Abstract: An actuating device for a locking brake of a motor vehicle includes a reversible electric motor which drives a threaded spindle with a serrated coarse screw thread through a preferably self-locking gear connection. A spur lever having a spur which engages the screw thread is connected to a force-transmitting member which actuates the tensioning element of the locking brake. The electric motor and threaded spindle turn in one direction to set the locking brake and in the opposite direction to release the locking brake. The actuating device also includes a manually operated handbrake lever which can pivot about an axis spaced from and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the spur lever and the force-transmitting member. When the handbrake lever is pulled, an actuating lever pivotally mounted on the same axis causes the spur lever to pivot toward the brake-locking position.