The disclosed drive unit is configured to help prevent a user from being sandwiched between a mobile object and an object of some kind when the user tows the mobile object. The drive unit includes an electric motor, an operating part, and a control part. The operating part is configured to be operated in a towing direction and a pushing direction. The operating part is located on the distal end in the towing direction. When determining that the operating part has been operated in the towing direction, the control part is configured to control the electric motor such that a mobile object travels in the towing direction. Conversely, when determining that the operating part has been operated in the pushing direction, the control part is configured to control the electric motor such that the mobile object travels in the pushing direction.