Royal Enfield Flying Flea Electric Motorcycle Wins Red Dot Design Award Even Before Launch
Royal Enfield’s first electric motorcycle, the Flying Flea C6, has won the Red Dot Design Concept Award 2025. The award, given in the ‘Design Concept’ category, is an important step for the company as it builds its presence in the electric vehicle space through its new sub-brand Flying Flea.
Heritage Inspiration with a Modern Twist
The C6 takes its name and inspiration from the original Flying Flea motorcycle of the 1940s. Back then, Royal Enfield created a lightweight motorcycle that could be air-dropped into World War II combat zones, offering troops a reliable and portable form of transport. The modern C6 reimagines this concept for the electric age, combining agility and lightness with contemporary battery and motor technology.
Design That Stands Out
The C6’s design was central to its win. The motorcycle features a floating saddle for a minimalist look, a teardrop-shaped tank that cleverly houses the battery, and a round digital display that maintains the feel of a classic motorcycle while adding modern functionality. The aluminium exoskeleton frame is left exposed, serving both structural and visual purposes.
Other distinctive touches include a magnesium-cased battery with cooling fins for thermal management and a girder-style front fork, a nod to vintage motorcycle design. Together, these elements create a motorcycle that balances tradition with innovation, which was a key reason the Red Dot jury recognised it.
Building a New Electric Sub-Brand
Flying Flea is not just a motorcycle but a brand in itself. Royal Enfield has chosen to develop a new identity for its electric offerings rather than electrify existing models. This approach allows it to target urban and short-distance riders while keeping its heritage-focused appeal intact. The C6 is built on Royal Enfield’s new ‘L’ platform, which will also underpin future electric motorcycles.
Development of the C6 was handled in-house, with engineering teams in both India and the UK. The company has filed several patents under the Flying Flea name, pointing to long-term investment in its electric portfolio. A partnership with Spanish electric bike specialist Stark Future SL is also part of this strategy.
What Comes Next
The C6 is designed mainly for city use and short-distance touring, not for long highway rides. Royal Enfield has been clear about this positioning, acknowledging the limitations of current electric motorcycle technology and aligning expectations accordingly.
The public will get its first close look at the production-ready Flying Flea C6 at MotoVerse 2025 in November. Following this, Royal Enfield plans to expand the lineup with the S6, a scrambler-styled electric motorcycle, in early 2026.