Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor, in particular a motor for driving hand tools, saws, and the like, the rotational speed of which is automatically reduced in no-load idling operation and increased when working under load to pre-determined speed values corresponding to desired working speeds. A current sensor picks up the current absorbed by the electric motor and causes the speed of the electric motor to be abruptly changed when a load condition has been detected. A timing relay maintains the electric motor at the higher working speed for a pre-determined period of time after termination of the operation under load. The threshold value of the sensitivity of the current sensor is raised simultaneously with the change-over to the higher working speed.