Abstract: A current collector (15) is provided for transmitting energy between a contact wire (2) and a motor coach. The current collector comprises at least one collector shoe (1) and a support arm (11) constructed and arranged to lift the collector shoe, and to apply a contact force in which the collector shoe lies below and against the contact wire. The support arm is rotatably connected to the motor coach about a horizontal axis (17) and raiseable about the axis by a lifting device (3). The lifting device includes a fast actuator (23) which is constructed and arranged to be controlled by a control device (22) in dependence on a signal (20, 21) of at least one displacement sensor, force sensor (18), or acceleration sensor (19) located on the current collector to maintain the contact force of the collector shoe against the contact wire.