From “What a thump, bro” to “Wait, where’s the thump, bro?”—Royal Enfield is gearing up to make the quietest noise it ever has. The brand synonymous with the roar of war-era motorcycles is entering the EV world with its first electric bike, the C6, under a new sub-brand called the Flying Flea, a fleet of WW2 motorcycles that were designed to be lightweight and to be parachuted via aircraft behind enemy lines. And true to its spirit, Royal Enfield is doing it with style.
Royal Enfield's First Electric Motorcycle Will Be Launched in 2026
The launch teaser featured the C6 literally parachuting down from a hot air balloon—a cheeky nod to the brand’s WWII legacy when Royal Enfield bikes were literally airdropped to soldiers. The retro-styled roadster resembles a classic from a 1950s biker rally, complete with chrome accents and a sculpted silhouette, but now with an electric twist that brings it up to speed with the 21st century. For those hoping for a rugged, off-road-ready Himalayan Electric, showcased at EICMA 2023, you’ll have to wait a bit longer; this model focuses more on urban sophistication than trail-tackling grit.
True to Enfield’s ethos, the C6 blends old-school charm with modern design. It’s a low-slung bobber, complete with girder-style front forks, a solo saddle, and a distinctive teardrop "tank." But there’s an electric battery, with cooling fins to keep things smooth and quiet on the road. Specs are under wraps, but reports from EICMA hint at impressive targets: 110 to 115 kg weight, a 115 kmph top speed, and around 160 km range. This positions the C6 against Ultraviolette’s F77 Mach 2, which is nearly 100 kg heavier and boasts higher specs, along with a few sophisticated features.
The frame of the C6 is crafted from forged aluminium, a premium touch not commonly seen in the budget-friendly EVs . It features a sleek, touchscreen TFT dashboard that complements the all-new switchgear, ensuring a user-friendly interface. Unlike the classic round headlight seen across the Enfield lineup, this bike boasts all-LED lighting with a unique headlight design, setting it apart while retaining that signature Enfield aesthetic. The C6’s skinny tyres and 17-inch wheels are engineered to enhance agility in urban settings, allowing for nimble handling while improving range efficiency through lower rolling resistance.
Flying Flea’s initial offering is a solo seater, but optional provisions will be available for carrying a pillion, ensuring versatility for riders. While the C6 was the star attraction at the event, Royal Enfield also teased a future model, the S6 electric scrambler. This upcoming model promises longer-travel suspension, spoked wheels fitted with dual-purpose tyres, and a flat, bench-style seat, catering to those who crave a bit more adventure.
What’s particularly interesting is how Royal Enfield has been adapting to modern trends while keeping its heritage intact—similar to classic staples like a linen shirt getting the oversized trend treatment in 2024. Evidence of this shift can be seen in the brand’s marketing strategies, such as the Hunter 350, Guerrilla 450 and the Scram 411 aimed at younger riders. But there are lessons to be learned here. Unlike Harley-Davidson’s path in America, Royal Enfield is treading carefully to balance its iconic “thump” with a new, quieter era. Whether fans embrace the electric hum remains to be seen when the C6 hits roads in 2026.
