A control device for controlling operation of a motor vehicle having an electric motor in at least three operating states. In a first operating state, the motor vehicle is off; in a second operating state, the motor vehicle is on and the electric motor is not controllable; and in a third operating state, the motor vehicle is on and the electric motor is in operation. The control unit includes a basic control element for turning the motor vehicle on and off, and a gear-shift control element for selecting a gear-shift stage. The motor vehicle can be switched from a first operating state to a second operating state by a signal from the basic control element when the motor vehicle is turned on, and from the second operating state to the third operating state with the gear-shift control element by selecting a gear-shift stage associated with the third operating state.