An intermediate gear type starter motor of the present invention comprises an electric motor with an armature rotary shaft, an overrunning clutch to which rotation of the rotary shaft is transmitted directly or through a speed reducing mechanism, an intermediate gear and a shift coupler. The overrunning clutch rotating a pinion in one way is provided at the front end of the overrunning clutch and is moved axially by a shift lever which is operated by an electromagnetic switch. The intermediate gear is rotatably and axially movably mounted on a supporting shaft arranged in parallel with the axis of the rotary shaft. The intermediate gear is in engagement with the pinion and is moved forwardly to engage with the ring gear of an internal combustion engine. The shift coupler of the present invention includes an annular portion which is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer of the overrunning clutch in such a manner that the axial movement thereof is limited, and an engaging portion extended radially of the annular portion. The engaging portion is engaged with the boss of the intermediate gear at least a half of the outer periphery thereof and limited in axial movement. When the swing of the shift lever is transmitted axially to the annular portion or the boss of the intermediate gear, the overrunning clutch and the intermediate gear are moved axially being operated through the shift coupler. Therefore, the smooth axial movement of the intermediate gear can be achieved.