The torque reaction mechanism is one of the novel features of Taylor's design. The wheel is mounted upon a single rod, which is connected, in turn, to the transmission and two-cylinder motor by four bar linkages. In acceleration or deceleration, the platform tends to pitch, or dip. The torque reaction mechanism creates a moment, which counters the dipping motion and levels the platform.

We have been able to construct one possible explanation for its workings, but there may be others. Indeed, ours may be too simple. For instance, the brake for the vehicle is a drum brake mounted upon the transmission. Thus far, we have no explanation concerning the reaction torque from this brake, and its influence on the torque reaction mechanism. Despite these concerns, our explanation for the workings of the torque reaction mechanism is as follows:

Suppose the vehicle is braking. As this occurs, the platform, transmission, and engine tend to pitch forward. This causes the four bar linkages to activate, moving the wheel and its point of contact with the ground forward. The forward motion of the wheel shifts the center of mass of the vehicle backwards, causing the reaction force at the point of contact of the wheel with the ground to exert a greater moment. This moment causes the vehicle to pitch backwards, countering the forward moment produced by applying the brakes.

Similarly, when the vehicle accelerates, everything pitches backward. The linkages cause the wheel and its point of contact with the ground to move backwards, shifting the center of mass forward. This creates a reaction moment to offset the one caused by acceleration.