The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to hold many surprises as each side seeks to innovate. Several images from the front have been posted, showing Russian soldiers on electric scooters typically used in civilian life. Initially in May, two Russian soldiers thanked donors on Telegram for two models that were given to them. Then, on July 2, a unit of Ukrainian assault forces posted a video of Russian soldiers targeted by artillery fire. One of the Russian soldiers fled the affected area on an electric scooter, likely the same model.
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An unusual method of movement by Russian soldiers was filmed in the DPR in the Pokrovskyi direction. Soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces are travelling across the field on fast scooters (Picture source:Ukrainian drones operator )

By mid-July, images taken by Ukrainian drones showed Russian soldiers in the Pokrovsk region (Donetsk Oblast) moving along a road cluttered with debris and battle relics on two electric scooters. This fact is not only amusing but also demonstrates the personal initiative of the units. However, this isn't the first information about using small electric vehicles during this conflict, as Ukrainians have received E-bikes, and movements on foot or by bicycle by certain Russian or Ukrainian units have already been observed. Quick and silent movements seem to be the key to this conflict today.

The conflict in Ukraine is atypical; the use of drones has completely redefined the practices and customs of traditional warfare. Staying in the same position for long is a considerable risk for both vehicles and personnel on foot. Moreover, it is expected that both the vehicle and the personnel would be detected and struck by a stealthy drone.

Additionally, the war in Ukraine has seen an increase in the use of mines, both personal and anti-material, limiting movement because of these mines. Although anti-personnel mines, having a reduced explosive charge, are ineffective against vehicles, they are particularly effective against personnel on foot. However, this is not the case with anti-vehicle mines. These mines, to not waste explosives and destructive power, are manufactured with a pressure sensor, and these charges can only be activated with a pressure of 150 kg for most. Even if a soldier rides over it with his electric scooter, the mine will remain inert.

Furthermore, we see today that positions do not remain in place for long and are regularly attacked and taken, then lost. The key element, therefore, is movement, which must be discreet and rapid. There is no difficulty in finding photos of columns of destroyed armored vehicles lined up behind each other because they are too visible and easily locatable.

Russian assaut troops " stormtrooper", showing results of follewers donations on Telegram ( Picture source : Telegram) 

Like other observed means, such as bicycles or small motorcycles carrying one or two soldiers, the scooter allows for increased movement speed while maintaining a certain discretion because it is less easy to detect a small electric motor than an engine of an armored vehicle.

Moreover, it is noted that the difficulty of having armored vehicles or those dedicated to troop liaison and movement is indeed present. Several reports filmed by Western media within Ukrainian troops show the necessity for troops to move on foot to quickly change position as no vehicle is available or to borrow civilian vehicles.

The low cost and production time of electric vehicles thus present a solution to this.

The electric scooter, as seen in these photos, has a major disadvantage; indeed, it is a rather fragile vector, a lot of maintenance is expected, and the scooter cannot evolve on rough terrains such as fields or in the rasputitsa (mud from snowmelt or autumn, typical of the Russian and Ukrainian plains). Moreover, a scooter, like a bicycle or a motorcycle, offers no protection and especially endangers the soldier because he is elevated, thus there is an increased risk of being targeted by a shot. But this remains in the realm of probability.

Destroyed motorbikes after  failed Russian Assaut attempts, here motorbikes are use to storm ukrainian position, but lack of protection allows destrcution with artillery shell and schrapnel, picture was shot on July 1st near Vuhledar  by 72nd ukrainian  Brigade ( Picture source :  Ukrainian brigade)