Key Facts
- Vehicle
- MUL.E – Ukraine's first all-wheel-drive electric military motorcycle
- Approval
- Operational approval for combat use in July 2026
- Range
- Approximately 62 miles
- Field Charging
- Gasoline generator mounted on the frame
- Mine Resistance
- Low ground pressure, similar to an infantryman's foot
- Procurement
- Ukrainian MoD authorized purchase of 1,500 bikes in 2026; number of MUL.Es unclear
Background
The Russo-Ukrainian War has driven both sides to innovate with new high-tech tools, from drones to new weapons, vehicles, and ammunition. Getting personnel into and out of dangerous areas quickly has long been a key part of modern military operations, and Ukraine's latest motorcycle aims to address that need.
The MUL.E is Ukraine's first all-wheel-drive electric motorcycle. It received operational approval for combat use in July 2026. While motorcycles have been used by militaries since World War I, an electric bike that is ruggedized, mine-resistant, and has a 62-mile range is unprecedented on the battlefield.
Current Situation
The Ukrainian Department of Defense will receive an unknown number of MUL.Es. The bike's design was informed by combat experiences and lessons learned, helping to drive innovation while maintaining performance goals.
The MUL.E is chargeable in the field via a gasoline generator mounted onto its frame. If batteries run down, personnel can use gas to charge them back up, making the bike highly useful. It can also provide power to a unit.
The Ukrainian MoD authorized the purchase of 1,500 bikes in 2026, though it is unclear how many will be MUL.Es, as the nation also operates numerous dirt bikes and other two-wheeled vehicles.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Range | ~62 miles |
| Motors | Two independent electronic motors |
| Operation | Silent |
| Mine resistance | Low ground pressure |
| Terrain capability | Deep snow, loose sand, marshland |
| Towing | Can tow a loaded trailer |
| Field charging | Gasoline generator on frame |
Impacts
The MUL.E's silent operation and mine resistance are its greatest battlefield features. Traditional military motorcycles make noise detectable from a great distance, while the MUL.E operates quietly with high-performance electronic motors.
Anti-tank and anti-vehicle mines detonate under sufficient pressure, but the MUL.E exerts little more than an infantryman's foot-worth of pressure, allowing it to operate across minefields. However, this does not apply to anti-personnel mines, which are often co-located with anti-vehicle mines in mixed minefields.
The bike features wide off-road tires for deep snow, loose sand, or marshland. It can tow a loaded trailer, deploys and packs up quickly, and has low visibility, offering Ukrainian forces a versatile option for rapid movement.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the MUL.E performs well in combat, it could become a more common sight among Ukrainian forces, potentially influencing future military motorcycle designs. Its success may depend on how effectively it handles mixed minefields and real-world conditions.
Should the Ukrainian MoD allocate a significant portion of the 1,500 authorized bikes to MUL.Es, the impact on mobility could be substantial. However, if production or deployment faces delays, the expected benefits may take longer to materialize.
The MUL.E's dual role as a power station could prove valuable in field operations, but its overall effectiveness will only be clear after sustained use in combat. Future adaptations may emerge based on lessons learned.
Source: slashgear.com
