Royal Enfield goes electric with new Flying Flea sub-brand

Royal Enfield has done a Bob Dylan and gone electric. The brand has just pulled off the covers of its first ever EV model and unveiled plans for an entire electric sub-brand called Flying Flea.

The all-new Flying Flea C6 was revealed at a lavish event in Milan ahead of the EICMA show, with Royal Enfield executives on hand to offer key insights into the company’s electric motorcycle ambitions. Eicher Motors CEO Siddhartha Lal explained that this was not a gimmick or half-attempt. "We believe in this," he said. "We are going to keep at it."

Related: Royal Enfield buys stake in electric start-up Stark Future

Flying Flea will act as a sub-brand of Royal Enfield, much like LiveWire does to Harley-Davidson. The C6 retro roadster will be the first model in the range, however future models, including the S6 scrambler, will follow. According to Royal Enfield, there will be "many more products to come".

The Flying Flea C6 is not expected to hit dealer floors until 2026, however it has been confirmed the electric model will feature a TFT display, smartphone connectivity, and over-the-air updates. It will also be the first Royal Enfield model to feature traction control and cornering ABS. 

Uniquely, the Flying Flea also features a girder front fork which matches its strong neo-retro design cues. Braking is handled by ByBre, while the wheels are clad in CEAT tyres. 

Royal Enfield says the C6 will fit into the City+ segment, hinting that it will have a mid-level battery range that will be great for commuting as well as day trips.

Flying Flea is a homage to a 1940s lightweight Royal Enfield model of the same name that was purpose-built to be airdropped into the battlefields of WWII. The company is using this historical element as the springboard for its long-term electric vision.

“Ever since the wheels began turning in 1901, Royal Enfield has been an ally for exploration and pure motorcycling experiences for millions of riders,” explained Lal. 

“Today, as we get ready to script a new chapter for Royal Enfield, this mission has been the driving force and inspiration, and is the link between Royal Enfield and the Flying Flea, our new brand for super fun, gorgeous and enjoyable urban-plus mobility.”

Further specification such as battery range, charging times, and power outputs is yet to be revealed. It is unclear if the model displayed is a final production model or an advanced prototype.

Royal Enfield CEO, B. Govindarajan told the audience that the company's electric program has been in the works for "nearly a decade". The brand purchased a significant stake in electric dirt bike company Stark Future in 2023.