I love the looks and providing the hit the brief, it will sell, but not in huge numbers. I drive an EV but not sure I could replace my Triumph Scrambler 900 with an electric bike.
@@Crowiferous reason I am asking is that I think electric motorbikes are a hard sell - and they need something special to be attractive. And it’s easy to say that you like something - but would you use your own money and buy it - that’s the question. A Stark Varg I can understand - as it has terrific performance. But this one? 🤔
As a biker for 43 years I think this is a beautiful looking machine, I think the design is spot on, especially the front forks and frame design. i hope they keep the design as is and don't cut the features in the name of cost...
I want one so bad. Please bring them to the US! I've owned two Royal Enfield gas bikes, and recently sold them wanting to go full electric. This is it!
Have you watched Noraly riding a Royal Enfield in her first season of Itchy Boots? She's ridden different bikes since then but that first season was amazing.
The problem with, especially the Capris, is that they don't look at all like the originals. I don't know how the original Flying Flea looked, but that certainly looks good
The original Flying Flee looked like something half way between a 1930s motorcycle and a bicycle. It wasn’t pretty, because it was for the military. But the profile is actually pretty similar to this new bike. Royal Enfield have a knack of making their reimaginings prettier than the original.
Well Ford don't have any other names that they could use, unless you count the Anglia, Prefect, Taunus, Pilot, Consul, Escort, Popular, Zephire, Granada, Sierra, Scorpio, Orion etc. Nah, who am I kidding, they just decided to cynically exploit the nostalgia of a popular car.
The original Flying Flea looked nothing like this. However, it was low powered, lightweight easy to ride, easy to maintain and cheap. Let's hope this thing lives up to the name in these areas, otherwise it doesn't merit the name.
Same here, I found myself wondering if I could see myself using it. Certainly it is way better looking that all the other electric bikes we have seen who all seem to go for a boxy futuristic look where this just looks like a small bike, and a good looking one at that. Course it helps that it was in my number 1 favourite colour (my first new car was in this colour back in '89). I should add I am not an urban driver but I could see this as useful for a lot of local journeys (4 mile round trip to the nearest shop for example when I just need 1 or 2 items).
As a 64 year old motorcyclist who has been riding for 48 years, I would love one of these alongside my Guzzi V100 as an urban scoot. I think Royal Enfield have produced a beautiful machine there. Time will tell if the specs and price make it a winner, but it's fair to say that Royal Enfield have been acing it since their modern relaunch, so I'm quietly confident they'll deliver.
Imogen, this was a great review. Mentioning the bad parts of a product is an important part of a review. just the good stuff sounds like an ad. Great job! Cheers!
I'm not a motorbike man, but this motorcycle looks stunning, really digging the styling of the dissipator and that green color If the price is right for the power, the range and the weight, I might think about it twice
I'm 70 (so old) yet I enjoy owning two modern Enfields, "Scrambo" a Scram 411 and "Esmeralda" a dark green Super Meteor 650. And guess what, as someone who lives in a large city, I'd love one of these too, maybe to replace Scrambo - but don't tell him.
As someone who's never owned or even ridden a motorbike (I tried a scooter once it was a disaster), I was really smitten by the Maevin but there's something a bit too boxy for my taste. But this, this would make a biker outta me for sure if it's the right price and light enough for me to park it at my small home. the colour is exactly right, the contours have a lovely fluidity to them and I like the nod to older models too. I hope it comes out at the right price with the right configuration. Thanks for the review Imogen, I shall keep an eye out for this when it comes out.
I think it looks beautiful. The best bike I owned was the BSA Thunderbolt and seeing this video brought back memories of riding that. Sad we have to wait until 2026.
I'm happy Royal Enfield put a lot of effort into making it light weight and compact. Other ev bikes in India are quite big, heavy and come with huge batteries.
Scooters achieve huge sales because they are so practical for day to day use. This has some charm but it’s more of a toy. No luggage capacity, no weather protection, no helmet stowage etc etc. It’s a toy.
@@TheSamcolons1 It won't at all. Battery kit is a dead end. The public aren't that interested in going to EVs for several reasons (Google is your friend). These bikes will wither on the vine, ditto BEVs. Argue if you must.
I can expect that final Weight, Range, and Price will all hinge on the choice of battery - which has been changing steadily with progress in battery technology. Excellent interview, BTW!
I think those who don't like EVs of any kind don't take into account that battery technology is getting better and better for weight and longevity. Not to mention safety.
Another 50-125cc category electric motorcycle entering an already busy market. That’s not a totally negative comment I’d just like to see an electric version of their existing models. As a motorcyclist and someone that’s been building electric stuff (including batteries) for 15 years this is just the least expensive way of making an electric bike that can be retailed for a big markup. It really should, as all electric bikes should by now, have at least 6.6kw AC onboard charging to use any public charging point and they really need to stop making out that the battery pack costs are high now because they are not. So hopefully Royal Enfield will bring electric bikes to market that are like for like with ice versions creating some needed competition just as brands like MG have done. I’m costing up a project to convert a nearly new Royal Enfield at the moment to electric.
It's not that busy here in India yet, their home market, so far most of the electric two-wheelers being sold are scooters. If they succeed here, they can keep exporting it to gain a foothold elsewhere.
Cool looking little lightweight. Aimed at the urban market, the target range is fine. The motor/battery housing would benefit from being a little less fussy
Imogen, when you get a chance to ride it, YOU not Jack, I will take a harder look at it. I am 5'-7" on a good day and am looking for a small city bike with a low seated position. I used to be a sport bike guy but most of the new bikes are too tall for me. The design is really compelling. The colors are lovely and the design does take the classic Flea look and brings it elegantly into the modern era.
