Motorcycle enthusiasts, brace yourselves. An icon is returning, and it’s getting a massive electric upgrade. This electrified WW2 motorbike is one of the most exciting of 2026, promising to be a game-changer in the rapidly evolving EV space.
The machine in question is the Flying Flea, and yes, it’s a direct descendant of the ultra-lightweight bikes Royal Enfield supplied to the British Army during World War II, famously designed to be air-dropped by parachute behind enemy lines. This reborn EV, officially named the Flying Flea C6, marks Royal Enfield’s ambitious entry into the electric segment.1
Set for a highly anticipated launch in 2026, the electrified WW2 motorbike Flying Flea is designed to blend heritage style with cutting-edge technology. It’s a statement that EV doesn’t have to mean futuristic—it can be cool, classic, and absolutely desirable. Here are 5 things you need to know about why the Flying Flea C6 is poised to take the EV market by storm.
1. The Legendary WW2 Heritage Reborn
The name Flying Flea isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s genuine history. The original bike, the 125cc WD/RE, earned its nickname because of its light weight and ability to be literally flown into battle. The modern Flying Flea C6 pays homage to this legendary legacy in its design philosophy: lightweight agility for urban mobility.2
- Design Nod: The C6 sports an authentic, neo-retro design.3 The battery pack is housed in a teardrop-shaped “tank,” mimicking the silhouette of the original fuel tank.4
- Focus on Agility: While not quite light enough to be air-dropped, the new model is built on a lightweight forged aluminium frame to ensure it remains a nimble, city-focused machine—a deliberate move to stand out from the heavier, high-performance electric bikes on the market.
2. The Return of the Girder Fork
One of the most visually striking and retro-authentic features of the Flying Flea C6 is the girder-style fork at the front.
- Old-School Cool: Girder forks were common on motorcycles before the 1930s, including the original Flying Flea. It’s a design element that is practically extinct in modern motorcycling, which uses telescopic forks.5
- Unique Aesthetic: Royal Enfield has reimagined this suspension setup, using forged aluminium to ensure modern strength and performance while providing a visually unique aesthetic. This choice instantly sets the C6 apart, giving it the distinctive look of a true classic reborn.
3. A Brainiac Bike: The Dedicated ‘Flying Flea Chip’
Underneath that old-school exterior lies the most advanced electronics package ever put on a Royal Enfield. This is what truly makes the Flying Flea C6 an exciting 2026 proposition.
- VCU Control: At its heart is a dedicated Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)—jokingly referred to as the ‘Flying Flea Chip’. This proprietary brain integrates the entire riding experience.6
- Custom Ride Modes: It allows the rider to customize throttle response, regenerative braking, and power delivery, leading to over 200,000 potential ride mode combinations tailored for economy, comfort, or performance.
- High-Tech Safety: For the first time on a Royal Enfield model, the C6 is expected to feature high-end safety aids like Cornering ABS and Traction Control, bringing it fully into the 21st century.
4. Market Positioning and India Focus
The launch strategy for the electrified WW2 motorbike Flying Flea is ambitious. It’s not just a single electric bike; it’s a new sub-brand for Royal Enfield’s EV future.
- Two Models: The C6 is the city-focused roadster, launching first in 2026.7 It will be followed by the S6, a scrambler-style version, later that year or in 2027.8
- Target Segment: The C6 is positioned as a premium, urban commuter, likely aiming for a price point around ₹2.00 Lakh (ex-showroom).9 This puts it in a niche above most electric scooters but below premium imported EVs, creating its own distinct category.
- India’s Role: While the initial commercial rollout may start in European markets, Royal Enfield has confirmed that the India launch will follow in a “short window” to ensure Indian riders won’t have to wait long for this home-grown, yet globally relevant, EV.
5. Instant Torque and Easy Charging
Performance details remain officially guarded, but the core features suggest a bike built for fun and practicality in the city.
- Performance: Expected to deliver performance comparable to a 125-150cc internal combustion engine, the C6 will offer the instant torque characteristic of an EV, making city commuting swift and exhilarating.
- Charging Simplicity: Royal Enfield has prioritized accessibility, promising “easy and fast charging at a domestic 3-pin plug,” with all necessary charging cables and equipment being onboard. This solves the issue of needing specialized infrastructure and makes charging accessible everywhere for the everyday people who buy it.
The Flying Flea C6 is more than just an electric motorcycle; it’s a brilliant fusion of history and future. It reminds us that good design and function are timeless, whether dropping from the sky in the 1940s or quietly cruising through a modern city in 2026.
The concept walkaround video shows the intricate details of the girder fork and the retro-modern styling of the upcoming model.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 – The tech-laden retro EV | Walkaround | Autocar India
Ashish Rai is a professional automotive writer with four years of experience crafting reviews, features, and technical guides. Passionate about vehicles, he translates complex engineering concepts into engaging content. Covering market trends, EV developments, and driving experiences, Ashish delivers insightful, reader-friendly articles that ignite automotive enthusiasm worldwide consistently with integrity.
