A method for configuring a manual release (1800) of a surgical instrument comprises: mechanically coupling a manual release (1800) to a transmission of a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument has a self-contained power source disposed within a handle (10) thereof, and the transmission mechanically connects an electrically-powered motor (1520) inside the handle (10) to a movable part (60, 102, 1060) of a surgical end effector connected to the handle (10) such that the transmission is operable to displace the movable part (60, 102, 1060) to a starting position, an actuated position, and at least one point between the starting position and the actuated position when the motor (1520) is operated. The manual release (1800) is operable to interrupt the transmission from the operation of the motor (1520) and, during interruption, displace the movable part (60, 102, 1060) towards the starting position irrespective of the position of the movable part (60, 102, 1060), and independent of operation of the motor (1520).
