Hospitals and aged care facilities move large volumes of materials every day. Meal trolleys. Linen cages. Clinical waste bins. CSSD carts. Pharmacy trolleys. Most of this movement happens along long corridors, through tight corners, and across mixed flooring surfaces.
Electric tugs play a critical role in reducing manual handling in healthcare logistics, particularly for repetitive transport tasks involving beds, trolleys, carts, and waste bins.
The physical strain on staff is significant. Pushing and pulling heavy loads is one of the leading causes of injury in healthcare, contributing to fatigue, musculoskeletal strain, lost time, and preventable downtime.
Electric tugs, sometimes referred to as bed movers, trolley movers or cart movers, are now widely used across Australia’s healthcare and aged care environments because they reduce manual effort, standardise movement tasks, and allow one person to safely move loads that once required two or three staff.
But choosing the right tug is not always straightforward. Loads differ. Layouts vary. Hygiene and safety requirements are strict.
This guide outlines what to look for when selecting an electric tug so you can improve safety, efficiency, and long-term value.
Why Hospitals and Aged Care Facilities Use Electric Tugs
Healthcare staff walk an average of 4–6 km per shift, sometimes up to 12 km in large facilities. At the same time, they may push or pull loads weighing up to 150 kg multiple times a day.
With an ageing workforce, staff shortages, and rising WHS compliance obligations, the electric tugger benefits for hospital staff have made electric assistance essential.
Electric tugs help deliver:
• Reduced push and pull injuries, especially on ramps and uneven floors
• Lower fatigue across long shifts
• Safer movement of larger or heavier loads
• Improved control in tight corridors and lifts
• One-person operation for routine transport tasks
• More predictable workflows and fewer delays
1. Identify the Loads You Need to Move
Selecting the right electric tugger for medical equipment transport ensures sensitive loads such as pharmacy trolleys and CSSD carts can be moved safely, consistently, and with minimal physical strain on staff.
Before comparing batteries or features, start with the loads. The tug must suit the weight, size, wheel type, and coupling point of the carts or bins being moved.
Common hospital loads
• Waste bins (660L, 1100L) Common aged care loads
Common aged care loads
Typical Load Types and Suitable Tugs
Patient beds – Powered Bed Mover
Often referred to as bed movers in hospital environments, these purpose-built electric movers are designed to safely move patient beds through wards, corridors, lifts, and recovery areas.
Manual handling of beds presents a well-documented injury risk in healthcare. Safe Work Australia reports that serious injury claims resulting from physical interaction during care tasks occur at significantly higher rates than the all-industry average, with nursing, care, and support workers experiencing elevated rates of injury associated with patient movement and physical handling.
Powered bed movers reduce push and pull forces, improve control in confined spaces, enable one-person operation, and help lower the risk of injury for clinical staff — particularly during repetitive movements and longer shifts.
Source: Safe Work Australia –WHS Profile: Nursing, Care and Support Workforce
Lighter trolleys and carts –Movexx T1000
Ideal for linen cages, pharmacy carts, and light meal trolleys. Compact, quiet, and highly manoeuvrable, it delivers the benefits of a hospital cart mover electric solution where precise control, low noise, and safe
Longer distances and repetitive routes –Ride-on T1000 Platform
Designed for large campuses, central kitchens, and back-of-house logistics routes. The ride-on platform reduces fatigue, improves consistency, and shortens transport rounds.
Heavier trolleys and carts –Movexx T1500
Suitable for larger linen cages, CSSD carts, and bulk supply movements. Higher motor torque improves performance on ramps, thresholds, and mixed flooring.
Waste bins (660L / 1100L) –Movexx T2500-S-AT All Terrain Tow Tug
Purpose-built to meet medical waste bin electric tow requirements, including heavy 660L and 1100L bins across internal and external areas. All-terrain wheels, high towing capacity, and controlled braking improve safety on slopes and rough surfaces.
2. Corridor Layout, Turning Space, and Flooring
Healthcare facilities vary widely in layout. The wrong tug can quickly become an operational bottleneck.
Assess:
• Corridor width and traffic flow around nurse stations
• Turning radius for lift entries and junctions
• Flooring types such as vinyl, tiles, carpet, or concrete
Ramps, Slopes, and Door Thresholds
Electric power only improves safety if the tug is designed for these conditions.
Look for:
• Adequate traction and torque for internal ramps
• Automatic electromagnetic braking when the handle is released
• Controlled descent on downward slopes
• Tight turning geometry for narrow corridors and lift access
Compact size and predictable handling are critical for healthcare environments.
3.Electric Tow Tugs Battery Type: Lithium vs AGM
Lithium batteries
• Faster recharge
• Longer service life
• Consistent power output
• Ideal for higher-use environments
AGM / lead-acid batteries
• Lower upfront cost
• Suitable for predictable, low-use tasks
• Simple charging routines
4.Stainless Steel Tow Tugs and Hygiene Requirements
Why stainless steel (INOX) matters
• Resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals
• Corrosion resistant in humid environments
• Easy to sanitise and wipe down
• Suitable for food service, CSSD, and sterile areas
Stainless steel is essential for
• CSSD
• Food preparation and meal delivery
• Pharmaceutical and sterile environments
Highly recommended for
• Aged care kitchens
• Hospital wards
• Linen logistics
5. Safety Features to Prioritise
A healthcare tug should reduce risk, not introduce new hazards.
Key safety features include:
• Emergency stop
• Anti-crush protection
• Speed limiters
• Automatic braking on inclines
• Stable turning behaviour
• Ergonomic design for different operator heights
If a tug requires extensive training to operate safely, it is not suitable for healthcare use.
6. Match the Tug to Load Capacity
Tow tugs should be selected based on load weight and operating conditions, not just usage frequency.
• Light-duty (up to 500 kg):Small trolleys, meal carts, supply cages
• Medium-duty (500–1500 kg):Pharmacy trolleys, larger linen cages, 660L bins
• Heavy-duty (1500 kg+):1100L waste bins, CSSD logistics, multi-bin movements
Always assess the total load weight, including the trolley or bin itself, especially when ramps are involved.
7. Training and Ease of Operation,
Healthcare teams rotate frequently. Equipment must be intuitive and quick to learn.
Look for:
• Simple, intuitive controls
• Clear sightlines
• Smooth speed control
• Minimal training requirements
The best tug is the one staff feel confident using every day.
Choosing the Right Electric Tug for Healthcare and Aged Care
Selecting the right electric tug improves safety, reduces injury risk, and creates consistent movement workflows across your facility.
By matching the tug to your load types, capacity requirements, layout, and hygiene needs, hospitals and aged care facilities can improve efficiency while protecting staff and supporting aged care facility patient transport solutions across daily operations.
Sitecraft works with healthcare and aged care organisations Australia-wide to supply fit-for-purpose electric tow tugs, stainless steel options, and tailored site assessments.
Explore the full Sitecraft electric tow tug range
Request advice or an on-site assessment with one of our product specialists. – contact us
