A method for controlling movement of an elevator car during an emergency stop includes the steps of determining the load of the car; determining the travel direction of the car; and monitoring the speed of the car. When the car is determined to be either lightly loaded and travelling downwards, or heavily loaded and travelling upwards, brake torque is applied only when the speed of the car reaches zero, as slowing of the car can be accomplished solely by virtue of the balancing factor of the car's counterweight.