A novel kind of switched reluctance motor (SRM) with short flux path is proposed in this paper. Phase excitation in the SRM gives short flux paths, hence reducing the magnetomotive force required to drive the machine, resulting in significant reduction of copper wire and core losses compared to the typical SRM with diametric circulation of magnetic flux. To verify the performance, the characteristics analysis of a double-stator SRM, a 6/5 SRM with C-core structure, and a 4/5 two-phase SRM, which all have short flux paths, and a comparison with conventional SR motors are executed. The comparison demonstrates that the proposed motor offers some advantages in terms of torque and efficiency.