- ElectricDrives was invited to Royal Enfield’s London preview event for its new Flying Flea sub-brand, an all-electric take on a classic motorbike design.
- With its all-electric drive, the brand is hoping to attract both existing riders and a new generation of motorcyclists.
- The Flying Flea lineup will rival other retro-styled electric motorbike brands already on the market, such as Maeving.
Flying Flea: From WW2 combustion to the EV era
The Flying Flea name already carries significant heritage. It comes from a 125cc Royal Enfield bike from the 1940s, which was light enough to be parachuted down to the ground for British troops during World War 2. With the new brand, the manufacturer has taken the design of its 1940s electric motorcycles into the modern electric era, while also pushing it as a lightweight bike – much like its predecessor. In this new take, light weight comes courtesy of a forged aluminium frame, and magnesium-based battery casing.
With the rebirth of the Flying Flea name, Royal Enfield will bring two specific electric motorbikes to the market: Initially, the C6 (with the C hinting at a city focus), which will arrive later this year, followed by the S6 – the S standing for Scrambler.
Royal Enfield has also leaned heavily into technology with this new model, and that shows in its aim to appeal to not only current motorcycle riders but also a younger generation, for whom this could be their first automotive experience on two wheels. The manufacturer has classified this bike as a ‘software-defined vehicle’, combined with a circular touchscreen display that’ll allow for not just speed, but navigation and smartphone integration.
While full technical specifications on the Flying Flea range are yet to be revealed, the C6 is likely to be classified as a 125cc equivalent, giving it a high level of accessibility. Furthering that accessibility aspect, traction control and anti-lock brakes will also be standard fit. Pricing is also unconfirmed, but is likely to fall below the £5,000 mark.
The Flying Flea isn’t the only electric motorcycle brand hoping to attract new customers. British-founded Maeving’s selection of electric motorbikes will be a strong alternative to potential customers, though it does without the brand heritage that the Flying Flea name brings to the table.
There are several key distinctions between the Flying Flea bikes and the bikes from its main competitor, Maeving. As we noted, the Flying Flea uses a frame-mounted electric motor which is chain driven to the rear wheel, whilst Maeving’s bikes use a more simplistic hub motor.
Another difference is the charging process. On this bike, the battery remains embedded in the bike, and is charged directly off a standard power socket. A key selling point on competitor Maeving however is its removable battery, which allows the bike battery to be brought inside separately to charge. For those living in flats or homes without off-street parking, that has been a major selling point of the bike.
Stay tuned to ElectricDrives over the coming months, as we expect to find out more details – particularly around pricing – on the Flying Flea duo.
