At Carp Porter, we’ve engineered the Power Porter to perform reliably in all conditions — but we also understand that unexpected situations can arise, especially when using electronic systems bankside. Should your battery run flat mid-session, it’s essential that you know how to operate the clutch mechanism, which allows your Power Porter to switch to free-wheel mode and operate just like a manual barrow.

This quick guide explains exactly how to disengage and re-engage the clutch, so you’re never caught out.

When the Power Porter’s drive train is engaged, attempting to push the barrow manually without disengaging the clutch creates noticeable resistance. While this won’t damage the unit, it makes transporting your gear significantly harder.

By engaging the clutch mechanism, you allow the wheels to move freely — converting your Power Porter into a standard, unpowered barrow that’s easy to push.

We recommend getting familiar with this process before heading to the bank, so you know exactly what to do if your battery runs flat during a session.

You’ll feel the mechanism release. The barrow is now in free-wheel mode and can be pushed with the same ease as any unpowered barrow.

When you’re ready to use power again, simply reverse the process:

You’ll notice a pin on the hub and a slot in the collar — when these align, the drive will re-engage.

There’s no need to line them up manually. As soon as the wheel starts to rotate, the clutch will automatically click into place, engaging drive seamlessly.

The Power Porter’s clutch system is designed to be simple, quick, and user-friendly — giving you full control whether powered or not. Knowing how to operate it properly ensures that even if your battery runs flat, you’re not stuck dragging gear to your swim.

If you have any questions or experience issues with your drive system, our technical support team is always on hand to assist.