The present invention provides for an optical scanning apparatus having a scanner body and a self-propelled light bar assembly supported within the scanner body. In one example the scanning apparatus further includes a drive track supported within the scanner body, and the light bar assembly includes a drive wheel in contact with the drive track. This configuration allows the drive wheel to propel the light bar assembly with respect to the scanner body. In a second example the scanner has a scanner body and a magnet-track portion of a linear electric motor fixedly supported within the scanner body. The light bar assembly includes a slider portion of a linear electric motor, and the light bar assembly is supported in the scanner body to place the magnet-track portion in proximity to the slider portion to thereby allow the light bar assembly to be driven along the magnet-track portion.