Patient transport apparatus having powered drive system utilizing dual mode user input control

A patient transport apparatus moveable along a floor surface, the patient transport apparatus comprising:

• a support structure;
• a plurality of support wheels coupled to the support structure;
• a drive wheel assembly comprising a pair of drive wheels and a powered drive system coupled to the pair of drive wheels;
• a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state;
• a sensor system to determine current speeds of the pair of drive wheels;
• and
• a controller coupled to the powered drive system, the driving assist device, and the sensor system, the controller being configured to determine if the driving assist device is in the at least one engaged state or the non-engaged state, compare the current speeds relative to a first maximum speed and to a second maximum speed lower than the first maximum speed, generate a first command to drive the pair of drive wheels to assist in propelling the patient transport apparatus along a floor surface in a longitudinal direction in response to the driving assist device being in the at least one engaged state and the current speeds being higher than the second maximum speed, and generate a second command to drive the pair of drive wheels in a counter-rotating manner or at different rotational speeds to assist in maneuvering the patient transport apparatus transverse to the longitudinal direction in response to the driving assist device being in the at least one engaged state and the current speeds being lower than the second maximum speed.