I love my electric motorbike. But I dont use it as much as my old petrol as range suffers this time of year. And charge time is silly. But I love the drive to not even contemplate giving it up.
hence why e-motorcycles are only a second cycle option. The market for motorcycles is small enough but to market an e-motorcycle as a back up to your principal ICE motorcycle isn't economically feasible.
@@davidhunternyc1 I no longer have the petrol motorcycle 👍 I just don't use my electric one as much as I did when I did have my petrol one. But that might be either weather or the new EV we have 😂
It really depends on your requirements. An electric motorbike is super useful and convenient for commuting. I no longer have an ICE bike, and only have an electric one. For my commute, i can easily get from home to work and back on a single charge (about 56 miles/89 km round trip) - charge overnight, rinse repeat. Super cheap to run. Runs really quiet, so I don't disturb anyone in the neighborhood when I leave/arrive - I'm long past the need for a loud pipe, and pops and bangs ;) But it's definitely not for weekend blasts through the country, or touring, or track days. Each to their own, but electric bikes definitely have a place in the two-wheeled world. Although I wish they'd come down in price, they're still way too expensive.
@@SpottedCreeper My commute is a similar distance to yours but around half my journey is at 70mph which really seems to complicate things if you want an EV. Small 125cc-equivalents can do the distance so long as you keep the speed around 30mph or you can get something like a Zero bike to do the motorway speed, but then you've paid out three times the money. There's a gap in the market at the moment between that someone needs to fill. I've been patiently waiting for CFMoto to get their 300GT-E out of development as I think that (or its derivatives) could be what I'm waiting for, but it's been quiet for about 2 years since that got announced.
@@SavitaDevi-ny5mmlook at the sales of electric vehicles in india and tell that to me again. It would be stupid of enfield to ignore the home market. They are never going to succeed if they do, that's the crux of it.
This motorcycle is the most appealing electric I have seen to date. My last bike was a Honda Gold Wing. It was heavy and hard to manuver in the city. The Enfield's stylish lines and light weight make it very attractive.
As a 72yo life long biker, I may swap my Triumph Tiger 1150 for this. (The big bike is getting a little too knackerig to ride now. ) Providing this bike (with new solid state batteries) can do 80mph, 150 mile range, and look as good as it does in this interview - and cost under £8,000 - I'll buy one !
Imogen is spot on with this. The darker bike looks less busy but I imagine the final bike will (I hope) be simplified but still retain a nod to the original.
F yeah. Not even battery tech, but motors too. EHelix from the UK supposedly says they have a 800hp 52 pound or 28kg or so axial flux motor. Imagine that on a bike. On top of things like solid state batteries, and other minutirization of electric tech means we will truly see some great electric bikes. They will only become cheaper too. Less maintenance to boot. Will they be for everyone? Nah. But some ICE purist are morons. Electric bikes WILL outperform ICE on the streets in all, but pure range, and breaking. Yet who cares when you can charge in minutes too or cheaply over night. Few people drive for long periods straight anyway.
I’d be amazed if that front end makes it into production, but otherwise it s a nice thing but with limited market. It’ll have the performance of a 125cc scooter at best, with the price of a proper motorcycle.
While the review concentrates on the e6 version there was also a more scrambler style s6 model with conventional forks. It’s in the background of the video.
Short range city riding is a tricky space in the market to try and place an electric cycle. Not only is it competing with those scooters and mini motos but it also has to compete against electric bicycles too.
The front end looks like one of the best thought out bits, as well as clearly being Vincent inspired. It's made of castings, one assumes, so should be cheaper than teles - same reason older MZs used Earles forks, no need for precision tubes.
I once made a sketch of a concept ride which was more a cycle less a motorcycle. It seemed too conceptual at that time. But now, I am feeling goosebumps
I am confident that Imogen owns a mirror and is well aware of what she looks like, being on Instagram as she is. Perhaps, therefore, we should take her seriously as an engineer and a presenter and not drive her off by letching at her, publicly, in the comments? Your private life is your own. But online you should really show a little class.
Who are you talking to? I’ve read at least 99% of the comments to this video and not one of them has been anywhere near leaching. The only comment that is reminiscent of that is yours actually…
@@ashtontechhelp Easy, you posted a comment regarding her looks, something no one else had done. You were referring to a problem that doesn’t exist and by doing that you basically comment on her looks.
Imogen , Royal Enfield is About Prestige , Honor , Loyalty , Brotherhood Among Riders , True Unity , Helping People In Need , Pride , Bravery , Courage , Respect , Love & Care... Royal Enfield Brotherhood is so strong that They will Never Fight With Each Other if those Riders are on Any Royal Enfield's Model...
If that bike is going to be used for commuting around the city it’s going to need some sort of storage to carry your spare clothes or bring some food back from the supermarket. All that space behind the rider looks wasted. Why not extend the frame and have twin vertical springs/shocks? Make it look properly retro.
If you look over the last 60 years the most popular motor bike has been the Honda step thru’ super cub. With over 100 million sold it has defined a market segment. Royal Enfield are absolutely right to go where the market is, gain some experience, make money and survive.
Love Royal Enfield. Love the Flying Flea. Just wish it was closer to launch. Beyond range, weight and price, top speed is also important. Lastly, please, please, please, bring this electric motorcycle to the US.
I've liked Royal Oilfield - or Oil Enfield - bikes, for over 50 years. Great to see a factory-built electric version being made, maybe inspired by Electric Classic Cars' Bullet conversion a year or two ago.
