A hand truck for climbing stairs includes a frame having handles proximate a first end and at least two wheels proximate a second end. A stair climbing mechanism is engaged with the frame proximate the second end. The stair climbing mechanism has a motor and an output shaft having two ends drivingly connected thereto. At least two rotatable endless loop drive elements, generally parallel with respect to each other, are drivingly connected to the output shaft, one drive element at each end thereof. Each drive element includes at least one abutment member engaged with and extending outwardly therefrom. The motor drives the drive element to cause rotation of the abutment members, which interact with the stairs to lift the hand truck up the stairs.