Abstract: A powered lift hand truck with a corresponding method of operation and control. The apparatus includes a powered lift hand truck configured to lift a load from a lowered to a raised position (and vice versa). The system uses the rotational speed to measure linear speed and enforce a consistent speed of the load. The system is programmed to lift/lower loads at the same speed, regardless of load overall weight. If, for example, the load is heavy, the system determines that the speed is below a predetermined threshold and increases the power so as to increase speed.