Abstract: A power-assist hand truck for assisting in the movement of objects. The powered hand truck includes two electric disc gearmotors, an overrunning clutch hub for each driven wheel, an e-stop switch, a speed control, a power source, a motor controller, and other necessary electronics, which can be integrated into an existing hand truck or platform cart or compose a new handtruck or platform cart. Power is provided by replaceable/rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be charged from a stationary power source or by a mobile power source such as that of a vehicle battery. In forward motion the speed control and motor controller provide variable power-assist levels, however, the overrunning clutch hubs allow the user to walk as quickly as desired. The e-stop switch engages and disengages the gearmotors from the power supply, thereby allowing the user to selectively switch between regenerative braking and low rolling resistance operation.