Abstract: Loading platforms (16) of tail lifts (13) are usually raised and lowered or pivoted by hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders require a hydraulic unit. Furthermore, there is a risk of contamination through unsealed hydraulic lines. To raise, lower and/or pivot the loading platform (16) of the tail lift (13), the invention makes provision to use roller screw mechanisms (19) which are driven by hollow-shaft electric motors (23). As a result, hydraulic drives for the loading platform (16) are no longer required. Each roller screw mechanism (19) is driven by the hollow-shaft electric motor (23). The unit consisting of the roller screw mechanism (19) and the hollow-shaft electric motor (23) operates in principle like a known hydraulic cylinder and also has approximately the same dimensions, with the result that hydraulic cylinders can be replaced by roller screw mechanisms (19) with hollow-shaft electric motors (23) without significant modifications to the tail lift (13).