Brooklyn bike shop launches electric motorcycle with flaxseed panels

In Brooklyn, Tarform Motorcycles is launching an eco-friendly electric motorcycle with pineapple leather and flaxseed components that at the end of its life can be sent back for recycling.

Dubbed Tarform Luna, the $24,000 futuristic motorcycle is more modular than competing bikes, allowing for new functions and alterations after purchase. The battery in particular was designed to be modular to allow for upgrades as better technology comes to market. It will also benefit from online updates to continually improve performance, as well as sensors that alert the rider through seat vibrations should objects appear in their blind spot.

The bike’s body is made of flaxseed fibers that reinforce panels and the paint is made from algae pigments. Biobased resins are also prevalent. Tarform is currently looking at leather-like materials made from kombucha and pineapple for other bike elements. And at the end of the bike’s life, it can be sent back to the company for recycling.