A drive device, preferably for lifting columns for height-adjustable tables, comprising an endless chain (31) running over first and second chain wheels (16, 17) with a first chain run and a second chain run between the two chain wheels, wherein at least one chain run may be connected with a movable element in the structure in which the drive device is incorporated. The drive device comprises a stick-shaped element (5), where the chain wheels (16, 17) are mounted at their respective ends and the one chain wheel (16) is driven by an electric motor (6) via a transmission and where both the electric motor and the transmission are likewise mounted on the stick-shaped element so that the drive device essentially appears as a finished, mountable unit. The length of stroke is determined solely by the selection of the length of the drive device, just as the drive device may be constructed for a slender column profile. The drive device is moreover easy to mount.