Royal Enfield has electrified its legacy with the Flying Flea C6, its first-ever electric motorcycle, unveiled at EICMA 2024. Set to launch in India by March 2026, this retro-inspired urban cruiser blends vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
Priced between ₹2.5–4.5 lakh (ex-showroom, estimated), the C6 marks the debut of Royal Enfield’s dedicated electric sub-brand, Flying Flea. Drawing inspiration from the WWII-era Flying Flea, a lightweight paratrooper bike, the C6 promises agility and style for city riders, with a nod to the brand’s storied heritage.
Classic Design Meets Modern Tech
The Flying Flea C6 sports a low-slung bobber silhouette, featuring a girder-style front fork—a rare throwback to 1940s designs—crafted in forged aluminum for a lightweight yet robust structure. Its round LED headlight, slim tank, and single-seat setup (with an optional pillion seat) exude retro charm, while a magnesium battery casing with cooling fins ensures efficiency.
The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with narrow tires, enhancing urban agility. A circular TFT touchscreen dashboard, developed in-house, offers smartphone connectivity, geofencing, and over 200,000 ride mode combinations, setting a new benchmark for Royal Enfield’s tech prowess.
Performance and Features
While exact battery and motor specifications remain undisclosed, the C6 is expected to deliver performance akin to a 125–150 cc ICE motorcycle, with a real-world range of 100–150 km per charge. It features a mid-mounted permanent magnet motor with a belt drive, promising smooth acceleration.
The bike introduces advanced safety features to the Royal Enfield lineup, including cornering ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Five ride modes—Reverse, City, Performance, and two customizable options—cater to varied riding conditions. Charging via a standard three-pin plug adds convenience for urban commuters.
Specifications at a Glance
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Frame |
Forged Aluminum |
|
Battery |
Lithium-ion, Magnesium Casing |
|
Range |
100–150 km (estimated) |
|
Price |
₹2.5–4.5 lakh (ex-showroom, estimated) |
|
Brakes |
Disc (Front & Rear), Dual-Channel ABS |
|
Colors |
Yellow, Green |
Market Impact and Competition
The Flying Flea C6 enters a niche segment with no direct rivals, though it may compete with premium electric bikes like the Ola Roadster Pro and Ultraviolette F77. Its premium pricing reflects its advanced features and brand cachet, but some X posts express concern over affordability, with users hoping for a sub-₹2 lakh price tag.
Royal Enfield’s acquisition of Stark Future, a Spanish EV firm, has bolstered its lightweight design expertise, positioning the C6 as a technological showcase. The bike’s urban focus and sub-110 kg kerb weight make it a compelling alternative to traditional petrol-powered commuters.
Why the Flying Flea C6 Excites
The Flying Flea C6 is more than a motorcycle; it’s a statement of Royal Enfield’s vision for sustainable urban mobility. By reviving a historic name under a new EV sub-brand, the company bridges its legacy with a forward-looking ethos. The C6’s blend of retro-futuristic design, advanced electronics, and eco-friendly performance appeals to both loyalists and new riders.
As Royal Enfield plans a dedicated EV facility in Tamil Nadu targeting 1.5 lakh units annually, the C6 sets the stage for a broader electric lineup, including the upcoming S6 scrambler. With its global debut generating buzz, the Flying Flea C6 is poised to redefine electric motorcycling in India by 2026.