K5 first impressions: robust and compact
The K5 underwater scooter is robust, compact, feels solid in hand, and its metallic construction feels durable. The initial setup was straightforward, and the clear instructions provided a hassle-free assembly experience.
Underwater, the K5 offered smooth and powerful propulsion for a fun and easy dive. The simple control mechanism, consisting of just one button and a trigger, was easy to use, even for a first-timer. It is one of the smallest scooters we have tested, and this definitely made it easier to control and maneuver underwater.
K5 test results
DIVEIN has been testing underwater scooters for several years, and, for a unit that operates on a single standard battery, the K5 was one of the best in our battery test. The K5 lasted 30 minutes at full speed and then continued for approximately 20 more minutes at a lower, energy-saving speed. Edge Smart Drive has stated that the K5 can last from 18 to 60 minutes, and our total 50 minutes is a strong testament to that.
When it comes to speed, there are some larger discrepancies between the company’s data and ours. We also ran a range of speed tests in a 25 m pool with DIVEIN’s co-founder Torben, his 10-year-old son Carl, and then with Torben outfitted in full scuba gear. Each of those runs was performed three to four times to get an average. Below are our results, all in meters per second.
| Adult | Child | Scuba | |
| K5 | 0.85 m/s | 1.15 m/s | 0.48 m/s |
We attribute our slower times to several factors, including the fact that the scooter needed 3 to 4 seconds to get up to speed; we were in a small 25 m pool; and we needed to stop short in order to not hit the wall. However it is still valuable data, and can help you better understand the speed you might achieve.
Assembly and usability
The K5 is a small and compact scooter, measuring just over 10 inches (27cm) for the main unit. The battery can easily be clipped off, which fits securely into its compartment with a simple click.
This quick battery installation also means you can simply swap in a new one when you run out of juice or upgrade to the larger one. We did not test the larger 200wh battery, but it’s nearly twice the length and, according to the company, offers twice the run time.
The single button on the right handle powers the unit on and switches between the three speed modes—normal, 1m/s with 60 minutes of runtime; sport, 1.6m/s with 27 minutes of runtime; and Sport+, 2m/s with 18 minutes of runtime. The trigger controls the speed, and we found it responsive and easy to manage. The K5 is small and simple, and learning how to use it is straightforward.
Limited use
Some of the other underwater scooters we tested are more versatile, and can be mounted in a range of scenarios, such as onto the back of your scuba tank or underneath your standup paddle board. The K5 is unfortunately a one-trick-pony, and is only meant for underwater use.
The K5 is not that strong or fast compared to its competitors, either, and we think it’s best suited to “lighter” activities, such as snorkeling or freediving. If you need a powerful scooter to taxi to your next cave dive or just keep up in a current, we recommend the strong LEFEET P1.
Price/Quality Ratio
Priced at $599, the K5 offers decent value considering its features and performance. It is competitively priced within the market, and its compact and lightweight design makes it a strong addition to all water activities.
Do we recommend the K5 underwater scooter?
Yes, we recommend the K5 for recreational divers or snorkelers seeking a compact and easy-to-use underwater scooter. While it may not be ideal for strong currents or heavy loads, for most typical diving conditions, the K5 is a good candidate for your first (or next) underwater scooter.
Specs & Features
| Weight | 4.85 lbs (2.2kg) |
|---|---|
| Number of speeds/gears | 3 |
| Advertised top speed | 2m/s |
| Our top speed | 1.15 m/s |
| Torben | 0.85 m/s |
| Carl | 1.15 m/s |
| Scuba | 0.48 m/s |
| Advertised battery time | 18-60 mins |
| Our battery time at full speed | 30 minutes |
| Carry-on safe | Yes |
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