Electric scooters become unexpected war steeds for Russian troops
The war in Ukraine is filled with surprising scenes more suited to action films than reality. One such example is Russians' use of electric scooters as a means of transportation in front-line regions. We explore the reasons for using such equipment, along with its advantages and disadvantages.
Three years ago, many considered the Russians the second most powerful army in the world. However, they have reduced themselves to the level of a Third World country. Unable to provide transportation for their soldiers, they use whatever they can organise themselves. Ukrainians use similar solutions, but they do not have the status of a regional power on the international stage.
In an attempt to increase their chances of survival, Russians use electric motorbikes, bicycles, and scooters. Below, you can see footage of Russian soldiers retreating from a defensive position using electric scooters purchased with their own funds. These allow for a journey of about 35 kilometres on paved roads.
Frontline scooters used by Russians — here's what they're using
Russians use off-road variants of scooters, as only these can move on damaged roads. Such models can be purchased on the Polish market at prices ranging from about £400 to £1,950. They typically offer a carrying capacity of up to 150 kilograms, but for a soldier with weapons and gear, a carrying capacity of 200 kilograms would be preferable, which is rarer.
The range, on the other hand, is highly dependent on the battery and electric motor used. There are models with a power of 1000 watts and a battery capacity of 17.5 ampere-hours and models with a power of 10000 watts and a battery capacity of 40 ampere-hours. Their batteries can also serve as power banks, charging for electronic equipment in the field, where access to electricity is a luxury.
The advantage of such a means of transport is the ability to quickly move up to 60 kilometres per hour while maintaining a low acoustic signature, as the electric motor is practically silent compared to a combustion engine motorcycle.
It is worth noting, however, that if detected by the enemy and attacked by FPV drones, the chance of survival is zero. Drones are faster than any scooter or dirt bike, as has been proven multiple times by footage of FPV drones successfully hitting fleeing targets.
