Royal Enfield has turned this classic WW2 bike into a next-gen EV range – and it might just take electric motorcycles mainstream

Based on a bike that fought in WW2, Flying Flea flies again

News By Leon Poultney published 5 November 2024

• Royal Enfield has created an all-new EV sub-brand
• The bike is targeting 100 miles of range
• An urban commuter and scrambler are in the works

Royal Enfield has revealed the 'next chapter' for the company with the unveiling of its Flying Flea dedicated EV brand.

With the full backing of the Indian-owned motorcycle company, a marque that has been producing two-wheeled transport since 1901 and is on course for selling almost one million motorcycles a year, Flying Flea will go on to represent and entire family of electric motorcycles that offer a “city++” range.

This equates to around 150km (93 miles) on a single charge, according to Mario Alvisi, chief growth officer at Royal Enfield.

The first battery-powered bikes will arrive in 2026 and will be badged the Flying Flea C6. It takes inspiration from the lightweight 125cc motorcycle that was developed to be parachuted into conflict zones during World War 2.

The Flying Flea grew in popularity following the war, as huge demand for cheap, low maintenance transport peaked.

Managing director, Siddhartha Lal, says that the Flying Flea brand is “going for disruption” and that it will spawn a family of electric bikes, with the reveal event also including a look at a future scrambler style S6 model - the better looking of the two bikes.

The C6, with its single seat and slim tank, features a number of innovative design touches, including a girder fork at the front, compact battery pack with deep cut cooling fins and the classic Royal Enfield crankcase cover that protects the belt drive final drive system.

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