An electric pallet jack—also called an electric pallet truck, motorized pallet jack, or powered pallet truck—is a battery‑powered material handling device designed to lift and move palletized loads horizontally at ground level. Unlike a forklift, it has no mast and cannot stack pallets vertically; it only raises the load enough (typically 4 to 8 inches) to transport it.
Electric Pallet Jack vs. Forklift – The Core Difference
Feature Electric Pallet Jack Forklift
Primary Function Horizontal transport Lifting + stacking + transport
Mast None Yes (vertical lift system)
Lift Height Under 200 mm (4–8 inches) 3–12 meters (10–40 ft) or more
Typical Capacity 1.5 – 3.0 tons 1.5 – 10+ tons
Operator Position Walk‑behind or ride‑on Sit‑down or stand‑up
Training / Licensing Simple; no license in many regions Requires formal certification
Cost $350 – $10,000 CAD $15,000 – $50,000+ CAD
In short: an electric pallet jack is not a forklift. It belongs to the broader family of powered industrial trucks but serves a different purpose—moving pallets across the floor, not stacking them into racking.
Types of Electric Pallet Jacks
Type Description Best For
Walk‑Behind (Walkie) Operator walks behind, controls via handle Tight spaces, short distances, retail backrooms
Ride‑On (Walkie Rider) Operator stands on a platform Long distances, large warehouses, multi‑stop operations
Semi‑Electric Electric lift, manual travel Occasional lifting with budget constraints
All‑Terrain Rugged frame, high clearance, pneumatic tires Outdoor yards, uneven surfaces, construction sites
2026 Price Guide
Prices vary by capacity, battery type, and features. All prices in USD unless noted.
Model / Type Capacity Price (USD) Source
VEVOR Electric Pallet Jack (Lithium) 3,300 lbs $1,799
2.0 Ton Lithium Full Electric Pallet Truck 4,400 lbs $1,388
TMG 4400‑lb Electric Pallet Jack with Scale 4,400 lbs $2,999 CAD
SELR20+ Lithium Electric Pallet Jack 4,400 lbs $3,200 CAD
EKKO EP25E Electric Walkie Pallet Truck 4,400–5,500 lbs $6,775
Entry‑level Electric Walk‑Behind 3,300–6,000 lbs $1,750 – $3,500
Heavy‑duty Ride‑On / Off‑Road 4,400–6,000+ lbs $5,000 – $10,000
Price ranges (2026 CAD) : Manual: $350–$800; Electric walk‑behind: $1,750–$3,500; Heavy‑duty ride‑on and off‑road: $5,000–$10,000.
Key Specifications
Specification Typical Range
Load Capacity 3,300 – 6,000 lbs (1.5 – 2.7 t)
Lift Height 3 – 9 inches (75 – 230 mm)
Fork Dimensions 27″ × 48″ (common)
Battery Voltage 24V or 48V
Battery Chemistry Lithium‑ion (preferred) or lead‑acid / AGM
Travel Speed (Loaded) 2.5 – 4.0 mph
Turning Radius ~48 inches (compact models)
Popular Brands (2026)
Brand Notable Models Notes
Toyota 8HBW23 (4,500 lb walkie), End‑Controlled Rider Industry leader; AC drive motors
Hyster P2.0, PC1.5 Durable, high‑volume warehouse workhorses
Yale MP20UX Reliable, widely available
Jungheinrich EJE 120/225 (4,500–6,000 lb) European quality, walkie and ride‑on models
Crown End Rider Pallet Jack series High‑capacity ride‑on models
EP Equipment Compact electric pallet jacks Value‑focused, lithium‑ion options
Heli CBD20/25/30‑460 2,000–3,000 kg capacity, Chinese manufacturer
VEVOR 3,300 lb lithium model Budget‑friendly, entry‑level
Buying Considerations
Match the machine to your duty cycle: If you move 10–80 pallets per shift horizontally, an electric pallet jack is the right choice. If you need to stack above 200 mm (8 inches) , you need a forklift or stacker.
Battery chemistry matters: Lithium‑ion batteries offer fast charging, zero maintenance, and longer lifespan compared to lead‑acid or AGM. They cost more upfront but reduce downtime.
Choose walk‑behind vs. ride‑on: Walk‑behind for tight spaces and short distances; ride‑on for long travel distances and multi‑stop operations.
Check fork dimensions: Standard forks are 27″ × 48″. Ensure they match your pallet sizes.
Consider total cost of ownership: Electric pallet jacks have higher upfront costs than manual but reduce operator fatigue, increase speed, and handle longer distances. Annual TCO is typically under $1,500/year.
No license required in many regions: In Canada, electric pallet jacks require zero licensing. OSHA classifies them as Class III powered industrial trucks.
Summary
An electric pallet jack is a battery‑powered, low‑lift device for horizontal pallet transport, not a forklift. It has no mast, lifts only 4–8 inches, and typically handles 1.5–3.0 tons. Prices range from $1,400 for entry‑level lithium models** to **$10,000 for heavy‑duty ride‑on units. Leading brands include Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Jungheinrich, Crown, EP Equipment, and Heli. Choose lithium‑ion for multi‑shift operations, match the type (walk‑behind vs. ride‑on) to your travel distances, and factor in total cost of ownership—not just the purchase price.