# Downhill control on golf trolleys explained Source: https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/downhill-control-golf-trolleys Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Pin and Yard **In short:** Downhill control uses the trolley's motor and electronics to hold a steady speed on slopes, so the trolley does not run away on the way down. Motocaddy calls its system DHC (Downhill Control) and PowaKaddy calls its system EBS (Electronic Braking System). Models with these names in their title have it; others may not, so check the exact model. On a hilly British course, a fully loaded electric trolley can gather speed quickly on a downhill slope. Without help, you end up holding it back with your arms or chasing it. Electronic downhill control solves that by letting the motor manage speed on the way down as well as the way up. This explainer covers how it works, what Motocaddy and PowaKaddy offer, how it differs from a parking brake, how to tell which models have it and whether you need it on your course. ## How downhill control works An electric trolley's motor drives the wheels through a gearbox. On level ground and uphill, the controller sends power to keep the trolley at your chosen speed. On a downhill slope, gravity pushes the trolley faster than that speed. A trolley with downhill control detects this and uses the motor to resist the extra speed, holding the trolley close to the set pace. The exact method is each maker's own design. Without downhill control, many electric trolleys freewheel faster downhill once gravity overtakes the motor, so you need to hold back the handle. That is manageable on gentle slopes but tiring and awkward on steep ones, especially in the wet. ## Motocaddy DHC and PowaKaddy EBS Both systems aim to keep the trolley at walking pace downhill and to hold it on slopes when you stop. Not every model in each range has the feature, and some ranges offer it as a version of the same trolley, so always check the exact model name or specification. The PowaKaddy FX1 and FX3 listings in our [electric trolley guide](https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-electric-golf-trolleys) do not mention EBS, so check PowaKaddy's own specification for those models. The remote trolley in that guide lists electronic and mechanical brakes. | Brand | System | What it is called on models | | --- | --- | --- | | Motocaddy | DHC, Downhill Control | DHC in the model name, such as M1 DHC | | PowaKaddy | EBS, Electronic Braking System | EBS in the model name or specification | | Other makers | Electronic braking or downhill speed control | Check the specification | Downhill control names by brand ## Downhill control versus a parking brake A parking brake holds the trolley still when you stop to play a shot. Downhill control manages speed while the trolley is moving. Some systems also help hold the trolley on a slope when stopped, but a parking brake or careful positioning across the slope is still good practice. Push trolleys have only a parking brake, such as the foot parking brake on the Motocaddy Z1 or the front-wheel hand brake on the Clicgear 4.5 in our [push trolley guide](https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-push-golf-trolleys). ## Do you need it? If you are choosing between two similar trolleys and one has downhill control, it is usually the one to pick for a hilly course. Our [Motocaddy vs PowaKaddy comparison](https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/motocaddy-vs-powakaddy) covers the two brands' approaches. - Hilly course with long, steep descents: strongly worth having. - Gently rolling parkland: helpful but not essential. - Flat links or heathland: rarely needed. - Heavy cart bag or wet winter ground: makes a bigger difference. [Compare electric trolleys](https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-electric-golf-trolleys) ## Using downhill control well 1. Set a comfortable walking speed before starting down the slope. 2. Keep a hand on the handle and walk at the trolley's pace. 3. On very steep or wet slopes, lower the speed further. 4. When stopping, park across the slope rather than facing straight down. 5. Use any parking brake or switch off the trolley before walking away from it. Note: No braking system makes a trolley safe on every slope. Take extra care on steep, wet ground, near water and bunkers, and around other golfers. Follow the maker's instructions for your model. ## Battery and range with downhill control Some golfers worry that downhill control drains the battery. The system uses the motor to manage speed, so the electronics are working on the way down as well as up, but in general the effect on range is small compared with hills, cold weather and bag weight. If your course is very hilly, a 36 hole battery gives a comfortable margin whatever braking system the trolley uses. Our [lithium battery guide](https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/golf-trolley-lithium-batteries) explains how to compare capacity in watt hours. ## Remote and follow trolleys on slopes Remote and follow trolleys face the same physics without your hand on the handle, so how they handle slopes matters even more. The remote trolley in our electric guide lists electronic and mechanical brakes and anti-tip wheels, and a follow trolley there lists a 6-axis gyroscope for keeping a straight line on slopes. Whatever the system, drive remote trolleys slowly across steep slopes, keep them well away from water and bunkers, and walk close to them on descents. ## Frequently asked questions **What does DHC mean on a Motocaddy trolley?** DHC stands for Downhill Control, Motocaddy's electronic system that holds the trolley's speed on downhill slopes. **What is EBS on a PowaKaddy?** EBS stands for Electronic Braking System, PowaKaddy's system for controlling speed on slopes. **Can downhill control be added to an older trolley?** Generally not. It depends on the motor and controller design, so it is a feature to choose when buying. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-electric-golf-trolleys - https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/powakaddy-trolleys-compared - https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-push-golf-trolleys ## Sources - [Motocaddy](https://www.motocaddy.com/) - [PowaKaddy](https://www.powakaddy.com/)