Walker trucks generally used a seating arrangement placing the
driver directly above the front wheels, a layout reprised some 50 years
later with the forward-control trucks of Dodge, Willys-Jeep and other
marques. The controls were simple, comprising a large steering wheel,
two brake pedals on either side of the steering wheel, and a
speed-control lever. Another foot lever engaged reverse.
The batteries were located halfway between the front and rear axles,
while the electric motor was housed within rear differential and the
drive gears were placed within the wheels themselves. Top speeds
approaching 15 mph were possible with an operating range of up to 40
miles, depending upon such factors as loaded weight and road conditions.
Relatively simple in their basic design and offering true "stop and
go" operation, electric vehicles such as the 1909 Walker Electric
Delivery Truck offered here were quite popular with butchers, bakers,
dairies, department stores and many other businesses.
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