Abstract: A hoist for a vehicle including a lower chassis (2) adapted for secure placement on and optional general movement about a floor, an upper platform (1) fitted to said chassis and movable between a first lowered position to a second raised position wherein said hoist is capable of placement underneath a vehicle when in said first position and said platform and chassis remain coplanar during movement between said first and second positions and both said platform and said chassis have a footprint sufficient to allow stable holding of a vehicle when mounted on said hoist characterized in that said hoist is fitted with a locking means for holding said upper platform in said raised position said locking means including an elongate locking arm (24) pivotally fitted to one end (52) of said chassis and telescopically passing through a collar (25) pivotally fitted to the other corresponding end (53) of said platform wherein said collar has a lock adapted to co-operate with said locking arm, to arrest said telescopic mov