Motor-driven trailer and towbar system

A motor-driven trailer and towbar system for coupling the trailer to a vehicle, comprising:

• a towbar comprising a vehicle side end configured to connect with the vehicle and a trailer side end configured to connect with a trailer coupling of the trailer, wherein the towbar is pivotably coupled to the trailer such that the towbar is configured to pivot along a pivoting path (P) between a lowered position (L) and a raised position (R) with respect to the trailer;
• at least one first sensor element configured to detect a position of the towbar along the pivoting path (P);
• and
• a control unit (TCU) in communication with the at least one first sensor element, wherein the control unit (TCU) is configured to switch the system between an operating mode where a motor of the trailer supports a movement of the trailer and in a parking mode where brakes of the trailer are applied to impede movement of the trailer depending on a position of the towbar,
• wherein the system is switched into the parking mode when the towbar is in a raised position (R) and wherein the system is switched into the operating mode when the towbar is in a lowered position (L).