A brake device for braking an elevator installation traveling body movable along a guide rail includes a holder mounting a brake element having a brake surface movable relative to the holder between a freewheel position and a braking position. In a deactivated configuration, a pretensioning element does not exert any force moving the brake element towards the braking position, and in an activated configuration exerts such force. In a retaining state, a release element retains the pretensioning element in the deactivated configuration, and when activated into a released state, the release element changes the pretensioning element into the activated configuration. In an unactuated state, a friction-generating element does not abut the guide rail and, in an actuated state generates friction by abutting the guide rail to exert a force on the brake element and force the brake element towards the freewheel position.