Yes, an electric motor on a small turntable can usually be moved when the motor is not energized. Here's why: No Power, No Holding Force

When the motor is not connected to a power source, there's no electromagnetic field generated within the motor. Without this field, there's no active force holding the rotor (the rotating part) in a specific position.

Mechanical Freedom

The rotor is connected to the turntable platter, typically via a belt or direct drive. Without power, the rotor is free to turn, and moving the platter will cause the rotor to move with it.

Friction/Resistance

There will be some level of friction within the motor's bearings and potentially some minimal residual magnetic drag, but this is typically easily overcome by hand.

Things to consider



Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive

Direct-drive turntables might have slightly more initial resistance due to the direct connection, but they should still be movable. Belt-drive turntables will typically move very easily since the belt adds a bit of isolation.*

Broken or Damaged Turntable

If the motor or platter is mechanically seized (due to damage or a foreign object), it may not move, but that is not because of the motor being unpowered.

In summary, you should be able to freely rotate the platter and, in turn, the motor of an unpowered turntable. Flag for review