Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a mast, a shaft angularly movable relative to the mast about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, a lifting member secured to the shaft so as to pivot relative to the mast in response to angular movement of the shaft, a torque arm secured to the shaft at a position which is spaced axially along the shaft from the lifting member and an electrically powered actuator pivotally connected at one end to the torque arm at a position remote from said shaft and pivotally connected at its opposite end with respect to the mast so that operation of the actuator will displace the torque arm to angularly displace the shaft and pivot the lifting member relative to the mast. A novel chassis is also disclosed.