Royal Enfield, a name synonymous with timeless motorcycles, is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) space with its upcoming Flying Flea C6, which has clinched the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2025 in the ‘Design Concept’ category. Unveiled as a prototype at EICMA 2024 in Milan, Italy, the Flying Flea C6, codenamed Electrik01, marks the debut of Royal Enfield’s new electric sub-brand, Flying Flea—a nod to the iconic World War II-era motorcycle known for its lightweight, all-terrain mobility. Even before hitting the roads in its planned March 2026 launch, the C6 has garnered global recognition for its innovative blend of heritage-inspired design and cutting-edge EV technology, setting the stage for a new era of urban mobility.
The Flying Flea C6 draws inspiration from the original Flying Flea, a 125 cc motorcycle used during World War II, designed to be air-dropped by parachute to provide soldiers with agile, versatile transport across battlefields. Reviving this spirit of lightness and adaptability, the C6 reimagines the classic design for modern urban riders. Built on Royal Enfield’s newly developed “L” platform, co-developed with Spanish EV specialist Stark Future SL, the C6 combines a retro-futuristic aesthetic with advanced electric technology. Its minimalist design features a forged aluminum frame, a unique girder fork suspension, a floating saddle, and a teardrop-shaped magnesium battery casing for optimal cooling and weight reduction.
The C6’s visual appeal is enhanced by classic elements like a round LED headlamp, round mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels with thin tires, paired with modern touches such as a 3.5-inch round touchscreen TFT display powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor. This blend of vintage styling and contemporary tech earned the C6 the Red Dot Award, recognizing its ability to harmonize Royal Enfield’s 120-year legacy with the demands of sustainable, urban-focused “City+ mobility.” As Sivakumar S, Head of Industrial Design for Flying Flea and Royal Enfield Electric Vehicles, stated, “Every line and every detail of the Flying Flea C6 is a deliberate expression of that belief—where tradition meets future, and technology serves emotion as much as function.”
The Flying Flea C6 is engineered for urban environments with the capability for short rides beyond city limits, though it’s not designed for long-distance touring. Its lightweight design, targeting a weight of around 100 kg, ensures agile handling, while the magnesium-encased battery is expected to deliver a range of 100–160 km, comparable to a 125–150 cc internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle. The bike supports three charging modes—Trickle, Standard, and Rapid—with regenerative braking extending range by 10–15%.
The C6 introduces several firsts for Royal Enfield, including cornering ABS, traction control, and five customizable ride modes, allowing riders to tailor throttle, braking, and regenerative feedback via an in-house Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). The TFT display offers smartphone connectivity, navigation, voice control, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, with features like phone-as-key functionality and real-time movement alerts for security. Additional perks include a wireless phone charger in the tank enclosure and a low seat height for accessibility, making the C6 a practical yet premium urban commuter.
The Red Dot Award underscores the C6’s design excellence, with over 45 patents filed for its in-house developed battery, motor, and software technologies. Developed by a team of 200+ engineers across India and the UK, the C6 will be produced at a dedicated EV facility in Chennai, with an annual capacity of 1.5 lakh units. The Flying Flea brand will expand with the S6 scrambler in 2026, featuring longer-travel suspension and spoked wheels for added versatility.
