Royal Enfield has officially entered the EV market with the launch of its new brand Flying Flea. The launch reflects Royal Enfield's commitment to blend tradition with modern innovation, offering a line of electric motorcycles crafted for urban riders and beyond.
The name Flying Flea is derived from the company's famous 1940s motorcycle, which was initially designed for military use during World War II. Known for its light weight and versatile design, the original Flying Flea provided quick and reliable transportation to troops across challenging terrains. Today, Royal Enfield is redefining this history by building a new generation of EVs that reflect agility, adaptability and a sense of adventure for urban commuting.
According to Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director, Eicher Motors Ltd, the Flying Flea brand reflects the company's long-standing philosophy of "pure motorcycling". Siddhartha Lal said, "For over a century, Royal Enfield has evolved with the times, keeping exploration at the core of our mission. The Flying Flea brand combines our heritage with EV technology, offering a new way to experience the city and beyond." This shift to electric is in line with the company's broader vision to bring unique, enjoyable and environmentally conscious options to riders around the world.
Royal Enfield showcased the Flying Flea brand at a global launch event in Milan just ahead of the iconic EICMA motorcycle show. B Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield said that this launch is more than just a new product line, it is an important step in Royal Enfield's strategy to combine sustainability with iconic design. He added, "The Flying Flea brings together distinctive style, practicality and advanced technology, making it a thoughtful solution for everyday urban transportation. It reflects our new approach, which we call 'Rebalance', and sets the stage for a sustainable future."
Royal Enfield has invested heavily in research and development to prepare for this electric transformation. Along with planning a dedicated EV manufacturing plant in Chennai, India, the company has partnered with Barcelona-based Stark Future to leverage its expertise in electric motorcycle technology. Royal Enfield has also established a team of over 200 engineers in India and the UK to oversee all aspects of EV development, from battery and motor design to connected software and user experience.
The first model under the Flying Flea banner, the FF-C6, will launch next year. The model will feature a retro-futuristic design that reflects the essence of the original Flying Flea, with contemporary updates such as a unique aluminium girder fork. The FF-C6's lightweight frame is crafted from aluminium and magnesium, with a distinctive battery case designed for optimal cooling.
Additionally, the FF-C6 will include advanced features such as a custom-built vehicle control unit and multiple ride modes, providing riders with a highly customised experience. With built-in over-the-air updates, smartphone integration and tailored ride adjustments, the FF-C6 is designed for convenience and performance. It also features "twist-and-go" acceleration, lean-angle sensing ABS, cruise control and home charging capabilities.
Royal Enfield's new Flying Flea brand is a significant step in the company's evolution, offering urban riders a sustainable and innovative way to experience the thrill of motorcycling. B Govindarajan said that this launch is the beginning of Royal Enfield's commitment towards eco-friendly mobility, promising an exciting journey ahead for the brand and its riders.