An ignition apparatus has an electrically controlled spark advance mechanism. It includes first ignition signal output circuit to output a first ignition timing signal with a predetermined spark advance synchronously with engine rotation, a second ignition signal output circuit to output for trolling a second ignition timing signal delayed by a predetermined crankshaft angle from the first ignition timing signal, a spark advance operating circuit to perform an arithmetic operation based on the first ignition timing signal and to output a third ignition timing signal which advances or delays the ignition timing as engine speed increases or decreases, a first ignition timing setting circuit which uses the first ignition timing signal for ignition timing for a predetermined time after the start of the engine and which thereafter uses the second ignition timing signal; and a second ignition timing setting circuit which, when the engine is accelerated before the predetermined time elapses, uses the third ignition timing signal for ignition timing.