Frequently asked questions.

General Questions About the Carver

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 care fully follow these safety instructions:

  • Prevent abrupt steering movements! Correct with smooth steering movements.

  • Take corners from the outside inwards. Remember that the Carver width increases 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.

  • Never drive too fast in reverse.

  • Acknowledge the acoustic safety signals and adjust your driving immediately.

  • Always remain seated in the Carver, even as a passenger, while moving.

  • Never use the Carver off-road, on unpaved roads/surfaces.

For whom is the Carver developed?

The Carver is designed for commuters and city dwellers seeking an alternative mobility choice: smarter, more compact, greener, cheaper and more fun.

Where is the Carver designed and manufactured?

The Carver is a Dutch product, meaning that it was designed and developed in the Netherlands. Production takes place in South Korea and has a Samsung battery.

Where am I allowed to drive the Carver?

In the UK the Carver is registered with a body type of Tricycle and a taxation class of Electric Motorcycle. Rules around use of bus lanes will depend on your local council.

Driving in cycle lanes is prohibited.

The Carver S+ is likely to have type approval equivalent of a 125cc motorcycle which may allow you to drive on the motorway. The base Carver is NOT allowed on motorways or dual-carriageways.

Note: Legislation for this type of vehicle changes rapidly. So please check with your local council/borough if you’re unsure of the rules.

London specific rules for bus lanes:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/rules-of-red-routes/bus-lanes

Vehicles that can use a bus lane

Read the bus lane signs to find out who can use it and when. Some signs may display the word 'local' indicating that only local bus services can use the bus lane.

·        Buses which have a minimum of 10 seats (including the driver)

·        Licensed taxis (hackney carriages)

·        Motorcycles (without side cars)

·        Mopeds

·        Scooters

·        Tricycles (non-motorised, motorised under 450kg, not with side cars)

·        Bicycles

Where am I allowed to park my Carver?

As the Carver is registered on the V5C certificate vehicle details (for taxation) as an electric motorcycle you should be able to park it in designated motorcycle bays but please check with your local council first as some specifically class a motorcycle as having two wheels.

From what age can I drive a Carver?

You can drive the Carver from 16 as long as you have a provisional licence and a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate pass. We have been recommending Clegg Gifford an insurance company to cover you.

Which type of driver’s licence do I need?

If you look on the back of your driving licence and have class A then you can drive all Carvers. You may already have this even if you have never driven a motorcycle. The Carver Base and R+ models are classified as a motorized scooter, you can, drive the Carver in the UK with your provisional + CBT pass.

The Carver S+ will require a Full UK driving licence or motorcycle driving licence. Again look on the back of your driving licence to see if you have category A or A1. If the answer is yes https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories

You can drive/ride a motor tricycle of any power rating if you're over 21 and you have a full car driving licence. www.askthe.police.uk

In summary anyone that has passed their car licence before 19 January 2013 and you get it renewed the licence will now show categories B1 and A 79(3) on it. The A category means you can drive/ride any bike or tricycle of any power. Although, 79(3) after the A means you are only entitled to drive tricycles of any power and not motorbikes. Where the Carver is categorised as a l2e or l5e (powered tricycle) this means you can drive the Carver on a normal licence if you pass it before 19/1/2013.

 

What certification does the Carver have?

Carver Base is classification of a L2e-P scooter. This means you can drive/ride on as part of the UK driving licence categories:

Mopeds - Category AM (as can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories)

What is the law relating to three wheeled vehicles: www.askthe.police.uk

The Carver Base and R+ including Cargo have European type approval for vehicle class L2e.

The Carver S+ has European type approval for vehicle class L5e.

Can I drive the Carver/Cargo with a trailer?

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

Does the Carver come with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?

Yes, we can provide a CoC.

Specifications and Features

Is the Carver 100% electric?

Yes, the Carver is fully electric.

What is the range of the Carver?

The Carver Base and S+ have a range of 60 miles. The Carver R+ has a range of 80 miles.

However, there are several factors that affect how far you can go in practice before the battery needs to be recharged. For example, the outside temperature affects how well the battery can hold its charge and this can vary at extreme temperatures. To combat this, the Carver has a heating element in the battery to optimize the temperature, so you are guaranteed the best performance.

