Flying Flea: Royal Enfield’s high-tech electric motorbike collaboration with Qualcomm

Bike enthusiasts, prepare for a thrilling ride into the future! Flying Flea, Royal Enfield’s electrifying new EV brand, has teamed up with Qualcomm Technologies to revolutionise the two-wheeler experience. The collaboration brings Qualcomm’s Snapdragon QWM2290 system-on-chip (SoC) and Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform to Flying Flea’s electric motorcycles, promising smooth connectivity, performance, and rider personalisation.

Image Source: https://flyingflea.royalenfield.com/

Unveiled globally at the Milan Motorcycle Show in November 2024, Flying Flea motorcycles blend advanced technology with Royal Enfield’s timeless style. With Qualcomm’s innovation at its heart, these bikes aim to redefine how riders interact with their machines.

Tech-powered riding redefined

The Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC, a processor tailored specifically for two-wheelers, is at the core of Flying Flea’s tech-savvy design. It powers the bike’s control unit on a custom-built operating system that integrates performance management and an interactive round TFT display.

Connectivity takes centre stage with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform. Flying Flea motorcycles remain seamlessly connected via 4G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, ensuring effortless communication between bike and rider. A dedicated Voice Assist button makes navigation and control a breeze.

Key features for biking aficionados

• Reviving a legacy: Inspired by Royal Enfield’s classic Flying Flea, the new models blend iconic design with modern functionality. The front suspension features an aluminium girder fork and an articulating mudguard for enhanced performance.
• Innovative design: A forged aluminium frame provides a robust yet lightweight structure, while the magnesium battery case ensures cooling efficiency and weight reduction.
• Integrated tech: Unlock and start your bike using your smartphone with ‘Phone as a Key’ technology. Remote software updates, wireless phone charging, and optimised riding software make this a biker’s dream.
• Smooth performance: Flying Flea bikes feature twist-and-go acceleration for urban commuting and cruise control for highway journeys. High-ride modes, inclusive of performance and reverse, ensure optimal handling across terrains.

Personalisation at its best

Riders can fine-tune settings for power, regeneration, and traction, creating up to 200,000 unique riding configurations tailored to their preferences and environments.

Upcoming Models and Launch Plans

Flying Flea’s debut models, the vintage-inspired FF-C6 and the scrambler-styled FF-S6 will hit the roads by early 2026. Fans can look forward to test rides and a showcase at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, taking place from 17-22 January in New Delhi and Greater Noida.

A Word from the Visionaries

Articulating the technology collaboration, Mario Alvisi, Chief Growth Officer, Electric Vehicles at Royal Enfield, said, “Flying Flea represents more than just a new brand for us; it’s a completely fresh approach, underpinned by our commitment to groundbreaking infrastructure, authentic design, and modern technology. While our dedicated technical team has developed all aspects of our connected electric motorcycles in-house, partnering with Qualcomm Technologies marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of advanced EV technology, helping us create a unique, differentiated product experience in the global electric mobility market.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Jeff Arnold, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., added, “The Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC for two-wheelers is ushering in a new era of connected mobility by enhancing connectivity, intelligence, and safety in the biking experience. This strategic partnership blends Royal Enfield’s iconic heritage, rich in history and adventure, with Qualcomm Technologies’ state-of-the-art innovation. Together, we are creating a motorcycle that honors the Flying Flea’s legendary legacy while setting new standards for connectivity, performance, and rider experience.”