The invention provides for a paper transport mechanism for a pagewidth printer. The mechanism includes an electric motor and a sheet feed roller, a paper drive roller and pinch wheels operatively actuated by the motor to feed paper through a media path defined through the printer. The mechanism also includes an ink cartridge with integral printhead arranged in the media path, and a capping mechanism configured to cap the printhead. The motor is configured to drive the paper drive roller and the pinch wheels at a start and an end of the media path when running in a forward direction, and to drive the sheet feed roller when reversed, such that the sheet feed roller engages a topmost sheet from a sheet feeder of the printer and transports said sheet to the paper drive roller.