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Electric bicycles are a very popular travel tool at present, and with its high plasticity and convenience to extend a number of categories, in the use of scenarios continue to expand. In addition to daily use scenarios, it is favored by the military around the world with the advantages of agility and flexibility, so the electric two-wheeler has gradually become the strategic reserve in some countries in the 21st century.
Where consider it as strategic reserve
Norway: In 2018, the Norwegian armed forces began testing electic bikes with fat tires in their own border patrols.
New Zealand: In 2020, the New Zealand Defence Force began trialling UBCO’s electric utility bikes.
Australia: In 2021, Australia began to trial stealth electric bicycles, the same year that the electric motorcycle mounted on the helicopter was first applied, this combination can bring special operations teams quickly into the mission area.
United States: As early as 2022, there were reports that police departments across the United States were using electric bicycles to carry out patrol duties, which was a triple act in the official explanation. Using electric bicycles to patrol can not only increase the patrol distance and improve the efficiency of patrol, but also allow the police to get proper exercise during patrol.
France: In January 2024, the French military also joined and announced the completion of the first phase of testing of an electric two-wheeler. The e-bike tested is often referred to as a high e-bike speed in France and can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, while the light electric motorcycle tested can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and weighs only 45 kg.
Russia: Russia has begun testing its homemade electric motorcycles for use in its war with Ukraine. The nearly three-year war has taken a heavy toll on Russia, including the destruction of thousands of tanks and other military vehicles. In order to reduce losses and improve operational agility, based on the development of science and technology and the market background, Russia has also begun to choose electric two-wheelers in military vehicles.
At least five countries around the world are deploying or testing electric bicycles, including countries such as Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Australia, using electric two-wheelers as their own strategic reserve for the 21st century.
Milatary electric two-wheelers in use
An interview by Spanish war correspondent Christian Segura in 2024 focused on a new phenomenon on the battlefield – the increasing use of motorcycles by Russian assault troops, especially electric motorcycles. In addition to electric motorcycles, ATVs and electric mountain bikes also play a similar role. And the best moutain bike is for your reference.
The Spanish journalist believes that this role is very similar to the cavalry in the past war, with a strong emphasis on mobility and concealment.
Motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes have stronger and more flexible off-road capabilities.More importantly, the traditional armored vehicle targets are large and poor concealment, especially in offensive operations, once exposed in open areas, it is difficult to escape the direct attack of drones, or the artillery attack called by drones. On the contrary, motorcycles, ATVs and bicycles have small targets, are easy to hide between trees and buildings, and carry people scattered, even if they are found and attacked by drones, the loss is much smaller.
Not only are these small SUVs maneuverable and stealthily visible, but the Russian army also effectively combines drone, artillery and warplane support. When a few Russian electric vehicles appear in the Ukrainian army positions, it does not mean that the Ukrainian army is only hit by light weapons, a large number of precision artillery and even glide bombs may quickly blow up.
Electric two-wheelers used in war
The types and characteristics of electric two-wheelers
- Electric motorcycles: Electric motorcycles have long been used in military applications.
- The advantage of electric motorcycles is that soldiers can quietly approach the enemy, electric motorcycles are not only light, quiet, and have excellent acceleration and mobility performance, so that the crew can quickly detect, patrol or transfer position, greatly improving combat efficiency and flexibility.
- Motorcycles can also greatly reduce the load of special forces in the field alone, the carrying capacity of the electric two wheels is enough to allow the driver to put ammunition, weapons and supplies on the car, it is special operations, killing the enemy in the silent weapon.
- Electric bicycles: The electric operation of electric bicycles is quieter than that of traditional internal combustion engines, so they have greater potential for tactical applications.
- The bikes’ small size and low infrared signature mean they are ideal for reconnaissance and special operations. If the bike is equipped with an electric motor and generator, it can save the rider’s physical strength during the driving process. Bicycles can also be turned into mopeds with simple modifications (for example, using a low-power internal combustion engine or even a chainsaw engine), a vehicle that is still light enough to move easily over obstacles.
- In the case of a march of 30-50 kilometers, bicycles move faster and quieter than armored vehicles, mechanized infantry, or infantry (and can be quickly camouflaged at the first sign of danger). At distances of 50-120 km, the arrival time of bicycle troops is roughly the same as that of heavy equipment. It is understood that after the United States Army conducted a large exercise, bicycle scouts were found to allow reconnaissance troops to achieve their objectives hours ahead of schedule.
Of course, electric two-wheelers also have obvious downsides – they are not suitable for really long marches and offer no protection to the rider. In the 21st century, however, no one is proposing a frontal assault. However, as a tool for special operations, airborne, rear raid or reconnaissance, the bicycle has proven its superior performance.
The problem of military electric two-wheelers
- Payload issues: The payload of most two-wheeled vehicles is beyond the range of the rider. Electic bike with basket and luggage racks can help with distribution, but limitations remain. Modern soldiers carry heavy loads, and things that are suitable for locomotion on foot do not work when riding, and a heavy backpack or weapon on the rider significantly reduces control and safety.
- Endurance issues: Long-term negative effects on the battery and motor wheels are also possible with long periods of riding on rough roads, the speed and power storage of the body charging under high load conditions. The use of electric motorcycles in combat conditions is also associated with many other limitations and problems. For example, you can’t charge a battery anywhere. If you need the ebike battery repair in the field can only be carried out by replacing the entire unit, which requires an established spare parts supply system.
Overall, the prospects for now the electric bikes in military operations are extremely limited. They only show acceptable performance on good roads without significant loads and other significant limitations.
Conclusion
Electric two-wheelers have made new progress in technological development and application, but they are still inferior to the traditional technology of traditional motorcycles in all aspects. This paper introduces that the electric two-wheel has gradually become the strategic reserve of some countries in the 21st century, and describes its application, characteristics and application problems in the military.
In the future, a strategic reserve, electric two-wheelers will not only improve the quality and technologyl, but also feed back to the market, improve the product quality and technical level of the entire electric two-wheelers industry.
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