Abstract: A lightweight hoist for use in living quarters or patient care facilities to transport disabled persons from one location to another. A flat, unitary, easily manufactured mounting plate provides a main frame that permits the hoist to be easily and inexpensively assembled. The hoist is suspended from an overhead rail and is driven along the rail by a motor. A release mechanism disengages the motor drive to permit the hoist to be manually operated. A flexible lift strap is provided to raise and lower the disabled person. The lift strap is attached to the take-up reel of a motor driven winch. A guideway is included to prevent the lift strap from twisting as it winds and unwinds on the take-up reel of the winch. The winch may be manually driven when the drive motor is deactivated.