[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jason,
I think this is the defining rule...
<G19> MINIBOTS must remain completely autonomous and move up the POST solely through electric energy provided after the start of DEPLOYMENT by the permitted, unaltered battery and converted to mechanical energy by the permitted unaltered motors (and associated, appropriate circuitry).
I think that implies that the motors may be running but the minibot may not move vertically until after the start of deployment. Q&A is the place to ask.
However, simple switches can be employed to start, reverse and stop the minibot if one thinks about it.