I like that there is a fuller seat option. I didn't like how Maeving only offers little bicycle seats. I agree that visually the design is too busy however what I see from the scrambler build is that if you just paint a lot of it black so that it blends better, it looks more cohesive. If the price is right I do think this can get a lot of young people to want to ride motorcycles again. I have a 200cc motorcycle and while that is not going to let me do much highway, if any, it is such a nimble thing and fun to ride. I can imagine having a blast with an electric that feels like an equivalent. I would also love the silence. It would also be great for my hand because after a small accident I really can't hold a clutch very long without my finger hurting. I need an automatic.
Great interview. As an ICE biker this is the first electric bike that has interested me. It depends on the range/top speed and to a lesser extent price so it will be interesting how that turns out.
If I ever decided that I was willing to go into motorcycling, something like the Flying Flea would be up my alley. I would like to know what the price would be like and whether this bike would accommodate taller riders. Maybe Imogen can talk Jack into giving this bike a go once it reaches production.
Excellent video. This is a hugely tricky issue. Quite a few conundrums that nobody has cracked yet. Firstly, what’s the dividing line between an eBike and a powered two wheeler (EV or ICE)? Legally most jurisdictions treat them very differently, chalk & cheese as far as licensing, tax & insurance are concerned whereas the available technology blurs these lines. This problem has to be sorted. Then, in many towns & cities, an eBike has considerable access advantages with bike lanes, preferential traffic lights, easier routing & parking etc which make them much easier to use and cut journey times. However in warmer countries, it is much more convenient not to have to pedal at all for much of the year. And obviously purely motorised power makes greater range much more convenient, hence travel outside the city etc. Then you have the aesthetics to consider. This Flying Flea prototype isn’t future retro, sorry, it’s just retro, which is fine. Look to the Husky Vitpilen & Svartpilen perhaps for a more future retro aesthetic. But then consider how long ago KTM brought the Freeride to the market and how they’ve fully diversified into eMTBs & gravel bikes, & e-scoots etc and they don’t seem to be closer to cracking this sweet spot issue than anyone. Bottom line: someone needs to reinvent the Mobylette for the 21st century and then get legislators to accommodate it. I thought Cake & the various similar startups would do that but sadly no-one has cracked it yet.
I have to say that I really like this design and the spirit behind it. 100 Mile, 100-120kg weight for a snappy ride would be a treat. He was pretty clear about a suite of optional configurations as well, I think that would really maximize the potential, a whole series could evolve.
It’s not. It will go maybe 80km/h on the flat. Range will be less than 100km at 60km/h and with no swappable battery it’s a non starter for a lot of people. Me in particular because to leave my house I need to go on a highway, take a bicycle path or catch a bus
It isn't so much the case that fewer young people are choosing to take the UK driving test, more that the DVSA can't meet the demand for driving tests. Earliest available test dates are as far out as March next year and beyond.
Well done Royal Enfield ....I agree with the concept and the bike in my eyes looks amazing. This is the first electric bike that does not look clunky . The design is spot on !!!!
That will sell well for city and town riders at around £6K or less. I’ve ridden the SRS Zero and love how they ride. Range is the big issue as is weight. Triumph have something in the pipeline. It’s all about the power to weight ratio.
Love it. Girder forks looking as good as that! Very stylish and I guess Italian design. Can't wait to see it on the road with decent performance/range but C of G is high unless they are using that frame for off roading.
This looks far more like a mini Vincent than anything RE ever produced. Phil Vincent would love the front fork design and the hidden rear suspension, and the wavy design of the battery cover more than nods at the finning on a Black Shadow. The circular instrument panel also refers back to the large Vincent speedo. The power unit used as a frame member is also Vincent like, as is the pivoted rear mudgaurd with the lights and plate on the back. I guess RE couldn't afford the Vincent trademark and stuck with one of their own. But the inspiration is obvious. And I like it.
An electric bike is a really difficult proposition right now, for me as a life long motorcyclist. Because when you go out motorcycling, you generally go for trips that are a) longer than their range, b) on faster roads, where the efficiency of evs is worse than the city, and c) away from the best charging network. And they often have poor fast charging capabilities anyway. So they don't really work for that most important use case. They'd be great for the everyday commute and town ride - but then you'd essentially want to have two bikes - an ICE bike for the longer rides and an electric one for commutes. Then the problem is, there are barely any on the used market because they're all really new and quite expensive. It's even unlikely that the cheaper running costs would offset the depreciation. For me, I love the *idea* of owning an electric motorcycle - but I can't love the *practicality* of owning one, because it would always have to be a second bike. I could see an electric bike being a good choice for someone who only (or mainly) uses it for commuting, though. Bubbling under: Just an electric bicycle might even be a smarter choice if it's for purely town riding. Give you access to bike lanes, save on purchase price and insurance, less need for equipment, and easy to pedal even if you forget to charge it.
I agree with what you say for your use case, but the fact is that wordwide, the majority of bikes are 125cc or less and are used as cheap, local, (not necessarily urban) transport. A bike which is cheap, basic, rugged, easy to maintain, with lots of load carrying potential, a top speed of around100kph (65mph) a range of 150km (95mi), would fit the bill and be a worlwide best seller. This bike however, looks like it's aimed at city posers rather than motorcyclists.
@@nickwinn7812 Yeah I don't think this bike is aimed for that worldwide mass market. Not to mention I think much of the Asian market where the vastness of low-cc urban commuters ride, probably don't have as strong a charging network. (However, I'm absolutely not an expert on this)
I really don't think this is intended for road tripping, it's for popping down the shops, maybe a short daily commute, that sort of thing. I think it is really for car drivers that want to be more green on their local trips so they could have a car for long trips and luggage and a small bike for local needs without luggage.
