A powered wheeled carriage includes a patient support and a wheeled base. An auxiliary wheel mechanism includes an auxiliary wheel spring support for biasing an auxiliary wheel into contact with a floor. Operating a control apparatus moves the auxiliary wheel away from the floor. A drive handle pivots about a single axis to control a drive motor that powers the auxiliary wheel. The drive handle controls driving of the wheeled carriage in forward and rearward directions. A decision/drive circuit ramps the speed of the wheeled carriage for a few second after start-up to prevent a jerking motion. A display/control panel displays the condition of the carriage brake and the condition of the auxiliary wheel to assist an operator.