a steering arm for a walking / rider pallet truck , the truck having a housing with an upper side and the steering arm having a steering rod which is linked to the upper side of the housing with one end , and carries a steering head at the other end . the steering head includes actuation elements for the control of functions of the pallet truck , the steering rod having an upper surface and lateral surfaces which join to the upper surface , at least the lateral surfaces being covered by a cushion .