I agree but let me tell you (from experience), pedaling an e-bike that's out of e-power, specially when you're used to the feel of powered pedaling, is really no fun ;) I commute to work on my e-bike and it's great thanks to the biking infrastructure and being able to park it in a closed garage at work.
The RE Flying Flea is drawn similarly to the Yamaha Moegi, which is a good idea because it has beutiful classic retro motorcycle lines. It would be a shame if it shared the fate of the Moegi, which did not go into production.
They made it very clear it is not a long range bike . But still wants to buy 1 just for the looks as a second bike for city rides. Especially the black one.
I build my own electric moped only 65 kg weight, and 100 km range. It's not so well build, but i made it from scratch in garaje and without proper tools. So, i hope, this one will have more range and power, and less weight.
This one is an electric bike but with gas design. The Egyptians used to make stone columns but shaped like papyrus made. The electric bikes still needs to take that leap from the gas design to the electric design. The form following the function...
If the bike, in a greater metropolitan context can get you from A to B each day for 4-5 days without needing to recharge, you are looking at 120-150 km range, possibly even a little more. If that is accurate, that would be absolutely awesome!!
I really like this. As you say, if its light, can do 60mph with 100mile range I think it will be a great buy. It might tempt me back into biking for local trips. It's gotta be significantly better than a high power electric mountain bike (not road legal) which could be cheaper, lighter and more agile. The UK Gov really need to sort out some rules for micro mobility though to open up the market and reduce the desire for cars in towns and cities.
This is actually beautiful. I’m too old now. Just sold my liter bike less than 2 years ago. Minimum 3 wheels now. But hold on, maybe i have room for one more.
The Electric bike is the only option for a lot of people that haven't 50 grand for a car that'll be worth 20 when you drive it home. I would certainly consider this as a second vehicle option for city travelling etc
That's because they're crap compared to tele's. Going back to old tech that didn't work very well is totally stupid. The original Flying Flea had tiny and very in-effective drum brakes - why not put them on the new bike for that true "romantic feel".
I would never have guessed Royal Enfield would be the first to make a truly beautiful electric motorbike.
They're the second. After Energica 🙂
Agreed. That is gorgeous. Retro, yet futuristic. I hope they follow through and actually deliver these. Great episode.
The Maeving RM2 is nicer.
@@racheltaylor6578 I'm sure Stevie Wonder agrees with you.
@@racheltaylor6578 but its a hub motor , unsprung weight
I'd buy one just to sit in my living room so I could admire it. It is absolutely gorgeous!
That’s about the best use for one. Infact if you could use the battery to warm the bike you could dry your washing on it.
@@GadgetMart And so, do you have any specific gripes about it or are you just an ignorant, opinionated, anti-EV Luddite?
I love the looks and providing the hit the brief, it will sell, but not in huge numbers. I drive an EV but not sure I could replace my Triumph Scrambler 900 with an electric bike.
I love the blending of historical and futurist styling, great looking little bike
Cost will be the key , especially in India!
Will you buy it?
@ole-martinlundefaret5876 if price is competitive, 💯
Very elegant, I would buy it
@@Crowiferous reason I am asking is that I think electric motorbikes are a hard sell - and they need something special to be attractive. And it’s easy to say that you like something - but would you use your own money and buy it - that’s the question.
A Stark Varg I can understand - as it has terrific performance. But this one? 🤔
As a biker for 43 years I think this is a beautiful looking machine, I think the design is spot on, especially the front forks and frame design. i hope they keep the design as is and don't cut the features in the name of cost...
it depends, are they targeting affluent people or a more general populace, in the latter case I think they will aim for a lower price.
RE bikes are all already very cost effective
I want one so bad. Please bring them to the US! I've owned two Royal Enfield gas bikes, and recently sold them wanting to go full electric. This is it!
Have you watched Noraly riding a Royal Enfield in her first season of Itchy Boots? She's ridden different bikes since then but that first season was amazing.
@@d.e.7467 Yes... I even spoke to Noraly a couple times... she came through my town in Alaska. And I also owned a RE Himalayan.
The problem with, especially the Capris, is that they don't look at all like the originals. I don't know how the original Flying Flea looked, but that certainly looks good
The original Flying Flee looked like something half way between a 1930s motorcycle and a bicycle.
It wasn’t pretty, because it was for the military.
But the profile is actually pretty similar to this new bike.
Royal Enfield have a knack of making their reimaginings prettier than the original.
Well Ford don't have any other names that they could use, unless you count the Anglia, Prefect, Taunus, Pilot, Consul, Escort, Popular, Zephire, Granada, Sierra, Scorpio, Orion etc. Nah, who am I kidding, they just decided to cynically exploit the nostalgia of a popular car.
The original Flying Flea looked nothing like this.
However, it was low powered, lightweight easy to ride, easy to maintain and cheap. Let's hope this thing lives up to the name in these areas, otherwise it doesn't merit the name.
If you watch the video, you'll see.
About a minute and a half in....
As a non-biker, I really like this! 👍🏻
So important if you want to develop a market. They're doing something right.
Same here, I found myself wondering if I could see myself using it. Certainly it is way better looking that all the other electric bikes we have seen who all seem to go for a boxy futuristic look where this just looks like a small bike, and a good looking one at that. Course it helps that it was in my number 1 favourite colour (my first new car was in this colour back in '89). I should add I am not an urban driver but I could see this as useful for a lot of local journeys (4 mile round trip to the nearest shop for example when I just need 1 or 2 items).
