Carver
Carver
At Ride Review, we are always on the lookout for innovative and exciting micromobility options that can revolutionize transportation. So when we came across the Carver, a fully electric three-wheeler with a unique tilting feature, we were intrigued. After scouring online reviews and digging into the specifications, we have compiled an overview of this distinctive vehicle to help you decide if it's the right choice for you. One standout feature of the Carver is its Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC) system. This system offers exceptional ease when turning and helps maintain stability, ensuring a balanced ride at any speed, during various types of turns, and even during acceleration. This feature sets the Carver apart, giving you the benefits of maneuverability without compromising on safety. Another advantage of the Carver is its Enclosed Narrow Vehicle (ENV) design. This design provides all the advantages of a scooter or motorbike without the drawbacks. With extra room, ample storage space, and weather-proofing, the Carver offers a comfortable and protected riding experience. Additionally, you won't need a traditional driver's license, helmet, or paid parking, making it even more convenient for urban commuting. With a width of just 98 cm, the Carver is comparable to many motorcycles, allowing for easier navigation through urban areas outside of car lanes. And despite its compact size, the Carver offers 75L of storage space in the rear, making it practical for grocery shopping or smaller trips to the store. The Carver's 5.3 kWh Lithium battery provides a driving range of approximately 100 km and can be fully charged in just 6.5 hours. This efficient charging time translates to cost savings, with each complete charge costing only around $0.25 - $0.35— a significant reduction compared to current gas prices. In terms of comfort and convenience, the Carver is optimized for hands-free calls, thanks to its built-in audio system and on-board interface. Additionally, it is a two-seater, accommodating another adult or child, making it a practical choice for families. With its roof, windscreen, and two doors with windows, the Carver closely resembles a car, providing protection from the weather and elements compared to riding on an e-bike or electric scooter. And similar to driving a car, the Carver replaces handlebars with an actual steering wheel, eliminating the need for gear-changing like with other micromobility vehicles. While the Carver offers an impressive set of features, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Despite being equipped with two 2,000-watt electric motors, the Carver's top speed caps out at around 27.9 mph (45 km/h), depending on the model. This speed may not be sufficient for those seeking a faster ride. In terms of connectivity, the Carver includes a USB port and an amp with Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does not feature additional built-in features like on-board GPS, meaning you may still need to rely on your smartphone for navigation. Another consideration is the price. The Carver, despite its features and resemblance to "microcars," is still quite costly, ranging from $10,000 to $14,000, depending on the model. This investment may not be feasible for those looking for a more budget-friendly micromobility option. Lastly, availability may be limited, especially outside the Netherlands where the Carver is produced. Finding a verified retailer, particularly for U.S. and Canadian residents, may result in higher prices than the initial listing price from Carver. In conclusion, the Carver offers a unique and exciting option for those seeking an alternative to traditional motor vehicles. With its innovative DVC system, ENV design, and comfortable features, it provides a safe and enjoyable riding experience. However, the Carver's limited top speed, lack of built-in GPS, and higher price may not make it suitable for everyone. We recommend weighing these factors against your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Rating
Basics
Use Cases
10 Reasons to Purchase the Carver
- DVC (Dynamic Vehicle Control) offers the rider/driver extreme ease with turning, and helps to keep the vehicle stable. This keeps the tilting part of the vehicle in balance across all ranges of velocities, types of turns, and acceleration.
- ENV (Enclosed Narrow Vehicle) allows the driver to have all the benefits of a scooter or motorbike without the drawbacks. This means there’s extra room, extra storage, and weather-proofing, and no requiring of a traditional driver’s license, helmet, or paid parking.
- At only 98 cm wide, the Carver is comparable to plenty of motorcycles, allowing more ease of driving in urban areas outside the car lane.
- Carver comes with a 2-year warranty on all parts, including the battery.
- The 5.3 kWh Lithium battery gives a driving range of about 100km. It can be fully-charged to completion in 6.5 hours, which is great for an electric vehicle of this size. It also means you’ll only have a cost of around $0.25 - $0.35 per complete charge, which is a significant savings compared to current gas prices.
- The Carver is optimized for hands-free calls, with a built-in audio system and on-board interface.
- The Carver is a two-seater: it can accommodate another adult or child (with an appropriate children’s seat.)
- There’s 75L of storage space in the rear, despite the compact size, making it useful for grocery trips or smaller trips to the store.
- With a roof, windscreen, and two doors with windows, this enclosed vehicle most closely resembles a car. You never have to worry about exposure to the weather or elements compared to riding on an e-bike or electric scooter.
- Similar to driving a car, the Carver replaces handlebars with an actual steering wheel. You won’t need to do gear-changing like with an electric motorcycle or e-bike.
4 Reasons to Not Purchase the Carver
- Despite being powerfully equipped with two 2,000-watt electric motors, the top speed caps out at around 27.9 mph (45 km/h) depending on the model you purchase (R+, S+, or standard.)
- While it includes a USB port and an amp with Bluetooth connectivity, it would be nice to have additional features like on-board GPS, to fully avoid the use of one’s smartphone.
- The Carver is still pretty costly despite all the features and resemblance to “microcars.” At $10,000-$14,000, depending on which model (S+ or R+) you purchase, you’re looking at a long-term investment compared to a couple thousand for a high-quality e-scooter or e-bike that serves similar functions.
- The Carver is not widely or readily available given the origins of production in the Netherlands. For U.S. and Canadian-based residents, you’ll have to find a verified retailer that may charge more than the initial listing price via Carver.
Bottom Line
A superb way to traverse the city, the Carver has a fairly barebones interior, but it has all you’ll ever need out of an electric vehicle when it comes to other features. The price point hovering around $10,000 - $14,000 (depending on the model S+, R+, or Cargo) will deter most customers. However, for those looking to replace the need of a car, the Carver offers enough range, speed, visibility, and comfort for commuting, grocery shopping, daily needs, and general transport.