Abstract: An aerial work platform having an electric rotary actuator for electrically rotating the aerial work platform. The aerial work platform includes a housing support to which an electric motor is mounted, the electric motor having output shaft that meshes with a compound planetary gearset disposed within a main gear housing. The planetary gearset is used to actuate a rotary shaft to which is attached a rotary bracket that supports an aerial work platform. An electric brake is disposed adjacent one of the rotary shaft or the motor output shaft to prevent rotation of a shaft when the motor is not energized or when loss of power occurs. The electric rotary actuator can be energized to rotate the aerial work platform in a lateral plane.