Me too
Can't wait. Looks like the best of retro and modern.
As a 64 year old motorcyclist who has been riding for 48 years, I would love one of these alongside my Guzzi V100 as an urban scoot. I think Royal Enfield have produced a beautiful machine there. Time will tell if the specs and price make it a winner, but it's fair to say that Royal Enfield have been acing it since their modern relaunch, so I'm quietly confident they'll deliver.
Imogen, this was a great review. Mentioning the bad parts of a product is an important part of a review. just the good stuff sounds like an ad. Great job! Cheers!
Enfield makes solid budget conscious ICE bikes. Loved the Continental GT. Looking forward to their electric offerings!
Yes thanks for flying on a aeroplane all the way to Italy to show us these green prototype bikes!!
@@GeordiLaForgery what is your point?
One of the best electric bike designs I’ve seen so far. Nice job 😄
I'm not a motorbike man, but this motorcycle looks stunning, really digging the styling of the dissipator and that green color
If the price is right for the power, the range and the weight, I might think about it twice
I'm 70 (so old) yet I enjoy owning two modern Enfields, "Scrambo" a Scram 411 and "Esmeralda" a dark green Super Meteor 650. And guess what, as someone who lives in a large city, I'd love one of these too, maybe to replace Scrambo - but don't tell him.
:-)
Kudos to Royal Enfiled. Damn it looks good.
Design has an elegance to it. Going to be worth watching when we get to see it on the road for a test ride.
I have a Royal Enfield 650 and would love have a Flying Flea to keep the 650 company.
As someone who's never owned or even ridden a motorbike (I tried a scooter once it was a disaster), I was really smitten by the Maevin but there's something a bit too boxy for my taste. But this, this would make a biker outta me for sure if it's the right price and light enough for me to park it at my small home. the colour is exactly right, the contours have a lovely fluidity to them and I like the nod to older models too. I hope it comes out at the right price with the right configuration. Thanks for the review Imogen, I shall keep an eye out for this when it comes out.
Stunning, just stunning. I look forward to seeing the production version. Royal Enfield are leading the way with style, affordability and innovation.
A bit of trivia that nobody really needs: "flying flea" (or "jumping flea") in Hawaiian is… ʻukulele.
Irrelevant trivia is always welcome
On second thought, it's quite relevant
I think it looks beautiful. The best bike I owned was the BSA Thunderbolt and seeing this video brought back memories of riding that. Sad we have to wait until 2026.
I'm happy Royal Enfield put a lot of effort into making it light weight and compact. Other ev bikes in India are quite big, heavy and come with huge batteries.
Scooters achieve huge sales because they are so practical for day to day use. This has some charm but it’s more of a toy. No luggage capacity, no weather protection, no helmet stowage etc etc. It’s a toy.
All a bit like a scooter then.
Concept, it will evolve..
@@TheSamcolons1
It won't at all.
Battery kit is a dead end.
The public aren't that interested in going to EVs for several reasons (Google is your friend).
These bikes will wither on the vine, ditto BEVs.
Argue if you must.
I have always ridden naked bikes
@@t1n4444which public? The market is not the same as your country everywhere
The black version looks soooo much better than the green-silver one.
Interesting to see how electric motorcycles evolve during the coming years 🏍️ Thanks for sharing 👍
I can expect that final Weight, Range, and Price will
all hinge on the choice of battery - which has been changing
steadily with progress in battery technology.
Excellent interview, BTW!
I think those who don't like EVs of any kind don't take into account that battery technology is getting better and better for weight and longevity. Not to mention safety.
Another 50-125cc category electric motorcycle entering an already busy market. That’s not a totally negative comment I’d just like to see an electric version of their existing models. As a motorcyclist and someone that’s been building electric stuff (including batteries) for 15 years this is just the least expensive way of making an electric bike that can be retailed for a big markup. It really should, as all electric bikes should by now, have at least 6.6kw AC onboard charging to use any public charging point and they really need to stop making out that the battery pack costs are high now because they are not. So hopefully Royal Enfield will bring electric bikes to market that are like for like with ice versions creating some needed competition just as brands like MG have done.
I’m costing up a project to convert a nearly new Royal Enfield at the moment to electric.
It probably will be 5k tops
It's not that busy here in India yet, their home market, so far most of the electric two-wheelers being sold are scooters. If they succeed here, they can keep exporting it to gain a foothold elsewhere.
I don’t know if it’s just to introduce new people to 2 wheelers for city transport, because I’m a 60yr biker and I love it ❤️
Cool looking little lightweight. Aimed at the urban market, the target range is fine. The motor/battery housing would benefit from being a little less fussy
Love that they made it sub brand, looks good ❤❤
And they done it right being city commuter😊
Imogen, when you get a chance to ride it, YOU not Jack, I will take a harder look at it. I am 5'-7" on a good day and am looking for a small city bike with a low seated position. I used to be a sport bike guy but most of the new bikes are too tall for me. The design is really compelling. The colors are lovely and the design does take the classic Flea look and brings it elegantly into the modern era.
You're in luck, because RE's have been designed primarily for Indians for a long time now, and we aren't particularly tall on average
I don't know about y'all, but I think that guy might be Italian.
Beautiful. Love the design.
I love my electric motorbike. But I dont use it as much as my old petrol as range suffers this time of year. And charge time is silly. But I love the drive to not even contemplate giving it up.
hence why e-motorcycles are only a second cycle option. The market for motorcycles is small enough but to market an e-motorcycle as a back up to your principal ICE motorcycle isn't economically feasible.
