Types of DPVs/Scooters
There are basically two types of DPVs: ride on and ride behind. Ride on DPVs are equipped with an integral saddle that you physically sit on and ride. Ride behind DPVs are designed to tow you by the arm and a tow strap that is clipped to your BC or harness.
Ride on DPVs
Ride on DPVs you actually sit on and ride, which creates a larger profile in the water column making you and your DPV less streamlined. Some ride on DPVs are, because of the way they’re designed, faster than ride behind DPVs.
Ride behind DPVs
Ride behind DPVs tow you through the water, which elongates your profile in the water column making you and your DPV more streamlined. Ride behind DPVs are commonly used in cave diving and some wreck diving. They are sometimes slower than the ride on DPVs because of the way they’re designed. Ride behind DPVs usually are clipped off to your harness or BC and only require you to use one arm to ride them. Many of them are balanced so that the handle rotates to the top when placed in the water. This allows you to easily hang on and control the DPV.
