The Waydoo Subnado has become one of the most interesting compact electric water products on the market. Small enough to travel with, powerful enough to be genuinely useful, and versatile enough to support everything from snorkelling and swimming to paddleboard adventures, it sits in a very different space from larger, bulkier sea scooters.
At The SUP Company, we offer three main Subnado sea scooter packages: the Subnado Lite Sea Scooter, the Subnado Standard Sea Scooter Package, and the Subnado PLUS Sea Scooter. They look similar at first glance, but they are not all aimed at exactly the same customer.
This guide explains the difference clearly, so you can choose the right Subnado for how you actually want to use it.
Shop the full Subnado range at The SUP Company →
What is the Waydoo Subnado?
The Subnado is a compact electric sea scooter designed to give you powered assistance in the water. Depending on the package and accessories, it can be used for snorkelling, swimming, freediving, light scuba use, family water fun, paddleboard sessions and travel adventures.
The clever part is its size. Rather than being a large, heavy underwater scooter that only comes out for specialist use, the Subnado is small enough to pack, carry and use regularly. That makes it much more realistic for holidays, boat days, beach sessions and general watersports use.
For most buyers, the decision is not really “Should I buy a Subnado?” but “Which Subnado package makes the most sense for me?”
Subnado range at a glance
| Package | Best for | Key reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Subnado Lite | Casual snorkelling, swimming, holidays and simple handheld use | The easiest and most affordable entry point |
| Subnado Standard | All-round sea scooter use with a more complete accessory setup | The best balanced option for most buyers |
| Subnado PLUS | Stronger towing, more power and a more capable performance feel | The step-up option with more thrust and a larger battery |
1. Subnado Lite Sea Scooter
The Subnado Lite Sea Scooter is the simplest way into the Subnado range. It is aimed at people who want compact, portable underwater fun without overcomplicating the package.
It uses the same broad compact Subnado idea: a small 98Wh battery platform, up to 6.5kg of thrust, three speed settings plus cruise mode, USB-C fast charging and a depth rating of up to 60m. Runtime is listed at up to around 50 minutes, although real-world use will vary depending on speed setting, rider size and conditions.
Who should buy the Subnado Lite?
Choose the Lite if you want a simple handheld sea scooter for relaxed snorkelling, swimming, shallow exploring, beach days and holiday use. It is the right fit if you value portability, ease of use and price over having the most complete accessory bundle from day one.
Who should not buy the Subnado Lite?
If you already know you want a broader accessory package, the Subnado Standard Package makes more sense. If you want the most powerful Subnado in the range, look at the Subnado PLUS.
Shop Subnado Lite Sea Scooter →
2. Subnado Standard Sea Scooter Package
The Subnado Standard Sea Scooter Package is the classic all-round Subnado option. For many buyers, this is the most sensible starting point because it gives you the compact Subnado motor with a more complete accessory setup.
The Standard package offers up to 6.5kg of thrust, a top speed of up to 1.4m/s, up to 56 minutes runtime, a 98Wh airline-friendly battery, USB-C fast charging, IP68 waterproofing and a 60m depth rating. It is still compact and travel-friendly, but it gives you more versatility straight out of the box than the Lite package.
Why choose the Standard package?
The Standard package is the one to choose if you want the most balanced Subnado setup. It is still compact, still travel-friendly, and still easy to use, but the included accessories make it more flexible for snorkelling, swimming, underwater exploring and mixed family use.
The package includes the Subnado main unit, handle bracket, standard wired thumb controller, finger-safe propeller guard, arm mount, accessories mount, handgrip, wrist band, USB-C charging cable, grease and essential spares.
Who is it best for?
This is the package we would point most general buyers towards if they want a proper Subnado sea scooter rather than the stripped-back entry option. It is ideal for holidays, snorkelling trips, boat days, confident family use and anyone who wants a compact underwater scooter they can grow into.
Shop Subnado Standard Sea Scooter Package →
3. Subnado PLUS Sea Scooter
The Subnado PLUS Sea Scooter is the higher-performance option in the range. It keeps the compact Subnado concept but steps things up with an 800W motor, 144Wh battery, up to 9.3kg of thrust, up to 1.7m/s top speed and up to 60 minutes runtime.
