The invention relates to an electric power tool comprising a housing in which is housed an electric motor and an on/off switch (22) for the motor, a trigger element (20) which is displaceable out of an off-position, in which an actuation surface of the trigger element projects from the housing, and into an on-position in which the on/off switch (22) is activated, and a locking element (25) which is mounted at the trigger element (20), which is displaceable and which in a non-displaced position prevents movement of the trigger element into the on-position and in a displaced position allows movement of the trigger element into its on-position. The locking element (25), has an actuation surface which at least in its non-displaced position, is recessed relative to the actuation surface of the trigger element (20) in order to prevent inadvertent actuation of the power tool.