@@davidhunternyc1 I no longer have the petrol motorcycle 👍 I just don't use my electric one as much as I did when I did have my petrol one. But that might be either weather or the new EV we have 😂
It really depends on your requirements. An electric motorbike is super useful and convenient for commuting. I no longer have an ICE bike, and only have an electric one. For my commute, i can easily get from home to work and back on a single charge (about 56 miles/89 km round trip) - charge overnight, rinse repeat.
Super cheap to run. Runs really quiet, so I don't disturb anyone in the neighborhood when I leave/arrive - I'm long past the need for a loud pipe, and pops and bangs ;)
But it's definitely not for weekend blasts through the country, or touring, or track days.
Each to their own, but electric bikes definitely have a place in the two-wheeled world.
Although I wish they'd come down in price, they're still way too expensive.
@@SpottedCreeper My commute is a similar distance to yours but around half my journey is at 70mph which really seems to complicate things if you want an EV. Small 125cc-equivalents can do the distance so long as you keep the speed around 30mph or you can get something like a Zero bike to do the motorway speed, but then you've paid out three times the money. There's a gap in the market at the moment between that someone needs to fill. I've been patiently waiting for CFMoto to get their 300GT-E out of development as I think that (or its derivatives) could be what I'm waiting for, but it's been quiet for about 2 years since that got announced.
How they price it in India will determine everything here.
they are nottargeting india
Yeahh somewhere around 2 lakh -2.5 lakh will make it a reasonable choice
@@SavitaDevi-ny5mmlook at the sales of electric vehicles in india and tell that to me again.
It would be stupid of enfield to ignore the home market. They are never going to succeed if they do, that's the crux of it.
6:45 _ Just a "model" for now, "probable" launch" in 2026
@@tazzjazzlol it's targeted for india
It's an Indian brand and e2w segment is booming here
This looks way better than the Maeving. I couldn't care less how 'connected' it is unless you're talking about the feel of the handlebars and the seat
This motorcycle is the most appealing electric I have seen to date. My last bike was a Honda Gold Wing. It was heavy and hard to manuver in the city. The Enfield's stylish lines and light weight make it very attractive.
As a 72yo life long biker, I may swap my Triumph Tiger 1150 for this. (The big bike is getting a little too knackerig to ride now. ) Providing this bike (with new solid state batteries) can do 80mph,
150 mile range, and look as good as it does in this interview - and cost under £8,000 - I'll buy one !
The best looking electric bike I have ever seen! I want one!
Imogen is spot on with this. The darker bike looks less busy but I imagine the final bike will (I hope) be simplified but still retain a nod to the original.
Battery tech wise another year could be massive. I’m not a biker or really into bikes but I like the look of that.
F yeah. Not even battery tech, but motors too.
EHelix from the UK supposedly says they have a 800hp 52 pound or 28kg or so axial flux motor. Imagine that on a bike.
On top of things like solid state batteries, and other minutirization of electric tech means we will truly see some great electric bikes.
They will only become cheaper too. Less maintenance to boot.
Will they be for everyone? Nah. But some ICE purist are morons. Electric bikes WILL outperform ICE on the streets in all, but pure range, and breaking. Yet who cares when you can charge in minutes too or cheaply over night. Few people drive for long periods straight anyway.
I’d be amazed if that front end makes it into production, but otherwise it s a nice thing but with limited market. It’ll have the performance of a 125cc scooter at best, with the price of a proper motorcycle.
Sadly the all do. I bought my Niu second hand, otherwise it would have been £5k new. Range and performance is not a £5k bike.
While the review concentrates on the e6 version there was also a more scrambler style s6 model with conventional forks. It’s in the background of the video.
Short range city riding is a tricky space in the market to try and place an electric cycle. Not only is it competing with those scooters and mini motos but it also has to compete against electric bicycles too.
@ Indeed. You would also have to consider that a lot of people who would use one probably can’t charge at home.
The front end looks like one of the best thought out bits, as well as clearly being Vincent inspired. It's made of castings, one assumes, so should be cheaper than teles - same reason older MZs used Earles forks, no need for precision tubes.
It’s much more sleek than many other electric motorcycles but not having stats, you have to wonder how much battery they can get in there…
The styling has a touch of the art Nouveau about it.
I once made a sketch of a concept ride which was more a cycle less a motorcycle. It seemed too conceptual at that time. But now, I am feeling goosebumps
I am confident that Imogen owns a mirror and is well aware of what she looks like, being on Instagram as she is.
Perhaps, therefore, we should take her seriously as an engineer and a presenter and not drive her off by letching at her, publicly, in the comments?
Your private life is your own. But online you should really show a little class.
How about saying simply that she is attractive and leave it as that. :))
Who are you talking to? I’ve read at least 99% of the comments to this video and not one of them has been anywhere near leaching. The only comment that is reminiscent of that is yours actually…
@Mrtweet81 I saw a few, enough to comment. I don't know how you could read what I wrote though, and come to the conclusion you have.
@@ashtontechhelp Easy, you posted a comment regarding her looks, something no one else had done. You were referring to a problem that doesn’t exist and by doing that you basically comment on her looks.
Imogen , Royal Enfield is About Prestige , Honor , Loyalty , Brotherhood Among Riders , True Unity , Helping People In Need , Pride , Bravery , Courage , Respect , Love & Care... Royal Enfield Brotherhood is so strong that They will Never Fight With Each Other if those Riders are on Any Royal Enfield's Model...
