A scanning probe apparatus for obtaining information of a sample, recording information in the sample, or processing the sample with relative movement between the sample and the apparatus, the apparatus is constituted by a probe; and a scanning stage including a drive element for moving a sample holding table for holding the sample and a movable portion movable in a direction in which an inertial force generated during movement of the sample holding table is cancelled. The scanning stage further includes a drive circuit for driving the scanning stage and is detachably or replaceably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus.