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Behind the Scenes with iF Design Winner Tarform Motorcycles at NYCxDESIGN

Exploring the state of sustainable mobility at Tarform's Brooklyn studio with Founder Taras Kravtchouk NYC X Design participants mingled with Brooklyn Navy Yard open studio visitors at Tarform Motorcycles‘s HQ to learn …

May 27, 2025 - 13:55

Behind the Scenes with iF Design Winner Tarform Motorcycles at NYCxDESIGN

Exploring the state of sustainable mobility at Tarform's Brooklyn studio with Founder Taras Kravtchouk

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Behind the Scenes with iF Design Winner Tarform Motorcycles at NYCxDESIGN

Exploring the state of sustainable mobility at Tarform’s Brooklyn studio with Founder Taras Kravtchouk

CH Studio

27 May 2025

NYC X Design participants mingled with Brooklyn Navy Yard open studio visitors at Tarform Motorcycles‘s HQ to learn more about the brand and how their beautiful electric motorcycles–which have won an iF DESIGN AWARD 2025—are changing electric mobility. Guests were able to experience mulitple aspects of the brand’s design and technological innovation and engage in a conversation led by CH Contributing Editor Julie Wolfson.

ifdesign_motorcycle-27 — Courtesy of iF Design USA

Tarform’s studio, on the top floor of a building at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, gives an impression that their sleek electric motorcycles can fly into the panoramic view of the river and into the clouds. The five Tarform Luna motorcycles perched around the studio feel ready to zoom off on an adventure. One revels in the inner workings of these bespoke electric bikes which feature sustainable materials and fabrications and the airiness of their studio is a poetic complement to the brand’s design-forward approach to bringing sustainability to a vehicle that symbolizes freedom.

Founded in 2016 by Taras Kravtchouk and Jean Christian Jung, Tarform Motorcycles redefined electric mobility by blending high performance with sustainable design, merging craftsmanship, technology and art. Their first design, Luna, earned an iF DESIGN AWARD 2025.

ifdesign_motorcycle-11 — Courtesy of iF Design USA

According to iF Design, “Built with a modular philosophy to stand the test of time, it challenges mass consumption with a vision of longevity. Tarform embodies a commitment to zero-emission manufacturing, merging technology with ecology to transition towards zero waste. Every detail is designed to honor the spirit of motorcycling while embracing a new era of mobility.”

“Before starting Tarform, I ran a design agency, and on weekends,” says Tarform Founder Taras Kravtchouk. “I’d be in a dusty shop building vintage motorcycles by hand. That blend of design and raw craftsmanship has always been part of me. Brooklyn felt like the natural place to bring those worlds together. It’s where the past meets the future.”

ifdesign_motorcycle-29 — Courtesy of iF Design USA

With a focused commitment to sustainability, Tarform motorcycles are not only fully electric, but also made with eco-conscious materials. “We wanted to move away from petroleum-based materials. So we developed a biobased composite using flax fiber, bio-resin, and algae carbon for pigment,” says Kravtchouk. “Even the seat uses plant-based leather derived from tea-leaves. I believe it’s important to design not just for beauty, but in a way that feels more in tune with nature.”

Developing the user experience for an electric motorcycle also required a focused attention to detail. “Since EVs don’t have the usual engine cues, we wanted the interface to feel intuitive and alive,” says Kravtchouk. The design is minimal and inspired by nature—soft lines, simple animations, even the startup screen is a nod to magnetic fields. It’s all about creating an emotional connection without adding noise.”

ifdesign_motorcycle-26 — Courtesy of iF Design USA

Because electric vehicle operate nearly silently, Kravtchouk approaches the sound design with an artistic interpretation to enhance the riding experience. “We wanted the bike to feel alive, not just a silent and soulless tech gadget. So we built a system that amplifies the sound of the electric motor and tunes it, kind of like an electric guitar,” he says.

Revving the motor in the studio, Kravtchouk demonstrates Luna’s range of sounds. “We worked with Swedish composer Adam Nordén, and drew inspiration from Blade Runner, Star Wars, and other sci-fi films to give it a sound that feels both futuristic and emotional,” he says as the sounds whir up through the high ceilings of the studio.

ifdesign_motorcycle-17 — Courtesy of iF Design USA

Soon Tarform will debut their new Vera model with a sleek dynamic shape and versatile, elegant design. While Vera offers a fully bespoke experience, it has been crafted to be available for a more affordable price. “The Luna is our handcrafted, made-to-order bike, more like a collectible art piece,” says Kravtchouk. “The Vera is designed for daily riding. It’s lighter, more affordable, and easier to produce at scale, but it still carries the same design DNA.”

With a direct belt drive. 35-55 kW air-cooled motor and 120ft-lb of peak torque, Vera will take riders from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds up to 85 miles per hour.

ifdesign_motorcycle-39 — Courtesy of iF Design USA

Tarform aspires to continue developing more electric vehicles that integrate state-of-the-art technology through the lens of artistic and sculptural design. And, of course, they’re hopeful of winning more iF DESIGN AWARDs along the way too.