That extra performance makes the PLUS feel more capable in the water. It is better suited to buyers who want stronger pull, more headroom and a more serious sea scooter feel, without moving into a much larger and less portable system.
Who should buy the Subnado PLUS?
Choose the PLUS if you want more power and are less likely to be satisfied with the smallest model. It is a good option for stronger swimmers, more adventurous snorkellers, freedivers, light scuba users, boat owners and anyone who wants a more capable compact sea scooter.
What should you consider before buying the PLUS?
The larger 144Wh battery is a real advantage on the water, but it is worth checking airline battery rules if you plan to fly with it. Batteries above 100Wh can be subject to airline approval, so always check the latest rules with your airline before travelling.
Shop Subnado PLUS Sea Scooter →
Which Subnado should you buy?
If you want the simplest answer:
- Buy the Subnado Lite if you want the easiest, most affordable handheld option for casual snorkelling, swimming and holidays.
- Buy the Subnado Standard Package if you want the best all-round package with more accessories and broader use straight away.
- Buy the Subnado PLUS if you want more thrust, a bigger battery and a stronger performance feel.
Is Subnado right for paddleboarding?
Yes, but it depends what you mean by “right for paddleboarding”. If you want a Subnado for swimming around your board, snorkelling from your SUP, or adding fun to family paddleboard sessions, the Lite, Standard or PLUS can all make sense depending on budget and desired power.
If your main aim is to add powered assistance directly to a paddleboard, the better starting point is the dedicated Subnado Sea Scooter SUP Motor Package. That version is built around board-mounted use and includes the mounting hardware and extended wired thumb controller needed for proper SUP assistance.
If you are looking for powered take-off assistance for foiling, Subnado is not the right product. In that case, look at a dedicated foil-assist product such as the Waydoo FoilBoost Assist Kit.
Useful Subnado accessories
One of the strengths of the Subnado platform is the wider accessory ecosystem. Depending on how you want to use it, you may also want to look at:
- Subnado US Fin Box Mount – useful if you want a board-mounted setup using a compatible US fin box.
- Subnado SUP Motor Package – the best route if paddleboard assistance is the main goal.
- Full Subnado collection – all current Subnado packages, mounts and accessories in one place.
Final recommendation
For most buyers, the Subnado Standard Sea Scooter Package is the safest all-round choice. It gives you the compact, travel-friendly Subnado experience with a fuller accessory package and enough versatility for a wide range of water use.
The Subnado Lite is the best choice if you want to keep things simple, portable and cost-effective. The Subnado PLUS is the one to choose if you know you want more power, stronger pull and a more capable performance feel.
Still not sure? Browse the full Subnado range at The SUP Company, compare against our wider Sea Scooters collection, or explore all Waydoo electric products. If you want us to sense-check the best option for your board, trip or intended use, contact The SUP Company and we will help point you in the right direction.
Subnado FAQs
What is the difference between Subnado Lite and Standard?
The Lite is the simpler entry-level package, while the Standard package is the more complete all-round setup with broader accessories included. Choose Lite for simple handheld fun and Standard if you want more versatility from day one.
Is the Subnado PLUS much more powerful?
Yes. The PLUS steps up to an 800W motor, 144Wh battery and up to 9.3kg of thrust. It is the better choice if you want stronger pull and a more capable performance feel.
Can I take a Subnado on a plane?
The Lite and Standard models use a 98Wh battery, which is designed with travel in mind and sits below the common 100Wh airline threshold. Airline policies still vary, so always check with your airline before flying. The PLUS has a 144Wh battery, so airline approval may be required.
Which Subnado is best for paddleboarding?
If you want a sea scooter to use around your paddleboard for swimming, snorkelling and fun, the Lite, Standard or PLUS can all work depending on your needs. If you want powered assistance mounted to the board, choose the dedicated Subnado Sea Scooter SUP Motor Package.
Is Subnado a foil assist system?
No. Subnado is a compact sea scooter and propulsion platform. If you want powered assistance for foil take-offs, look at a dedicated foil assist system such as the Waydoo FoilBoost Assist Kit.
Which Subnado package is best value?
For most customers, the Standard package is the strongest value because it balances price, performance and accessories. Lite is best if you want the lowest-cost entry point, while PLUS is best if performance is the priority.