Royal Enfield’s Electric Brand Officially Launches
After unveiling a concept at EICMA, Royal Enfield officially launched the company’s first electric motorcycle today. The Flying Flea C6, introduced into the Indian market, carries a historic name and lineage harkening back to efficient mobility solutions produced during the second World War.
A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901, which makes it the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. Known for its distinctive, classically styled motorcycles, the company is launching an entire sub-brand of electric bikes under the Flying Flea name.
The newly launched EV commemorates the Royal Enfield WD/RE (WD stood for War Department), known as the “Flying Flea.” Designed to be light and agile enough to be parachuted behind enemy lines for military use, it weighed just 124 lb. It featured a 125 cc engine mated to a three-speed transmission. Its light weight and half-gallon tank allowed for a range of about 150 miles.
From Concept to Reality
First unveiled at EICMA in 2024, more details have been provided as the inaugural model goes on sale. The Flying Flea features a retro-futuristic design inspired by the original, but with a very different powertrain. Propulsion comes from a 15.4 kW motor that’s good for about 20 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque. The 273 lb belt-driven machine is said to reach 37 mph in 3.7 seconds and have a top speed of 71 mph. The company claims a range of roughly 95 mi.
The 3.91 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged from zero to 100 percent in approximately two hours and 16 minutes using the onboard charger. It also supports rapid charging, while allows it to go from 20 to 80 percent charge in about 65 minutes.
The FF’s suspension reimagines the original ‘rubber band’ fork style, featuring a forged aluminum Girder fork and articulating mudguard. The rear setup consists of a direct acting mono shock. Suspension travel is 100 mm in the front and 110 mm in the rear. The sculpted, suspended solo seat also offers a removable pillion option. The bike features 19 in spokes wheels. Braking is handled by a 260 mm disc in the front with a dual piston caliper and a 220 mm disc and a single-piston caliper in the rear, offering dual channel ABS with three levels of sensitivity options.
Intuitive Technology
The modern circular 3.5 in display features a customizable user experience, offering turn-by-turn navigation and route planning, along with dynamic range estimates that predict values based on riding style (Conservative, Average or Aggressive). The rider can select charging preference (Rapid, Standard, and Trickle), which will estimate the predicted charging time.
Five ride modes are available (including Rain, City, Sport, and Custom), while two-stage brake regeneration, traction control, and switchable, lean-sensitive ABS can all be configured. The display features a speedometer, clock, thermometer, and tire pressure monitor.
FFS6 Scrambler
A Scrambler-style variant named the S6 is also under development, with the brand hinting at a full lineup of electric two-wheelers. The more rugged chain-driven model features an enduro-style seat, high-torque motor, spoked aluminum wheels, upside down fork with added suspension travel, and dual sport tires, offering six ride modes (including a dedicated off-road mode), and a bi-directional crawl mode for slippery surfaces.
Coming Soon?
Initial availability of the C6 is focused on Bengaluru before expanding to other cities and markets. Listed for ₹279,000 INR (Indian Rupees), pricing converts to roughly $3,000 USD but there has been no confirmation of when the sub brand will expand to the U.S. market and models will be introduced.
More details will be shared as they become available.
Dustin Woods
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