Abstract: A motorized lift truck includes a coast mode of operation in which the vehicle can be operated while the operator walks alongside the vehicle. The coast mode can be activated from either of a walking or a riding position. An indicator device, such as an indicator light, is provided to alert the operator when the lift truck is operated in the coast mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved motion control system for a motorized hand/rider lift truck having a load bearing fork, electric traction motor, storage battery, steerable wheel, steering control mechanism, and a brake that includes a deadman brake mechanism. An electrical power circuit comprises a high speed control circuit and a low speed control circuit that control, respectively, a high speed travel mode and a low speed travel mode of the truck. The improved motion control system of the invention further comprises means for selecting the high or low speed travel mode and means for actuating an automatic coast control device that automatically overrides the deadman brake mechanism while the truck is in the low speed travel mode and deactivates the coast control device when the truck is in the high speed travel mode.