Royal Enfield has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the unveiling of its first electric bike models — the New Flying Flea models — and we list the possible pros and cons of the e-bikes.
The company revealed two new electric motorcycles under its newly-created brand, Flying Flea.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea e-bikes may cost around Rs 6-7 lakh (Rs 600,000-700,000). |
The Flying Flea C6, a classic-style bike, and the Flying Flea S6, a scrambler-styled bike, are set to hit the roads in 2026.
This marks a significant step for Royal Enfield as it seeks to innovate and expand in the rapidly-growing EV sector.
Pros of Royal Enfield’s new e-bikes
Classic styling with electric power
Royal Enfield is known for its iconic, classic motorcycle designs. The Flying Flea C6 carries this legacy, offering a traditional look with modern electric capabilities.
On the other hand, the Flying Flea S6 caters to riders who prefer a more rugged, off-road style.
These electric motorcycles promise to combine the brand’s timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge EV technology, attracting both loyal fans and eco-conscious riders.
Sustainable and green
As electric motorcycles, both the C6 and S6 are designed to be environmentally friendly.
This makes them a great choice for those looking to make a positive environmental impact without compromising on performance.
Innovative EV features
Royal Enfield is focusing on creating connected electric motorcycles, designed with advanced technology and custom software.
The company has built a world-class team, including over 200 engineers in India and the UK, to develop all technical components like the motor, battery, and Battery Management System (BMS) in-house.
This could ensure high-quality products with reliable performance.
Dedicated manufacturing plant
To support its EV ventures, Royal Enfield is constructing a new EV manufacturing plant in Chennai.
This will enhance the company’s ability to produce and scale its electric bikes while ensuring top-notch quality control.
Cons of Royal Enfield’s new electric bikes
Limited availability
Although Royal Enfield has big plans for the future of its Flying Flea electric bikes, the models are not expected to hit the roads until 2026.
This means potential customers will need to wait a few more years before they can get their hands on these exciting new bikes.
Battery sourcing and manufacturing concerns
While Royal Enfield plans to manufacture most of the components in-house, including the battery packs and motors, the company will source its battery cells from external suppliers.
The range though is believed to be a humble 100 km on a single charge and top speed is expected to be 115 km/hour, which is somewhat disappointing.
This could raise concerns about supply-chain reliability and the long-term sustainability of battery performance, especially in a market where competitors are rapidly advancing in battery technology.
Price and affordability
As with any new technology, the introduction of electric bikes typically comes with a higher price point.
The Flying Flea models might be priced higher than traditional motorcycles (pricing likely between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh), making them less affordable for budget-conscious riders.
However, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs could offset the initial investment.
What to expect from Royal Enfield’s future EV range
Royal Enfield plans to expand its EV offerings in the coming years. Company CEO emphasised its commitment to research and development, with a focus on improving EV infrastructure, product strategy, and market approach.
E-Vroooom’s views
Royal Enfield’s entry into the electric bike market represents a bold move towards sustainable mobility with the Flying Flea C6 and S6 models, and even as the company combines the best of traditional design with cutting-edge electric technology, there could be quite a few cons the company will have to address before the pros give it an edge over rivals.
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