It's not simply a piece of transport, a starter bike,
to go to the supermarket, it's actually a motorcycle 'Work of ART'....
Needs a cargo system, so I can go to the shops or the beach. Otherwise I love it.😊.
Backpack.
Agreed, panniers would be fantastic
If that bike is going to be used for commuting around the city it’s going to need some sort of storage to carry your spare clothes or bring some food back from the supermarket. All that space behind the rider looks wasted. Why not extend the frame and have twin vertical springs/shocks? Make it look properly retro.
If you look over the last 60 years the most popular motor bike has been the Honda step thru’ super cub. With over 100 million sold it has defined a market segment. Royal Enfield are absolutely right to go where the market is, gain some experience, make money and survive.
Love Royal Enfield. Love the Flying Flea. Just wish it was closer to launch. Beyond range, weight and price, top speed is also important. Lastly, please, please, please, bring this electric motorcycle to the US.
I've liked Royal Oilfield - or Oil Enfield - bikes, for over 50 years. Great to see a factory-built electric version being made, maybe inspired by Electric Classic Cars' Bullet conversion a year or two ago.
A city bike that is light and expensive. So easily nicked. Not like city users have secure parking.
All bikes have been easily nicked which is why you have a good chain and chain it to something.
Take back control of your cities... "fund the police"... never heard of this being a rampant problem in the Indian cities I've lived in
I like that there is a fuller seat option. I didn't like how Maeving only offers little bicycle seats.
I agree that visually the design is too busy however what I see from the scrambler build is that if you just paint a lot of it black so that it blends better, it looks more cohesive.
If the price is right I do think this can get a lot of young people to want to ride motorcycles again. I have a 200cc motorcycle and while that is not going to let me do much highway, if any, it is such a nimble thing and fun to ride. I can imagine having a blast with an electric that feels like an equivalent. I would also love the silence.
It would also be great for my hand because after a small accident I really can't hold a clutch very long without my finger hurting. I need an automatic.
If the black "engine cover thing" was in metal finish, the wheels where more retro and the tires a bit wider, would look great
So a different bike🤣
Hope to see you take it for a test drive!
Great interview. As an ICE biker this is the first electric bike that has interested me. It depends on the range/top speed and to a lesser extent price so it will be interesting how that turns out.
If I ever decided that I was willing to go into motorcycling, something like the Flying Flea would be up my alley. I would like to know what the price would be like and whether this bike would accommodate taller riders. Maybe Imogen can talk Jack into giving this bike a go once it reaches production.
Excellent video. This is a hugely tricky issue. Quite a few conundrums that nobody has cracked yet.
Firstly, what’s the dividing line between an eBike and a powered two wheeler (EV or ICE)? Legally most jurisdictions treat them very differently, chalk & cheese as far as licensing, tax & insurance are concerned whereas the available technology blurs these lines. This problem has to be sorted.
Then, in many towns & cities, an eBike has considerable access advantages with bike lanes, preferential traffic lights, easier routing & parking etc which make them much easier to use and cut journey times. However in warmer countries, it is much more convenient not to have to pedal at all for much of the year. And obviously purely motorised power makes greater range much more convenient, hence travel outside the city etc.
Then you have the aesthetics to consider. This Flying Flea prototype isn’t future retro, sorry, it’s just retro, which is fine. Look to the Husky Vitpilen & Svartpilen perhaps for a more future retro aesthetic. But then consider how long ago KTM brought the Freeride to the market and how they’ve fully diversified into eMTBs & gravel bikes, & e-scoots etc and they don’t seem to be closer to cracking this sweet spot issue than anyone.
Bottom line: someone needs to reinvent the Mobylette for the 21st century and then get legislators to accommodate it. I thought Cake & the various similar startups would do that but sadly no-one has cracked it yet.
Looks rad. Yeah, would love it to be cheap and light.
I have to say that I really like this design and the spirit behind it. 100 Mile, 100-120kg weight for a snappy ride would be a treat. He was pretty clear about a suite of optional configurations as well, I think that would really maximize the potential, a whole series could evolve.
It’s not. It will go maybe 80km/h on the flat. Range will be less than 100km at 60km/h and with no swappable battery it’s a non starter for a lot of people. Me in particular because to leave my house I need to go on a highway, take a bicycle path or catch a bus
I heard 70mph and 160km range
I really love this concept and I'm hopping to see it realised.
It isn't so much the case that fewer young people are choosing to take the UK driving test, more that the DVSA can't meet the demand for driving tests. Earliest available test dates are as far out as March next year and beyond.
Well done Royal Enfield ....I agree with the concept and the bike in my eyes looks amazing. This is the first electric bike that does not look clunky . The design is spot on !!!!
Really enjoyed this stylish, informative, in-depth piece, thanks.
I think its looks are stunning. Love it!
Royal Enfiled taking Indian design, engineering and manufacturing to the world. I shall fly down to Chennai, book one, and ride back home on this one.
That will sell well for city and town riders at around £6K or less. I’ve ridden the SRS Zero and love how they ride. Range is the big issue as is weight. Triumph have something in the pipeline. It’s all about the power to weight ratio.
Wonderful bike and rewiew , thanks ❤
👏👏Great video and beautiful bike!
Love it. Girder forks looking as good as that! Very stylish and I guess Italian design. Can't wait to see it on the road with decent performance/range but C of G is high unless they are using that frame for off roading.
A revered marque looks to the future of motorcycles. Cool e-bike, great video.
