The transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric powertrain is no easy ride—particularly for legacy two-wheeler manufacturers entrenched in decades of mechanical tradition. For many, building electric motorcycles means wrestling with old architecture, retrofitting ICE frames, and compromising on what makes an electric platform truly efficient: balance, integration, and agility. Startups, unburdened by history, start from a clean sheet—engineering their machines around batteries, motors, and control systems, not fuel tanks and crankshafts.
But for Flying Flea, Royal Enfield’s new electric sub-brand, the story takes a different turn. 'We’re not adapting the past—we’re designing the future,' says Mario Alvisi, Chief Growth Officer, Flying Flea & EV. Speaking at an interaction during the Flying Flea showcase in Bengaluru, Alvisi positioned the brand as more than just an electric offshoot of Royal Enfield (RE). It’s a bold new chapter—born “not from necessity, but from vision.”
Rooted in a storied legacy, RE is now gazing a century ahead, not merely to preserve its iconic status but to reimagine what it could mean to a generation of riders raised on digital interfaces, sustainability, and silent speed. Flying Flea was conceived as a distinct brand, reflecting a changing world and the dynamic shift in mobility preferences. It is the OEM’s declaration that heritage is not a constraint—but a launchpad for a radically modern riding experience.
Blending Legacy With Lightness, Innovation
One of the toughest transitions for heritage motorcycle brands entering the electric era is navigating the emotional void left by the loss of engine roar, gear shifts, and the tactile feel of combustion. These elements have long defined the romance of riding. Alvisi, however, views this not as a limitation—but as a blank canvas.
Over the past few years, RE engaged with more than 5,000 individuals across global markets, focusing particularly on younger, next-gen riders. What emerged from this deep listening exercise was a radical shift in expectations. Riders were no longer drawn to complexity or heft. Instead, they craved lightweight, approachable motorcycles, stripped of mechanical clutter like gearboxes and clutches, yet rich in technology, safety, and intuitive connectivity. The message was clear: the new motorcycling experience must be quieter, cleaner, and smarter, without losing character, he mentioned.
“These findings opened up a completely new opportunity space—one that goes beyond our traditional audience,” said Alvisi. It wasn't just about building an electric motorcycle; it was about recasting the narrative of what a motorcycle could be.
Rather than retrofit an existing identity, RE went back to its archives—and out came the Flying Flea. A nod to the legendary 125cc motorcycle that once parachuted into World War II battlefields alongside troops, the original Flying Flea was admired for its simplicity, agility, and charm. The new Flying Flea electric brand carries forward that spirit—reimagined for a new era where accessibility, authenticity, and agility are paramount.
The first two models under this reborn brand—the C6 (Classic) and S6 (Scrambler)—signal that intent. Designed for what Alvisi calls a ‘City Plus’ environment, they cater to urban riders while still offering enough capability to stretch into mild off-road and longer-range escapes.
Backing this nimble approach is a unique organisational structure. “Flying Flea functions like a startup,” said Umesh Krishnappa, CTO, EV at Royal Enfield. Though backed by one of the most respected legacy brands in motorcycling, Flying Flea operates independently, with the speed and agility of a new-age tech venture. This structural freedom allowed the team to conceive and unveil the Flying Flea C6 in less than 20 months, culminating in its global unveil at EICMA 2024, he pointed out.
Flying Flea, then, is not just a product line—it is a symbol of how tradition can evolve without compromise, and how a brand known for thump and nostalgia can also speak the language of clean tech and quiet confidence, he noted.
Engineering A Movement
At the crux of Flying Flea’s development journey lies a dynamic team of 250+ professionals, including over 200 engineers who span disciplines from product strategy and design to marketing and sales. What sets this collective apart is its rich blend of internal veterans and external disruptors—a mix that allows the unit to function like an agile startup while drawing power from RE’s storied engineering and brand legacy.
This team isn’t just building motorcycles—they're shaping a movement. “We want to blur the boundaries between the motorcycle and the world it lives in,” says Mario Alvisi, emphasising the brand’s deep collaborations with artists, designers, and cultural thinkers both in India and abroad. The aim is to make the new brand as experiential and inclusive as it is functional, inviting a new generation of riders to engage with motorcycling in ways that feel deeply personal, modern, and emotionally intuitive.
Alvisi is unflinching in his critique of the current mobility landscape. “When viewed through a car’s rear-view mirror, most electric bikes appear strikingly similar, their silhouettes blending into a uniform presence. So many vehicles look and feel the same. There’s a growing conformity that’s stripping away individuality.” Flying Flea’s response? A meticulous fusion of aesthetic cues and progressive technology, intended to stand out in a sea of uniformity, he clarified.
Smart Tech, Soulful DesignThe brand’s team has forged partnerships with technology giants like Qualcomm, NXP, and Visteon, not just to power their vehicles—but to rethink the relationship between rider and machine. As Krishnappa explains, “We’re building motorcycles that talk back, that sense, respond, and evolve with the rider.”
Powered by Qualcomm’s automotive-grade Snapdragon QC2290 SoC, the platform offers real-time feedback, OTA updates, and connected intelligence—laying the foundation for a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) experience that improves over time.
In this new paradigm, sound and sensation haven’t been forgotten—they’ve simply evolved. Collaborations with sound engineers are underway to design synthetic yet expressive feedback systems, delivering haptic cues, digital vibrations, and acoustic alerts that align with how younger riders process emotion and control. These are not artificial stand-ins for engine growls—but new-age signals tailored to a generation raised on touchscreen fluency and intuitive interaction.
Light Touch With Deep RootsFlying Flea’s mantra—'Live Lightly'—goes beyond weight or minimalism. It’s a philosophy designed to appeal to riders who find ICE motorcycles too noisy, heavy, or mechanically intimidating. Instead, they’re offered something accessible, tech-enabled, and emotionally resonant—a vehicle that doesn’t shout, but understands. This approach positions Flying Flea as a cultural counterpoint to traditional RE—less about the raw thump, more about digital pulse, Alvisi said.
Yet, heritage hasn’t been cast aside—it’s been transformed. Krishnappa refers to it as compulsive “heritage baggage used as creative leverage.” Design elements like the iconic girder fork have been reimagined in forged aluminium and magnesium, honouring classic form while enhancing performance.
Crucially, Flying Flea’s R&D philosophy is built around in-house innovation. Nearly all core technologies—battery packs, controllers, ECUs, and motors—are developed and manufactured internally. Over 50 patents, including 10 international ones, have been filed and a standout innovation includes cell welding technique, which ensures optimal battery health and safety. Meanwhile, Artificial Intelligence is being explored to power adaptive systems—from terrain-responsive performance to obstacle detection and rider behaviour analytics.
In essence, Flying Flea is not merely crafting electric motorcycles—it’s redefining what motorcycling can mean in a digital, data-rich, design-forward future. It’s where software meets soul, and timeless design shakes hands with tomorrow.
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Royal Enfield Enters Electric Market With ‘Flying Flea’ Brand