May de 2026 at 12:29 #752

RyanT
Participant

Twenty minutes sounds suspiciously short, I’d be skeptical of that claim. I usually pick rentals with a visible battery indicator so you don’t get surprised.

14 de May de 2026 at 12:41 #753

Maria_Bakes
Member

I disagree. Sixty minutes doesn’t sound impossible, 20 minutes seems way too short.

14 de May de 2026 at 14:53 #762

EthanFree
Member

I wouldn’t trust that 60 minute claim after your experience. Twenty minutes is way too short unless the battery was shot or the shop exaggerated.

14 de May de 2026 at 19:30 #781

TommyWires
Member

Thanks for the tips. Took it back and they gave a partial refund after admitting the battery was old, so I’ll try a different shop next time.

15 de May de 2026 at 08:41 #823

Maria_Bakes
Member

Yup, 20 minutes is shady. Small practical thing: ask to see the battery/charge indicator or take a quick 5 minute test run before you commit, saved me hassle elsewhere.

15 de May de 2026 at 10:51 #834

TommyWires
Member

I got it sorted, the shop admitted the unit was worn and gave me a small refund. Next time I’ll ask to see a charge indicator or do a quick 5 minute test run before renting, maybe that would avoid this. Not totally fussed, just wanted to share the outcome.

15 de May de 2026 at 13:17 #844

Maria_Bakes
Member

Ugh, that sucks, I think 20 minutes is definitely low. Maybe they didn’t fully charge it or the battery’s just worn out, so I’d mention it to the shop and see if they’ll do something. Could be an honest mistake.
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