Royal Enfield's Flying Flea opens 10 sales and service outlets in Pune

Royal Enfield has taken another step to establish itself in the electric two-wheeler market. Flying Flea, the company's electric motorcycle brand, has begun operations in Pune, where 10 sales and service touchpoints have been opened.

Pune is the brand's third city in India. The company had earlier started its network in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With the 10 touchpoints in Pune, it has begun its expansion in western India.

Through the new network, Flying Flea will sell its FF.C6 electric motorcycle and provide after-sales service. The dealerships have been opened in key areas of the city such as Wakad, Chinchwad and Baner. The company has named Nomadic Motorbikes, Kings Royal Riders, Dhone Automobiles, Brahma Motors, Hridaan Motors, Legacy Automotive, Chopada Motors and Vogue Motocorp LLP as dealer partners.

With electric vehicles, selling a scooter or motorcycle is not enough; a service network is just as important. With this in mind, Flying Flea has adopted a hub-and-spoke service model in Pune, under which technical support and service will be provided to the city's various dealerships. Services from routine maintenance to essential repairs will be available through this network. The company has set up a similar service arrangement in Bengaluru and Hyderabad as well.

The FF.C6 is currently the only electric motorcycle in Flying Flea's portfolio. Its ex-showroom price is Rs 2.79 lakh. For customers who opt for the battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, the price is Rs 1.99 lakh. Under this model, ownership and use of the battery are covered by a separate subscription-based arrangement. It gives buyers the option of keeping the upfront cost of the vehicle low.

A traditional motorcycle maker such as Royal Enfield created the Flying Flea brand to build a distinct identity in the electric segment. The 10 touchpoints in Pune are expected to make it easier for the company to reach local customers and strengthen its service network. The automobile sector will now watch how Pune's customers respond to the electric motorcycle.