A linear motor comprises a first yoke, a second yoke spaced apart the width of a first gap from the first yoke, a current-carrying coil surrounding at least one of the first yoke and the second yoke, a magnet spaced apart the width of a second gap from the first and second yokes, and the end portion of the magnet extending over the first gap from one of the first yoke and the second yoke to the other thereof, when the magnet is in a starting position or in an initial position, whereby a relative movement between the magnet and the first and second yokes are obtained.