Royal Enfield is officially plugging into the electric vehicle market, announcing a bold new chapter for its EV subsidiary, Flying Flea. The iconic motorcycle manufacturer has confirmed that it will open its first-ever dedicated electric vehicle showroom in Paris, France, with the doors expected to open in early 2026. This move signals the start of the brand’s global retail operations and marks a significant step in its long-term electric strategy.
The announcement, made during Paris Design Week, holds deep historical resonance for the brand. The original “Flying Flea” was a lightweight motorcycle that played a crucial role during World War II, and its revival as an electric brand connects Royal Enfield’s storied past with its ambitious future. Mario Alvisi, Chief Growth Officer at Royal Enfield Electric Vehicles, highlighted the significance of the location. “France is where the original Flying Flea motorcycle played a pivotal role… and today, Paris stands not only as a global epicenter of design and culture but also is one of Europe’s most dynamic two-wheeler EV markets,” he explained.
This new showroom isn’t just a retail space; it’s a statement of intent. By establishing a physical presence in a key European market, Royal Enfield is positioning Flying Flea to compete directly in the rapidly growing EV space. The company’s strategy appears to be a global one, with a launch in India also anticipated around 2026.
Flying Flea first caught the public’s eye at EICMA 2024, where it unveiled two distinct concept models: the C6, a retro-styled roadster, and the S6, a rugged scrambler. Both motorcycles are built on a shared platform, but each is tailored for a different riding experience. It is widely expected that the C6 roadster will be the first model to hit the market. Royal Enfield has been transparent about its rigorous testing process, putting these electric bikes through extreme conditions to ensure they meet the brand’s high standards for durability and performance.
The development of these new electric vehicles is a massive undertaking, supported by a team of over 200 engineers working across the UK and India. This team is focused on creating proprietary motor, battery, and software technologies, ensuring that Flying Flea’s products are unique to the brand. Manufacturing has already been established at Royal Enfield’s facility in Vallam Vadagal, India. Further solidifying its commitment to EV innovation, Royal Enfield has also invested in Stark Future, a Spanish EV startup known for its high-performance electric off-road motorcycles. This investment suggests a strategic effort to learn from and collaborate with leaders in the electric mobility field.
As Royal Enfield gears up for its 2026 launch, the choice of Paris for its first flagship store underscores a blend of heritage and forward-thinking ambition. The city not only represents a connection to the Flying Flea’s history but also serves as a gateway to one of the most promising electric two-wheeler markets in the world. With this move, Royal Enfield is making it clear that it’s ready to take on the future, one electric motorcycle at a time.
