Abstract We present the electromagnetic coupling effects in four types of electric split-ring resonators (eSRRs). These four designs of eSRRs are based on SRR tailored with single-, dual-, triple-, and quad-split, respectively. The near-field electromagnetic coupling responses indicate the resonance caused from the inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance between eSRRs. According to the patterns of eSRR are symmetrical or asymmetrical configurations, these eSRRs exhibit polarization-dependence, polarization-independence, resonant frequency shifting, resonant intensity modulation, and resonant switching characteristics, respectively. To increase the flexibility and applicability of eSRRs, two patterned eSRR layers are designed on elastic substrate for the enhancement of the resonant tunability. The designs of eSRRs open an avenue to a new direction for future optical applications, which offer significant promise in flexible electronics applications. This work provides future tunable THz designs based on flexible actuation mechanism to deform the geometrical dimensions between eSRRs microstructures.