An electric pallet truck takes the effort out of moving loaded pallets — the operator steers and controls the lift, while the battery and motor do the lifting and driving. For any operation shifting pallets more than a few times an hour, or moving loads over long distances, a powered unit pays for itself in speed and in reduced manual-handling risk. But "electric pallet truck" covers everything from a compact pedestrian unit for a delivery van to a 5,000kg heavy-duty mover, so choosing the right one means matching the truck to the load, the distance and the environment.
This guide explains how powered pallet trucks differ, the specifications that actually matter, and how to choose the right model. If you are still weighing a powered unit against a hand pallet truck, start with our manual vs electric pallet trucks comparison first — this article assumes you have decided that powered is the way to go.
What an electric pallet truck does
A powered (or "fully powered") pallet truck motorises two functions a manual truck leaves to the operator: the hydraulic lift and the travel drive. Press the thumb control and the forks raise electrically; press the throttle on the tiller arm and the truck drives itself forward or back at walking pace. The operator walks alongside or behind, guiding with the tiller. That removes the two most physically demanding parts of the job — pumping the forks up under a heavy load, and pushing a laden truck across the floor — which is where most pallet-truck strains and injuries come from.
Some models power only the drive (you still pump the lift by hand or foot); "fully powered" units power both. For frequent, all-day use, fully powered is almost always the right call. Browse the full range on our powered pallet trucks collection.
Types of electric pallet truck
Standard pedestrian trucks. The everyday workhorse: a fully powered truck with 1,000–2,000kg capacity and standard 1,150mm forks for moving single GB/Euro pallets around a warehouse or onto and off a vehicle tail-lift. Our GPC Fully Powered Pallet Truck (FPPT10) handles 1,500kg on 1,150 × 540mm forks; the GPC Premium Fully Powered Pallet Truck conforms to EN 1757-1 and lifts 2,000kg with a compact, split-body design for tight aisles.
Lithium-battery compact trucks. Where weight, charging and footprint matter — supermarkets, multi-drop delivery, mezzanine work — a lithium unit is lighter and charges far faster than lead-acid. The GPC VULCAN Fully Powered Pallet Truck with Lithium Battery conforms to EN 1757-1 in a modern, light, compact body suited to warehouses, retail and larger vehicles.
Heavy-duty trucks. For 2,000kg-plus loads moved regularly, a heavier-built unit with a more powerful drive motor earns its keep. The GPC 5 Tonne Fully Powered Pallet Truck carries 5,000kg on a powerful 3kW drive motor with electronic steering and polyurethane wheels for stable, quiet running.
High-lift trucks. A powered high-lift truck raises the load to working height — useful as a mobile work platform or for feeding a production line. The GPC VULCAN Electric High Lift Pallet Truck conforms to EN 1757-2 with adjustable stabilising bars that prevent the unit moving once raised.
Reel and specialist trucks. For horizontal loads — rolls, reels and cable drums — a reel-handling truck carries the load on its side. The GPC Fully Powered Reel Handling Truck offers fully powered lift, lower and travel with built-in safety interlocks and operator protection, UKCA-marked and plated. Long or non-standard loads are catered for by the made-to-order Extra Long Fully Powered Pallet Truck (any length, width or capacity), driven by a brushless 1.0kW motor with a quick-swap lithium battery.
The specifications that matter
Load capacity. Always rate to your heaviest pallet, not your average. A truck rated 2,000kg should be specified for a load that genuinely peaks below that — never to the limit. Our powered range spans roughly 1,500kg to 5,000kg, so there is headroom for most warehouse and yard work.
Fork dimensions. Standard 1,150mm forks suit GB and Euro pallets entered from the end. Check fork width against your pallet apertures, and check the lowered fork height (the VULCAN sits at 80mm lowered, 115mm raised) so the forks enter cleanly and clear the floor when travelling.
Battery type. Lithium-ion is now the default for frequent use: it charges in a fraction of the time, can be opportunity-charged during breaks without harm, needs no watering and weighs less. Lead-acid still suits lower-duty operations where the truck sits on charge overnight. If you run multiple shifts, a quick-swap lithium battery (as on the Extra Long unit) keeps the truck working while a second pack charges.
Drive motor and steering. A more powerful drive motor (the 5-tonne unit runs a 3kW motor) maintains speed under heavy load and on slight inclines. Electronic steering and creep-speed control matter most in congested areas where precise, slow manoeuvring near people and racking is routine.
Wheels and environment. Polyurethane wheels are quiet and kind to smooth indoor floors. For rougher yards or uneven surfaces, look at a rough-terrain or heavier-wheeled option instead — a standard indoor truck will struggle outdoors.
Standards, safety and compliance
Powered pallet trucks sold in the UK should conform to the relevant part of BS EN 1757 (EN 1757-1 for fork-over pedestrian trucks; EN 1757-2 for high-lift and certain specialist types) and carry UKCA or CE marking with a rated capacity plate. Our GPC powered units are built to these standards and plated accordingly.
In use, a powered truck is classed as work equipment, so the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply: it must be suitable for the task, maintained in safe working order, and used by people who have been given adequate information and training. Pedestrian powered trucks do not require a forklift licence, but operators should still be trained on the specific machine — on the tiller controls, the belly-button reverse stop, braking, and safe load limits. Treat training, daily pre-use checks and routine maintenance as part of owning the truck, not an optional extra. This is general guidance; base your final decision on a task and site risk assessment.
How to choose — a quick method
Work through five questions in order. 1) What is my heaviest load? That sets the minimum capacity. 2) How far and how often do I move it? Long distances or frequent moves justify a more powerful drive and a faster-charging battery. 3) What does the floor and aisle look like? Tight aisles need a compact, split-body unit; rough ground needs a heavier-wheeled or rough-terrain truck. 4) Single or multi-shift? Multi-shift points to lithium with opportunity or swap charging. 5) Standard pallets or special loads? Reels, drums and over-length loads need a reel-handling or made-to-order truck.
If you are deciding between a powered pallet truck and a stacker that also lifts to height, our pallet stacker vs pallet truck guide sets out where each one fits.
FAQ
Do you need a licence to drive an electric pallet truck? No formal licence is required for a pedestrian powered pallet truck, but under PUWER the operator must be trained and competent on that specific machine. Ride-on and stacker types may carry additional requirements.
How heavy a load can an electric pallet truck lift? Our powered range runs from 1,500kg standard units up to a 5,000kg heavy-duty truck. Always specify above your heaviest actual load.
Lithium or lead-acid battery? Lithium for frequent, multi-shift or fast-turnaround use (rapid and opportunity charging, lighter, maintenance-free); lead-acid for lower-duty operations that charge overnight.
Can an electric pallet truck go outside? A standard indoor truck on PU wheels is built for smooth floors. For yards and uneven ground, choose a rough-terrain or heavier-duty model designed for the surface.
Ready to compare models? See the full powered pallet trucks range, or the wider pallet trucks collection for manual and weigh-scale options. Our team can help match a truck to your loads, floor and duty cycle.