The invention relates to a handrail drive 2 for driving a handrail 3 of a conveying system, said handrail drive 2 having at least one drive device 4 and at least one counterpressure device 5. The counterpressure device 5 comprises at least one clamping spring 42 and at least one counterpressure roller 32 to 39. The handrail 3 is arranged between the drive device 4 and the at least one counterpressure roller 32 to 39 approximately in a linear direction of travel 29, 30 and is urged by the at least one counterpressure roller 32 to 39 against the drive device 4 by a contact pressure force 45 caused by the clamping spring 42. The handrail drive 2 has a mechanical deflecting device 80 by means of which the spring force 44 of the clamping spring 42 can be deflected into the contact pressure force 45 of the at least one counterpressure roller 32 to 39.