Russian troops ride into battle on electric scooters
The Russian army is resorting to unconventional methods in an attempt to gain an advantage on the battlefield. One such strategy involves using electric scooters to attack Ukrainian positions. But is this mode of transportation effective in warfare?
The war in Ukraine, ongoing for just under three years, is undoubtedly one of the most well-documented conflicts in history. The wealth of material provides insight into the realities of the battlefield, showcasing some of the unconventional tactics soldiers employ. In a surprising move, the Russians now use electric scooters instead of tanks.
Russian assault on electric scooters
The Ukrainian "Azov" Brigade shared a video on YouTube depicting a Russian attack and the successful defense mounted by Ukrainian forces. Notably, a segment of the video shows a group of Russian soldiers advancing on electric scooters. Interestingly, this is not the first documented attack by Russians using scooters.
Previously, similar assaults have been observed using motorcycles or electric bicycles. This raises the question: Is this approach effective, and most importantly, why are Russians opting for this mode of transport?
Does an electric scooter make sense on the frontlines?
"In recent months, during large-scale attacks, the enemy has suffered significant losses of armored vehicles. Therefore, the Russians now resort to using cars, buggies, and even electric scooters on a large scale," reads the video description. This suggests that the use of electric scooters may stem from a shortage of better transport options.
The Russian army employs off-road versions of electric scooters, which can navigate over damaged surfaces. The cost of such equipment is approximately $500 to $2,500. These scooters typically have a carrying capacity of about 330 lbs.
The main advantage of electric scooters on the battlefield is their high mobility. They can provide a tactical edge with speeds of up to 37 mph. Additionally, they have a low acoustic signature since the electric motor is nearly silent. Furthermore, the battery in an electric scooter can also function as a power bank.
However, electric scooters do not offer any protection against gunfire. They are also disadvantaged when confronted with FPV drones, as drones are typically faster than electric scooters.