In addition, the weight of the vehicle and your driving style 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. In addition, the Carver is equipped with warm side ventilation (and optional air conditioning), Bluetooth connection to the boxes and a USB port for charging your phone. All these features use power from the battery.

What are the dimensions of the Carver?

Carver Base and R+

Dimensions are 2.89 m in length, 1.49 m in height and 98 cm in width

Carver S+

Dimensions are 2.89 m in length, 1.49 m in height and 1.08 m in width

What’s the Carver’s maximum speed?

The maximum speed of the Carver Base and R+ is 28 MPH

The maximum speed of the Carver S+ is 49.8 MPH

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 3.8 kW and a maximum torque of 2 x 150 Nm.

In what colours is the Carver available?

The Carver comes in four colours: Gun Metal Grey, White, Blue and Tangerine

What kind of equipment is included in the Carver?


Can I also get accessories for my Carver?

Yes, we have a number of accessories available for the Carver. 

  • Rain cover

  • Universal phone holder

  • Adapter cable for charging stations

  • LED lights


What’s the difference between the Touch and Active styling options?

Touch or Active specification refers to the option pack that is included when selecting this style for the R+ or S+. the only thing to choose on a Touch or Active spec is LED lights and the Aircon.


For a BASE vehicle you would need to pay for all these options.

Touch incl.

  • Black seatbelt

  • Silver rims

  • Colours - blue or tangerine

  • Comfort seat - Touch (black on black stitching)

  • Carver stickers on the sides of the vehicle in white

  • Floor mats

  • Phone holder

  • Sliding windows

  • Dynamic driving modes

Active incl.

  • Red seatbelt

  • Black rims

  • Colours - white or grey

  • Comfort seat - Active (red on black stitching)

  • Carver stickers on the sides of the vehicle in black + red R

  • Floor mats

  • Phone holder

  • Sliding windows

  • Dynamic driving modes

Is the Carver equipped with air conditioning?

The Carver is not equipped with air conditioning as standard.

In the Carver R+ and S+, air conditioning can be purchased separately as an additional option.

Is the Carver equipped with a heater?

There is no heater in the Carver. However, the ventilation on the side blows warm air and cold air therefore serves as a heater at the same time.

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

The weight including battery is 330 kg. The unladen mass (without battery) is 260 kg. The maximum weight allowed is 500 kg.

How much storage space does the Carver have?

The Carver has room for luggage on and around the passenger seat, with an additional 75 litres worth of baggage space in the back. Please make sure to not leave any loose items laying around in the Carver while driving, as this can cause dangerous situations.

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

UK legislation requires that the driver and passenger need to make use of the available seat belts. Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight.

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?

  • Carver Base from £9,198 Excl VAT

  • Carver R+ starting at £12,947 Excl VAT

  • Carver S+ starting at £13,364 Excl VAT

Does the Carver qualify for the low-emission vehicle grant?

No, unfortunately not. 3-wheeled vehicles are, for some unknown reason, excluded. Please contact your MP if you believe this is wrong (as we do!)

Charging and Battery

What kind of battery does the Carver use?

Carver Base:

Battery type: LFP Battery capacity: 5.4 kWh

Carver R+ and S+:

Battery type: Samsung SDI NCM Battery capacity: 7.1 kWh

How do I charge the Carver?

To charge the Carver you use a three pin plug attached 20 the 2.7 metre cable, found at the back of the vehicle. This cable is attached to the vehicle and rolls up automatically. Charging can be done via a regular three pin socket 230 V outlet, or via a charging station (type 2) with an adapter cable (this does not decrease the required charging time).

How long does it take to charge the Carver?

Carver Base:

80% 4 hours, 100% 5 hours

Carver R+ and S+:

80% 3 hours, 100% 3 hours and 45 minutes

How much does it cost to charge my Carver?

Depending on your utility costs; you pay approximately £1 for a full charge, which equates to about £0.01 per km.

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 batter does not lose any of its quality or capacity if you charge it when it’s half-full. To preserve the life of the batter, it is recommended to regularly charge the batter to 100%.

