A throttle assembly (26) for a vehicle (20) having a handlebar (22) with a grip (36) extending along a grip axis (GA). A housing (42) is adapted for attachment to the handlebar (22) adjacent to the grip (36) and defines a housing axis (UA) adapted to be substantially parallel to the grip axis (GA). A link (48) is slidably supported by the housing (42) between a first link end (48A) and a second link end (48B). A thumb trigger (44) is coupled to the first link end (48A) and moves with the link (48) between first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B). A track mechanism (50) operatively attached to the housing (42) and to the second link end (48B) of the link (48) guides the link (48) along a curvilinear path (54A) such that movement of the thumb trigger (44) to the second trigger position (44B) slides the thumb trigger (44) away from the housing (42) with the thumb trigger (44) traversing the housing axis (UA) during at least a portion of the movement between the first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B).