It is an open secret that Royal Enfield is working hard on a new electric motorcycle. According to the latest rumors, this first EV could be marketed under the name Flying Flea, as a tribute to the motorcycle of the same name from the Second World War.
In November 2022, a single cropped photo surfaced via Autocar India showing the front of an electric concept bike with the Royal Enfield logo and the name “electriK01″ on the side, quickly fueling rumors that the bike was on the verge of being officially unveiled.
However, that never happened, the electriK01 has still not been officially released to this day, but now a new design registration has been filed in India showing what appears to be a production version of the same machine.
Key elements seen in the leaked photo of the 2022 concept bike included an exoskeleton-like frame, which appears to be made of cast aluminum, that wraps around the shoulders of a “fuel tank,” attaches to the steering head at the front, and then curves down below a black plastic section that appears to be a battery tray.
At the front was a Girder fork, also made of cast aluminium, supported by a pair of stubby wishbones and two small struts, with a retro-style round headlight on top.
The original Flying Flea in steel frame for a parachute dropoff
Several of these features are reflected in the new design registration, which can be seen in a low-resolution illustration recently published through the Indian government’s Patent and Design Journal, but there are just enough differences to suggest 
An EV version of the Himalayan is currently being tested extensivelythat where the ElectriK01 was a concept, the new design could be a planned production model.
Starting at the front, the spindly alloy wheel is a slightly different design than in the leaked photo of the 2022 concept bike, with angled spokes rather than a radial spread from the hub. The Girder fork remains, along with the dual spring/damper units, and the signature curved external chassis is also clearly visible. The bolt holes where those frame rails attach to the headset have been relocated slightly, though, and it now appears that the lower arms of the frame are separate components, with seams between them and the upper sections, where the original design was a single-piece.
Beneath the traditionally shaped “tank” is a large, finned box that likely houses the batteries and electronics. This is a departure from the leaked 2022 photo, which showed a smooth battery housing instead of one with cooling fins that are surely meant to evoke the look of a conventional combustion engine.
The rear of the bike wasn’t visible in the leaked 2022 photo, but on the new design it features a solo seat and a monoshock rear suspension that mimics the shape of a hardtail frame, plus a long rear mudguard that’s positioned close to the rear tire and carries the taillights and license plate holder.
The presence of mirrors, front and rear indicators, but especially the ‘safi protectors’ to prevent clothing from getting caught between the spokes of the rear wheel, suggest that this is a motorcycle intended for production rather than just a show model. Such protections are required by law on Indian motorcycles, but only if there is room for passengers on the back, something this design does not seem to be able to do.
Royal Enfield’s plans for an electric motorcycle became clear last year with the unveiling of the Electric Himalayan prototype that was extensively tested, but while that is intended as a relatively high-performance, long-range machine, this design seems more of a low-speed, city-focused motorcycle.
There’s even evidence in trademark filings held by Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors, that such a bike is on its way to showrooms. Since 2020, the company has filed more than 20 applications to trademark variations of the “Flying Flea” name around the world, with paperwork surrounding that title appearing this year alone in places as far-flung as Cambodia, Mexico, New Zealand and Switzerland.
The name was registered in the United States in March 2021. Why Flying Flea? Because that was the nickname for the 125cc two-stroke Royal Enfield WD/RE that was used during World War II as a lightweight British military motorcycle, suitable for paratroopers. A look at the original Flying Flea, with its hardtail frame, Girder forks, long mudguards and single-seat saddle, shows a clear influence on the design of the new electric bike.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.