Based on the presence of start command and motion of crankshaft of an IC engine, a motor coupled to the crankshaft is energized or de-energized by a control unit. If the crankshaft stops moving in a forward direction or starts moving in a reverse direction the motor is de-energized allowing the crankshaft to move in reverse direction, and if crankshaft stops moving in reverse direction or starts moving in forward direction, the motor is energized causing the crankshaft to move in forward direction with an increasing kinetic energy to overcome starting resistance of the motor. Various sensor means may be implemented to detect the motion of the crankshaft.