This looks far more like a mini Vincent than anything RE ever produced. Phil Vincent would love the front fork design and the hidden rear suspension, and the wavy design of the battery cover more than nods at the finning on a Black Shadow. The circular instrument panel also refers back to the large Vincent speedo. The power unit used as a frame member is also Vincent like, as is the pivoted rear mudgaurd with the lights and plate on the back.
I guess RE couldn't afford the Vincent trademark and stuck with one of their own. But the inspiration is obvious. And I like it.
Looks lovely, like. But we need to know
1) range?
2) price?
3) where the scratchy bit of plastic that Jack gets to tut about is?
it already looks amazing , if they get the specs right then this could really be a cool bike
May be in future a real flying bike.
An electric bike is a really difficult proposition right now, for me as a life long motorcyclist. Because when you go out motorcycling, you generally go for trips that are a) longer than their range, b) on faster roads, where the efficiency of evs is worse than the city, and c) away from the best charging network. And they often have poor fast charging capabilities anyway. So they don't really work for that most important use case. They'd be great for the everyday commute and town ride - but then you'd essentially want to have two bikes - an ICE bike for the longer rides and an electric one for commutes. Then the problem is, there are barely any on the used market because they're all really new and quite expensive. It's even unlikely that the cheaper running costs would offset the depreciation.
For me, I love the *idea* of owning an electric motorcycle - but I can't love the *practicality* of owning one, because it would always have to be a second bike. I could see an electric bike being a good choice for someone who only (or mainly) uses it for commuting, though.
Bubbling under: Just an electric bicycle might even be a smarter choice if it's for purely town riding. Give you access to bike lanes, save on purchase price and insurance, less need for equipment, and easy to pedal even if you forget to charge it.
I agree with what you say for your use case, but the fact is that wordwide, the majority of bikes are 125cc or less and are used as cheap, local, (not necessarily urban) transport.
A bike which is cheap, basic, rugged, easy to maintain, with lots of load carrying potential, a top speed of around100kph (65mph) a range of 150km (95mi), would fit the bill and be a worlwide best seller.
This bike however, looks like it's aimed at city posers rather than motorcyclists.
@@nickwinn7812 Yeah I don't think this bike is aimed for that worldwide mass market. Not to mention I think much of the Asian market where the vastness of low-cc urban commuters ride, probably don't have as strong a charging network. (However, I'm absolutely not an expert on this)
I really don't think this is intended for road tripping, it's for popping down the shops, maybe a short daily commute, that sort of thing. I think it is really for car drivers that want to be more green on their local trips so they could have a car for long trips and luggage and a small bike for local needs without luggage.
@@andyjdhurley I know, and I admitted as much in the text.
I agree but let me tell you (from experience), pedaling an e-bike that's out of e-power, specially when you're used to the feel of powered pedaling, is really no fun ;)
I commute to work on my e-bike and it's great thanks to the biking infrastructure and being able to park it in a closed garage at work.
Maeving RM1 has been in this space for a while, rode one at the everything electric show it was great.
Just what I have been looking for.
Looks like a really cool electric bike. Great piece👍
The RE Flying Flea is drawn similarly to the Yamaha Moegi, which is a good idea because it has beutiful classic retro motorcycle lines. It would be a shame if it shared the fate of the Moegi, which did not go into production.
I read elsewhere they are running the ks up around Barcelona on prototypes and may be sorted in a year.
Like the styling and the omage to the girder fork past.
Lovely looking bike, hope it succeeds.
They made it very clear it is not a long range bike .
But still wants to buy 1 just for the looks as a second bike for city rides.
Especially the black one.
What a beauty. I wish they added spoked wheels to it.
I build my own electric moped only 65 kg weight, and 100 km range. It's not so well build, but i made it from scratch in garaje and without proper tools. So, i hope, this one will have more range and power, and less weight.
This one is an electric bike but with gas design. The Egyptians used to make stone columns but shaped like papyrus made. The electric bikes still needs to take that leap from the gas design to the electric design. The form following the function...
If the bike, in a greater metropolitan context can get you from A to B each day for 4-5 days without needing to recharge, you are looking at 120-150 km range, possibly even a little more.
If that is accurate, that would be absolutely awesome!!
I really like this. As you say, if its light, can do 60mph with 100mile range I think it will be a great buy. It might tempt me back into biking for local trips. It's gotta be significantly better than a high power electric mountain bike (not road legal) which could be cheaper, lighter and more agile. The UK Gov really need to sort out some rules for micro mobility though to open up the market and reduce the desire for cars in towns and cities.
This is actually beautiful. I’m too old now. Just sold my liter bike less than 2 years ago. Minimum 3 wheels now. But hold on, maybe i have room for one more.
That's a very retro cool, sleek looking Electric Bike. Short on details, but I hope it does make it to market!
Yeah, it looks great, but I totally agree with what Imogen said from 6:49 to 7:14
The Electric bike is the only option for a lot of people that haven't 50 grand for a car that'll be worth 20 when you drive it home.
I would certainly consider this as a second vehicle option for city travelling etc
Sweet design. Well done.
that is pretty cool, taking an old skool look but then making it look new. IIIIIi like it
Looks a bit strange but good. A love this kind of retro+futuristic blend.
Love that take on the “ girder forks”. Not seen those since the C10? (BSA)
That's because they're crap compared to tele's. Going back to old tech that didn't work very well is totally stupid. The original Flying Flea had tiny and very in-effective drum brakes - why not put them on the new bike for that true "romantic feel".
@ ain’t no cafe racer bro’ 🥴
A real beautiful sleek bike ..love it some of the other evs seem so bulky
I'm a hard core ICE motorcyclist ... and I like it.