Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is a Carver?

The Carver is the ultimate urban vehicle for those who want to travel smarter. The Carver combines the benefits of a car and a scooter into a sensational, new driving experience.

What do I have to watch out for when operating a Carver for the first time?

The Carver behaves differently than any other vehicle you know! It is important to realize that the Carver is an enclosed scooter and not a car. For your own safety and that of others, it is important that you carefully follow these safety instructions:

  • Prevent abrupt steering movements!
  • Correct with smooth steering movements.
  • Take corners from the outside inwards.
  • Remember that the Carver widens when tilting.
  • Adjust your speed to a walking pace when cornering sharply or at an angle, or in dangerous situations.
  • Never deliberately cause the Carver to lose grip.
  • Reduce your speed in windy weather.
  • Acknowledge the acoustic safety signals and adjust your driving behavior immediately.
  • Always remain seated in the Carver, even as a passenger, while moving.
  • Never use the Carver off-road, on unpaved roads/subsurface.

For whom is the Carver designed?

The Carver is designed for people looking for an innovative and sustainable form of personal transport. Ideal for urban areas or just outside the city, the vehicle offers a unique combination of the manoeuvrability of a scooter and the comfort and safety of a car. It is an excellent choice for people who are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles and want to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in cities. Moreover, the Carver saves drivers time in traffic, thanks to its ability to bypass traffic jams and efficiently navigate busy city streets.

Where is the Carver designed and manufactured?

The Carver is a Dutch product, meaning that it was designed and developed in the Netherlands. Production, final assembly, installation of all electrical circuits and final quality control takes place in Southeast Asia.

Where am I allowed to park my Carver?

Parking rules depend on how you registered the vehicle.

Carver Base and R+ (moped)
A moped may park along the road where permitted and in parking bays. The parking rules for normal cars also apply to the Carver. A moped may not be parked on the pavement.

Carver S+ (three-wheeled motor vehicle)
The parking of a three-wheeled motorbike is different in each municipality. As a result, some municipalities only allow you to park along the road where permitted and in parking areas. Other municipalities also allow you to park on the pavement. Contact your municipality for the relevant rules.

Note: Many municipalities are currently reviewing legislation on parking. If you are not sure what the rules are, contact the municipality.

Where am I allowed to drive the Carver?

The traffic rules depend on the type of Carver you drive and how this vehicle is registered.

Carver Base and R+ (moped)
With the Carver Base and R+, you are under the moped category and must drive on the carriageway. The speed limit on the carriageway for a moped is 45km/h. On roads of 80km/h or higher, there is regularly an exception where the road is prohibited for slow traffic and therefore also for mopeds. This exception is indicated by a C9 sign. Drivers of a moped are not allowed to use highways and freeways.
Carver S+ (three-wheeled motor vehicle)
With the Carver S+, you fall under the three-wheeled motor vehicle category and must ride on the carriageway both inside and outside built-up areas.

Note: Legislation for this type of vehicle changes rapidly. So check with the municipality if you are unsure of the rules.

From what age can I drive a Carver?

The traffic rules depend on the type of Carver you drive and how this vehicle is registered.

Carver Base and R+ (moped)
The Carver Base and R+ are classified as mopeds in the Netherlands, UK, Malta, Italy, Germany and in Belgium so you can drive a Carver from the age of 16 with your AM licence (scooter licence). In Spain, you can get an AM licence from the age of 15 and in France, a special licence (Permis AM) allows you to drive a Carver from the age of 14.

Carver S+ (three-wheeled motor vehicle)
The Carver S+ is classified as a three-wheeled motorbike in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy and Belgium, the minimum age 18 and you need a car licence B (obtained before 18 January 2013) or a motorbike licence A. In France and Spain, the minimum age is 16 and the required driving licence is B1.

Note: Legislation for this type of vehicle changes rapidly. Always contact the municipality if you are unsure of the rules.

Which type of driver’s licence do I need?

The traffic rules depend on the type of Carver you drive and how this vehicle is registered.

Carver Base and R+ (moped)
In the Netherlands, the UK, Malta, Italy, Germany, Spain and Belgium, you can drive a Carver with an AM licence (scooter licence). In France, you can drive the Carver with a special Permis AM licence.

Carver S+ (three-wheeled motor vehicle)
In the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy and Belgium, you can drive a Carver S+ with a car licence B (obtained before 18 January 2013) or a motorbike licence A. In Switzerland, the minimum required driving licence is category B1 (small and three-wheeled motor vehicles weighing up to 550 kg) or A restricted (motorbikes with a maximum power of 35 kW). In France and Spain, the minimum driving licence required is also category B1.

