Brooklyn, NY-based Tarform today announced the launch of its second electric motorcycle called the Vera aimed at urban and trail riders. The new EV (electric vehicle) follows the Luna luxury electric motorcycle known for its unique design and sustainable construction methods.

The Vera was developed in response to the strong demand for a higher volume Tarform production model. Priced at $16,000, it is engineered as an all-around street and scrambler motorcycle and designed to cater to both urban riders and weekend trail enthusiasts. It is said to mark a significant milestone in the company’s mission to redefine mobility with a blend of performance, design, and environmental stewardship.

The luxury EV startup hopes it will accelerate its market momentum.

“Following years of engineering and development, we began deliveries of the Tarform Luna in 2022—a luxury, handcrafted motorcycle from Brooklyn,” said Taras Kravtchouk, Tarform’s Founder and Chief Designer.

In 2023, Tarform was busy building the Bespoke Edition of its Luna and introducing its e-motorcycles to the streets of the U.S. and Canada. Currently, each Tarform motorcycle is hand-built in a time-consuming process radically different from large-volume OEMs.

“We are currently delivering the Bespoke Luna, which is assembled at our HQ in Brooklyn, and have been shipping it since 2022,” Kravtchouk told Futurride. “The first production Luna’s will also be rolling out in a few months.”

The company applied its Luna electric motorcycle know-how to the electric watercraft segment, testing the market waters with the Raye concept it revealed in March 2023.

“Since it’s a design concept aimed for very limited production, we are slowly working on a prototype for a few select clients,” he said.

In 2024, the company will be hosting various events and pop-up showrooms in New York and LA, offering a chance to test-ride a Tarform.

“As we move forward, we’re thrilled to introduce the Vera, an electric motorcycle aimed at higher production volumes, aligning with our strategic vision to grow into a leader in the premium EV mobility space,” added Kravtchouk. “Our experience delivering vehicles across the U.S. and Canada has enriched our transition from bespoke manufacturing to a scalable production method while maintaining our design ethos, allowing the Tarform brand and our vehicles to reach a wider audience.”

Luna’s development has helped accelerate Vera’s time-to-market.

“We are re-using quite a bit of the tech from Luna including the operating system, the drivetrain, and the handlebar unit with the retina display,” said Kravtchouk. “This allows us to bring the Vera to market significantly faster than typical vehicle development periods of several years.”

The Vera’s lightweight aluminum frame helps to keep the overall mass at just 360 lb (163 kg) and supports Tarform’s innovative modular drivetrain designed to allow for upgrades as technology advances, extending the motorcycle’s lifespan and reducing waste.

The bike launched today uses a 102-V, 8-kW·h lithium battery and a 35-55 kW and 116-lb·ft (157-N·m) motor. The combination offers a top 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 3.5 s, a top speed of more than 85 mph (136 km/h), and a 100-mi (160-km) range.

Among its “world-class” components are standard Brembo brakes and an optional suspension upgrade from Tenneco’s Ohlins unit. The direct-drive system using a Gates GT carbon belt final drive eliminates the need for a gearbox for a smoother riding experience. Wheels are 17-in aluminum units front and rear.

True to Tarform’s mission, Vera prioritizes sustainability. For instance, its top body panel is made from plant-based composites.

“Using the same process as we developed for the Luna we aim to eliminate non-recyclable and virgin petroleum-based plastics in the production,” said. “The bodywork will be made out of several different materials that range from flax weave, recycled plastics, and bioplastics.”

The seat upholstery is made from a bio-based alternative to vinyl.

“We are offering a range of materials for the upholstery made out of tea waste and vegetable-tanned leather,” Kravtchouk added.

Wastea, a member of the Scays Group, supplies the material created from tea waste. According to the company, the plant-based portion from the tea industry, known as Class 4 waste, can’t be used for anything. Its caffeine percentage is so high that it is not possible to feed animals or to use it in the food industry, and it is not suitable to generate bioenergy. The only way to eliminate it is to bury the tea waste or “re-upcycle” it, and that’s what Wastea does for vinyl and leather replacement.

The Vera is equipped with over-the-air updates and connectivity features, including Bluetooth and 4G for health monitoring, remote updates, and access to statistics through the Tarform mobile app.

Tarform is currently in the development phase of the Vera and aims to begin deliveries in the U.S. and Canada in the beginning of 2025. Interested enthusiasts can now place a $100 refundable reservation via the Tarform website at https://www.tarform.com/vera/.