Electric Pallet Trucks
Electric Pallet Trucks
If you're looking to improve efficiency in your warehouse, distribution centre, or retail operation, electric pallet trucks are the practical solution for fast, reliable pallet transport.
Designed for the low-level, horizontal movement of palletised goods across short to moderate distances within a facility, they automate the driving and lifting process, reducing operator fatigue and the physical demands of material handling. In retail environments they're essential for restocking operations; in warehouses and distribution centres they keep loading docks and order picking running efficiently.
The Workplace Depot stocks a range of fully electric pallet trucks, including standard electric models, electric high lift variants, and powered pallet trucks, all with a 1,500 kg load capacity. Powered by rechargeable batteries with no fuel or emissions, models start from GBP1,114.52 ex VAT with free next-day delivery to UK mainland.
How to Choose the Right Electric Pallet Truck for Your Operation
Electric pallet trucks are widely used across warehousing, logistics, and retail for the efficient movement of heavy loads over short and long distances within a facility. They're suited to moving pallets from storage racking to loading docks and into delivery vehicles, transporting stock between warehouse zones, and supporting order picking operations.
The compact design of electric pallet trucks makes them ideal for quickly moving goods from warehouse racks to the sales floor in tight, busy areas, and many models allow for one-hand operation with intuitive controls for precise positioning.
Compact Design for Narrow Aisles and Confined Spaces
One of the key advantages of electric pallet trucks is their compact footprint. With a narrow profile and intuitive controls, they navigate tight spaces, narrow aisles, and confined areas where larger powered equipment can't operate.
Most models feature upright operation, giving operators precise control without compromising speed or safety. This makes them particularly suited to distribution centres, retail stock rooms, and warehouses where space is at a premium and throughput demands are high. Unlike counterbalance forklifts, electric pallet trucks are pedestrian models designed for short-distance transport within a defined work area.
Load Capacity and Lifting Requirements
All electric pallet trucks in our range have a lifting capacity of 1,500 kg, covering the majority of standard warehouse and distribution applications. Standard models are designed for low-level, horizontal transport of Euro pallets.
If your operation requires raising loads to a comfortable working height or filling low-level racking, our electric high lift pallet truck uses a scissor lift mechanism to elevate pallets up to 800 mm. For heavier-duty powered transport, our powered pallet truck offers robust performance for demanding environments.
Always check the Safe Working Load of your chosen model and never exceed the rated capacity.
Battery Performance and Running Costs
Fully electric pallet trucks are powered entirely by an electric motor, allowing for effortless lifting, lowering, and movement of loads. They run on rechargeable batteries, eliminating fuel costs and significantly reducing running expenses compared to gas or diesel alternatives.
Most models include an integrated battery charger, allowing recharging between shifts to keep downtime minimal. With fewer moving parts than combustion-engine equipment, maintenance requirements are straightforward and costs are lower over the truck's operational life.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance for charging cycles, battery storage, and servicing to protect performance and extend battery lifespan.
Safety, PUWER Compliance, and Operator Training
Electric pallet trucks significantly reduce operator fatigue and injury risk by automating the lifting and driving process, lowering the physical exertion required to move heavy loads across a facility.
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), employers must ensure operators are properly trained in safe use, load limits, and operating procedures before using any powered pallet truck.
Equipment must be suitable for its intended use, regularly maintained, and inspected at appropriate intervals. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also applies to all workplace equipment, including electric pallet trucks. Increased productivity and speed are key benefits of electric pallet trucks compared to manual alternatives, allowing for faster transport of goods across a facility.
The Workplace Depot has been supplying warehouse and handling equipment to UK businesses since 1991. We're ISO 9001:2015 certified, with 20,000+ products from 120+ global manufacturers. All powered models in our range include a one-year warranty and free next-day delivery to UK mainland.
Models start from GBP1,114.52 ex VAT. Order before 3pm and your equipment arrives the next working day. Call our team on 0800 0126777 if you need help choosing the right model for your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electric pallet truck?
An electric pallet truck is a battery-powered material handling device used for the low-level, horizontal transport of palletised goods, typically across distances of 20 to 100 metres within a facility. Unlike manual pallet trucks, they automate the driving and lifting process, reducing physical effort and operator fatigue.
They're widely used in warehouses, distribution centres, and retail environments for moving stock between storage, loading docks, and the sales floor quickly and safely.
How far can electric pallet trucks travel?
Electric pallet trucks are designed for short to moderate distances within a facility. They're ideal for moving pallets between storage racking, loading docks, and work areas within a warehouse or distribution centre.
For large sites requiring consistent performance over longer distances, electric pallet trucks are generally better suited than manual alternatives as they don't wear out operators over extended shifts.
Do I need training to operate an electric pallet truck?
Yes. Under PUWER, employers are required to ensure all operators are trained in the safe use, load limits, and operating procedures for any powered work equipment, including electric pallet trucks. Training should cover safe manoeuvring, loading and unloading procedures, battery charging, and what to do in the event of a fault. Untrained use increases the risk of accidents, load instability, and injury.
What is the difference between an electric pallet truck and an electric high lift pallet truck?
A standard electric pallet truck is designed for low-level, horizontal transport, keeping loads close to the floor for moving pallets across a facility. An electric high lift pallet truck uses a scissor lift mechanism to raise pallets up to 800 mm, making it suitable for conveyor loading, low-level racking, and ergonomic working height applications. Both carry up to 1,500 kg in our range.
What UK regulations apply to electric pallet trucks?
Several regulations govern the safe use of electric pallet trucks in the UK. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to provide suitable equipment and training to prevent accidents.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) requires that all work equipment, including electric pallet trucks, is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, and operated by trained personnel.
Manufacturers and importers must also comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which sets out design and construction safety requirements. Electric pallet trucks are covered by BS EN 1757-3, the British and European standard for electrically powered pedestrian-controlled industrial trucks, which defines safety requirements for design, construction, and testing.