A patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position.