Royal Enfield is working on numerous products, one of them being a fully electric bike. The Chennai-based bikemaker is working on this project for a long time although the development on this motorcycle is taking longer than expected. We often spot Royal Enfield test mules on the roads but this hasn’t been the case for its electric model.
There have been no concrete updates on the same until now. Eicher Motors, the parent company of Royal Enfield, has filed a brand new design patent in India. The design is a classic Royal Enfield yet completely distinct from each of its models.
Royal Enfield electric bike patent details
While the patent application doesn’t confirm it as a battery-powered model, certain visual elements contribute towards it. For instance, the lack of an exhaust makes it very evident this isn’t a combustion engine-powered model. Reportedly, the bike is internally codenamed Electrik01 and flaunts a modern retro styling.
One distinct feature visible in the patent is the use of girder forks, as seen on motorcycles from the early 20th century, up front which are different from traditional telescopic forks. This setup uses shocks that are positioned between the girder arms and under the triple clamp using linkages. This kind of suspension doesn’t offer any additional benefit other than adding some visual character to the motorcycle.
On the first glance, the bike in the patent has all the visual attributes of a neo-retro bobber with its scooped-out solo saddle and a raked-out front end. Instead of the engine and gearbox assembly, the battery is used as a stress member of the chassis. The fact that it comes with a sari guard suggests that Royal Enfield will offer a pillion seat as an option.
Accentuating its retro appeal is a rear-end that mimics the hard-tail look which most likely has been achieved by using neatly tucked in mono-shock behind the bodywork. What also stands out is a braced swingarm that appears to be a cast aluminium unit, Another interesting design element is the lack of a rear frame and as a result the rider’s seat is mounted directly on the main tubular frame.
The front and rear mudguards are long and look very traditional giving the motorcycle a classic old-school vibe. Although not very clear, the Royal Enfield electric bike looks to employ a belt drive transferring power to the rear wheel via a mid-mounted electric motor placed underneath the battery pack. Other prominent highlights include round headlamp and tail lamps, front LED indicators mounted on the handlebar, an exposed frame, spoke alloy wheels, and circular rear view mirrors.
Royal Enfield electric bike specs
The battery-powered bike from Royal Enfield uses disc brakes at both ends to stop the vehicle although it isn’t clear if ABS will be offered in the upcoming electric motorcycle or not, and in what form. It is likely to use the same semi-digital instrument console as seen in Super Meteor 650, and Meteor 650.
In the past. Royal Enfield collaborated with Stark Motorcycle, a Spanish EV manufacturer, with whom this project may have been jointly developed. Enfield is also setting up an additional production facility in Cheyyar, Chennai, which is expected to be operational in 2025.