Note: Legislation for this type of vehicle changes rapidly. Always contact the municipality if you are unsure of the rules.

Can I drive the Carver/Cargo with a trailer?

It is not permitted to drive the Carver or the Cargo with a trailer.

What certification does the Carver have?

The Carver Base and R+ have European type approval for vehicle class L2e. The Carver S+ has European type approval for vehicle class L5e.

Specifications

Is the Carver 100% electric?

Absolutely! The Carver is a 100% electric vehicle. This means it uses no fossil fuels and produces no harmful emissions.

What is the range of the Carver?

The Carver Base and S+ have a range of 100 km. The Carver R+ has a range of 130 km. It is important to note that several factors can affect the range.

For example, the outside temperature can affect how well the battery holds its voltage. To counter this, the Carver has a heating element near the battery to optimise the temperature. In addition, the weight of the vehicle and your driving style can also play a role. When driving through hills or through the city with a lot of braking and acceleration, the battery will run down faster than when you drive at a constant speed on flat terrain.

What are the dimensions of the Carver?

The dimensions of the Carver Base and R+ are 2.89 m in length, 1.49 m in height and 98 cm in width.

The dimensions of the Carver S+ are 2.89 m in length, 1.49 m in height and 1.06 m in width.

What’s the Carver’s maximum speed?

The Carver Base and R+ have a top speed of 45km/h, while the Carver S+ can reach a top speed of 80km/h. It is important to note that several factors can affect these speeds. These include load weight, weather conditions, driving style, road surface and slopes. All these factors can affect the power consumption of the electric motor.

As with all electric vehicles, battery level can affect a Carver’s maximum achievable speed. As the battery level drops, the vehicle may not be able to deliver maximum power. This may result in a lower top speed.

At lower temperatures, a battery cannot retain energy as well, which can lead to reduced range in winter compared to summer. Your driving style and traffic conditions can also affect your actual range and maximum speed.

When the battery has only 20% energy left, it automatically enters energy-saving mode and the maximum speed becomes lower than 80 km/h.

A feature of the Carver is that it recovers energy by regenerative braking itself. This helps get even more kilometres out of the range. For more information on sustainable driving with the Carver, visit our sustainable driving page.

What kind of engine does the Carver have?

The Carver Base and R+ have an electric motor with a maximum power of 2 x 2 kW and maximum torque of 2 x 150 Nm. The Carver S+ has an electric motor with a maximum power of 2 x 3 kW and a maximum torque of 2 x 150 Nm.

In what colors is the Carver available?

The Carver is available in four colours: Grey, White, Blue and Tangerine. The Carver Cargo is available in the colour White.

What kind of equipment is included in the Carver?

Carver R+ and S+

  • 3 dynamic driving modes
  • Bluetooth system
  • Charging cable of 2.7m with 230V plug
  • PTC side-window heating
  • Windshield heating
  • USB-gate
  • Soft-top convertible roof 75 litres of luggage space
  • Removable windows
  • Active or Touch style
  • Room for 2 people.

Carver Cargo R+ and S+

  • 3 Cargo driving modes
  • Bluetooth system
  • Charging cable of 2.7m with 230V plug
  • PTC side-window heating
  • Windshield heating
  • USB-gate
  • 500 litres cargo space
  • Removable windows
  • Active or Touch style

Can I also get accessories for my Carver?

Yes, we have a number of accessories available for the Carver. Ask your dealer about all available accessories.

Is the carver equipped with a heater?

No, there is no heating in the Carver. However, the ventilation on the side blows warm air and can therefore serve as a heater at the same time.

How much does the Carver weigh and what is its maximum permissible mass?

The weight of a Carver including battery is 330 kg. The weight without battery is 260 kg. The maximum weight allowed is 500 kg.

How much storage space does the Carver have?

The Carver has a 75-litre luggage compartment at the rear, with additional options for luggage around the passenger seat. However, it is important not to leave loose objects in the Carver while driving. The Carver Cargo has a 500-litre cargo space at the rear and behind the driver’s seat there is room for luggage.

Is it safe and allowed to transport a baby or child in the passenger seat?

By law, the driver and passenger are required to use the available seatbelts. All passengers under the age of 18 years and whose height is below 1.35 meters, need to make use of an officially certified children’s safety seat. Carefully follow the instructions provided with the car seat. When in doubt, ask the manufacturer of the children’s safety seat for advice It is forbidden to carry more passengers than the amount of seat belts allow for.

Can I transport two small children on the passenger seat?

No, absolutely not! Although the Carver’s passenger seat is quite spacious, it is not safe to transport more than one passenger. You’re allowed to transport one person per seat belt: one driver in front and one passenger in the back.

