Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For example, a surgical device is provided with a handle that has an elongate shaft assembly with first and second jaws for engaging tissue. A cutting assembly is included in the surgical device that cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. The surgical device also includes a drive shaft that extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly relative to the first and second jaws, and a motorized gear assembly that causes movement of the drive shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate shaft assembly is detachable from the handle such that, when detached, the drive shaft can be manually retracted relative to the elongate shaft to retract the cutting assembly from to the first and second jaws.