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

Yes you can charge your Carver at a 7 kw charging station with a converter to 230 V.

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. Apparently Tesla have done tests on lithium iron batteries that demonstrate over 200,000 miles the battery will degenerate by approximately 10%.

Insurance

Where can I insure my Carver?

The Carver Base and R+ are registered as mopeds. The Carver S+ is registered as a motorcycle.

As the Carver is new to the UK you may find it difficult to find one that will insure the Carver. We have found MSM Insurance to be supportive.
They have great reviews Need help? Call 01279 870535  https://www.msminsurance.co.uk/contact-us Email: msm@msminsurance.co.uk
        
PO Box 5526 Takeley Bishop's Stortford CM22 6PZ

As are Clegg Gifford FTAO: Tyler Gull

124 Albert Road Portsmouth PO4 0JS

Tel: 023 92732473 Email: tyler.gull@cginsurance.com

Warranty

What’s the duration of the warranty?

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

The minor maintenance check every 4,000 km or once a year, whichever is sooner.

The major maintenance check every 8,000 km or every 2 years, whichever is sooner.

These maintanence checks, performed by a Carver approved technician or mechanic, are mandatory during the vehicle warranty period. These checks are recorded by our service partners.

What’s included in 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?

Tyres are not included in the warranty.

What actions would nullify the warranty of your Carver?

In the following cases, the warranty lapses or a claim under the warranty is excluded:

  • The product has been used improperly or carelessly or has been damaged by a traffic accident or fall;

  • The damage is due to normal wear and tear;

  • The product has not been sufficiently maintained by the Customer

  • Repairs have been carried out improperly or not by Carver or a third party designated by Carver;

  • Non-original parts have been used for repairs;

  • The product has changed;

  • Climatic influences such as normal weathering or discoloration of (parts of) the product;

  • If the product has been used for rental purposes.

Note: Only the first owner is entitled to a warranty. The warranty is not transferable.

What’s the warranty on the battery?

Carver lithium batteries are covered by a warranty for material and/ or manufacturing defects for a period of 24 months or 1000 recharge cycles, depending on the first to occur.

*Replacement of a non-defective battery is only done when the battery capacity is less than 70%.

What actions would nullify the warranty of the battery?

The warranty ends immediately in case of modifications and/or unauthorized repairs of the battery, or when the defect or non-compliance is communicated to Carver or service partner more than 7 calendar days after the receipt of the goods, or from the date of notification of the defect or non-conformity.

Only Carver-certified technicians are authorized to open the battery, otherwise the warranty becomes null and void.

How do I make a warranty claim?

The Customer can only make a warranty claim if the original sales receipt and delivery slip can be shown to Carver. Only the first owner is entitled to a warranty. The warranty is not transferable.

  1. Defects and claims under this warranty must be filed by the Customer to Carver by e-mail, stating the order number and photo of the relevant part, within 7 calendar days after discovery of the defect. Should it be necessary for Carver to inspect the product in order to assess the defect/claim, Carver may require that it inspects the product for review and an appropriate solution for the inspection will be sought in consultation with the Customer.

  2. Carver reserves the right to determine whether the product or a part thereof qualifies for repair or replacement. In case of replacement, the product becomes the property of Carver (again).

  3. Carver will acknowledge or reject the claim within a reasonable period of time.

  4. Any costs of transport of (parts of) the product to and from Carver will be borne by the Customer, unless the defect is covered by the warranty.

Service and Maintenance

How often does my Carver require maintencance?

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

  • The small maintenance check every 4,000 km (or once a year, whichever comes first)

  • The major maintenance check every 8,000 km (or every 2 years, whichever comes first)

These maintenance checks, performed 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 services?

The cost of a service depends on the time of the Carver certified mechanic plus the cost of repairs not covered by insurance. Contact one of our service outlets 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 (list to be added as and when new accredited service personnel come online)

My Carver has broken down. Who do I contact?

In the first instance your roadside assistance provider. Accredited service agencies list to be provided as and when they come online.

Where can I get a service?

Accredited service garages/mechanics list to be provided as and when they come online.

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.