Royal Enfield Flying Flea Partners with Qualcomm to Revolutionize Electric Motorcycles with Snapdragon Technology
Flying Flea, Royal Enfield's new electric vehicle (EV) brand, has announced a partnership with Qualcomm Technologies to incorporate the Snapdragon QWM2290 system-on-chip (SoC) and Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform into its upcoming electric motorcycles.
Unveiled globally in Milan in November 2024, Flying Flea aims to combine cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and high performance. The brand focuses on integrating hardware and software to deliver an exceptional riding experience, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon technology serving as the backbone for a connected and interactive rider-bike interface.
Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC: Optimizing Connectivity and Performance -
The Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC, specifically engineered for two-wheelers, powers the Flying Flea’s control system, which runs on a custom operating system. It manages performance and rider interaction, displayed through an advanced round TFT cluster.
Using the Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform, Flying Flea motorcycles maintain constant connectivity via 4G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless communication between the bike and its rider. Features include a secure, user-friendly interface and a dedicated Voice Assist button, enhancing both convenience and safety on the road.
Key Features of Flying Flea -
- A Legacy Reimagined - The Flying Flea motorcycle pays homage to its classic namesake with a modern reinterpretation. It features a front suspension system equipped with an aluminum girder fork and an articulating mudguard, enhancing overall performance and ride quality.
- Innovative Design - Built with a forged aluminum frame, the Flying Flea delivers exceptional strength while remaining lightweight. Its magnesium battery case is designed for maximum weight efficiency and superior cooling performance.
- Advanced Technology - Flying Flea motorcycles incorporate “Phone as a Key” technology, enabling users to unlock and start the bike via their smartphone. Integrated software optimizes riding performance, improving mileage and ride quality, while remote software updates and wireless phone charging ensure the bike stays current with the latest features.
- Seamless Riding Experience - The bike’s twist-and-go acceleration provides smooth navigation through city traffic, while cruise control makes highway riding effortless and efficient.
Customizable and Intuitive Ride Modes -
Flying Flea offers five customizable ride modes, including Performance, City, and Reverse, each designed for specific scenarios, such as lean-angle sensing ABS for enhanced safety or smooth navigation in urban environments.
Riders can personalize settings for power, regeneration, and traction, creating up to 200,000 unique ride combinations. This ensures an adaptive and tailored experience, catering to individual preferences and diverse terrains.
Availability -
Flying Flea’s debut models, the vintage-styled FF-C6 and the scrambler-inspired FF-S6, are slated for release by early 2026. The FF-C6 embraces a classic aesthetic, while the FF-S6 caters to enthusiasts with a rugged scrambler design.
The company is expected to share test ride details as the 2026 launch date approaches. Additionally, Flying Flea might showcase these models at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, taking place from January 17 to 22, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida.
Commenting on the technology partnership, Mario Alvisi, Chief Growth Officer for Electric Vehicles at Royal Enfield, stated:
“Flying Flea is more than just a new brand for us; it’s a completely reimagined approach, built on our commitment to innovative infrastructure, authentic design, and cutting-edge technology. While our dedicated technical team has developed every aspect of our connected electric motorcycles in-house, collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies is a key milestone in advancing EV technology. This partnership will help us deliver a unique and differentiated product experience in the global electric mobility market.”
Jeff Arnold, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., also commented:
“The Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC for two-wheelers is paving the way for a new era of connected mobility, enhancing connectivity, intelligence, and safety in the riding experience. This strategic partnership merges Royal Enfield’s iconic heritage of adventure with Qualcomm Technologies’ innovative prowess. Together, we are crafting a motorcycle that honors the Flying Flea’s legendary legacy while setting new benchmarks for connectivity, performance, and rider experience.”