Royal Enfield Unveils First Electric Bike: Flying Flea C6 with ABS, Cruise Control, and Himalayan Electric 2.0 Concept
Royal Enfield has revealed its first electric motorcycle, named the Flying Flea C6, at the ongoing EICMA 2024 automotive show in Milan, Italy. This electric vehicle (EV) was developed by Royal Enfield in collaboration with Flying Flea, the company’s new subsidiary focused on electric models.
In addition to the Flying Flea C6, the company also showcased the Himalayan Electric 2.0 Prototype model and the S6 Scrambler Concept model. The Flying Flea C6 is expected to go on sale by March 2026, with the Himalayan EV potentially launching around the same time. The S6 model may follow about a year later. Royal Enfield has also disclosed that Flying Flea is a dedicated platform, and the company plans to launch more electric bikes based on this platform.
Key Features: Traction Control and Cornering ABS
Discussing the features of the e-bike, it comes equipped with a round TFT console, similar to the one seen on the Himalayan 450 and Gorilla 450, though with a unique layout. It also includes smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
The console displays information such as speed, trip meter, battery status, and range. Additional features include traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, and five riding modes. This makes it the first Royal Enfield model to incorporate such advanced safety features.
Range: 150-200 km on a Single Charge
The battery pack appears quite substantial, with Royal Enfield claiming that the Flying Flea is designed for performance. This suggests that the e-bike may offer a longer range compared to typical commuter electric motorcycles.
While specific details about the battery pack and electric motor have not been disclosed yet, it is anticipated that the bike may feature a battery pack larger than 5kWh. Once fully charged, it is expected to deliver a range of approximately 150-200 km.
Design: Retro Bike-Inspired Design
The design of the Royal Enfield Flying Flea is inspired by retro bikes, similar to the original Flying Flea motorcycle used during World War II. The original was a 125cc single-cylinder 2-stroke bike, which could be air-dropped behind enemy lines via parachute.
The e-bike features round LED headlights, tail-lights, and indicators. The area where the battery pack is installed is typically where the engine would be in a petrol bike. The company has also added cooling fins to this section, enhancing the retro appeal of the design.
Hardware: 19-Inch Alloy Wheels and Twin Disc Brakes
The bike is built on a lightweight aluminum frame, designed for smooth handling. For a comfortable ride, the suspension setup includes a girdler fork and a monoshock suspension system, ensuring enhanced stability and performance. Additionally, it features 19-inch alloy wheels and twin disc brakes for improved control and safety.
Himalayan Design: Adventure Style with LED Lighting Setup
The new prototype maintains the adventure style of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, but with improvements to its battery and motor. It is expected that at least two more prototype models will be revealed before the production version.
The battery pack is located beneath the flat seat, with a mid-mounted motor. Additionally, the tank braces have been redesigned to accommodate jerry cans and other accessories, further enhancing its adventure-ready appeal.