How much does the Carver cost?

The Carver is available from €9,900, see all prices on our price lists or via the configurator.

Battery and Charging

What kind of battery does the Carver use?

  • Battery type Carver R+ and S+: Samsung SDI NCM
  • Battery type Carver Cargo R+ and S+: LG NCM Energy systems
  • Battery type Carver and Carver Cargo Base: LFP

How do I charge the Carver?

To charge the Carver you take the cord, found at the back of the vehicle. This cord is attached to the vehicle and rolls up automatically. Charging can be done via a regular 230 V outlet, or via a charging station with an adapter cable.

How long does it take to charge a Carver?

Carver R+ and S+ 80% charging time: 3 hours
Carver R+ and S+ 100% charging time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Carver Base 80% charging time: 4 hours
Carver Base 100% charging time: 5 hours

Is it harmful to the battery if I charge my Carver when it’s still 30% full?

No, the Carver uses a lithium iron phosphate battery. This type of battery does not lose any of its quality or capacity if you charge it when it’s half full. To preserve the life of the battery, it is recommended to regularly charge the battery to 100%.

Can I charge my Carver at a car charging station on the street?

You can charge your Carver at a charging station with a converter to 230 V. We offer this via our webshop as an extra accessory. It is not possible to Fast Charge the Carver via a fast charging station.

Does the Carver make use of regenerative braking?

Yes, the Carver makes use of regenerative braking, thus the battery will recharge some of its power while descending or braking.

What is the battery’s life span?

Unfortunately, there is little to say about the expected life of the battery at this time, we have not yet been able to test this in practice so it is unknown how the battery will perform over a longer period of time. It is expected that the battery will last at least ten years, but that is still an estimate at this time.

Insurance

Where can I insure my Carver?

Discuss insurance options with your Carver dealer or check our insurance page.

Warranty

What’s the duration of the warranty?

The warranty will be due only in case of defects or production’s noncompliance of the product, and only when the product has been used under the terms established in the user manual.

What’s not included in the warranty?

Tires are not included in the warranty.

What actions would nullify the warranty of your Carver?

The warranty expires immediately in the event that the product has been modified and/or in the event of repairs that have not been carried out by Carver or a third party designated by Carver, or if the defect or non-conformity is attributable to Carver (see warranty conditions).

How do I make a warranty claim?

Warranty claims can be made through your Carver service point upon presentation of the original purchase invoice.

Service and maintenance

How often does my Carver require maintenance?

Your Carver will stay in top condition if you follow the recommended maintenance intervals.

  • Minor maintenance check every 4,000 km (or once a year, whichever is sooner)
  • Major maintenance check every 8,000 km (or every 2 years, whichever is sooner)

These maintenance checks, carried out by a Carver-approved technician or mechanic, are mandatory during the vehicle’s warranty period. These checks are recorded by our service partners.

What gets checked during maintenance?

We will check the following during a maintenance check;

  • Windscreen washer fluid level
  • Brake fluid level
  • Dashboard functionality (windscreen wiper, horn etc.)
  • Lighting
  • Doors, locks, seats and rear storage
  • Control shaft functionality
  • Wheel suspension
  • Tire pressure and wear
  • Handbrake check
  • Brake pads and discs

Finally, a test drive is done to ensure proper functionality of the Carver.

What are the costs of maintenance service?

The cost of a service depends on the Carver certified mechanic’s time plus the cost of repairs not covered by insurance. Contact one of our service points near you for more information on this.

What do I do if my Carver is damaged?

Contact one of our service points near you for an appointment.

My Carver has broken down. Who do I contact?

Contact one of our service points near you for an appointment.

Where can I get service?

It is possible to get service at the Carver factory in Leeuwarden or at one of the service points.

Can I have repairs carried out by a third party?

Having repairs carried out by a third party will immediately nullify the warranty on your Carver. Repairs should only be carried out by a Carver-certified mechanic.

Ordering process

How can I order a Carver?

Contact one of our points of sale near you to order a Carver.

How can I request a quote?

Through the configurator, you can configure your Carver and download a quote.

Can I lease a Carver?

For leasing options, contact one of our Carver dealers.

Can I test drive the Carver?

Yes! Check out our test drive page to make an appointment and learn more about our dealerships.

Is the Carver available through a dealer?

Check out our test drive page for available Carvers, making an appointment and more information about our dealers.

Contact

How can I contact you?

Via our contact form.

How can I submit a GDPR request?

Send us an email at info@carver.earth. Please use the words “GDPR request” in the subject line. We will reply as soon as possible and in any event within one month (30 days) following our receipt of your written request.