A drive mechanism having a bi-stable motor driving an actuator with a high starting torque, and a slower, regulated velocity as the actuator moves through its range of travel. This advantageously maintains high torque margins at low velocity, and lowers the kinetic energy of the bi-stable actuator at end of travel by limiting the terminal velocity and establishing a softer stop. A solenoid may be used in one embodiment. Actual bi-stable motor values are obtained immediately before the move to maintain accurate control of the motor, such as the resistance and inductance of the motor coil. For instance, the bi-stable motor may be driven into a stop, and the coil resistance may be calculated by sensing current associated with the calibration voltage. Inductance may be measured similarly by applying low level AC currents. Back-emf is sensed through the coil resistance, and an estimated motor rotation rate is sent to a feedback loop to maintain the desired rate.