An electric power steering apparatus provides stable steering assist force by positively precluding actuation of an electric motor while it is rotating in a reverse direction, so as to prevent demagnetization of the electric motor. A motor reverse rotation detecting means detects whether or not the electric motor is rotating in the reverse direction and a motor actuation control actuates the electric motor when a condition for actuating the electric motor is fulfilled and on condition that the electric motor is not rotating in the reverse direction.