The invention relates to a handheld work apparatus having a handle. A throttle trigger and a throttle trigger lock are arranged on the handle. An operating-mode selector having an off position, an operating position and a starting position is provided. The selector, trigger lock and the trigger are pivotally mounted. A first latching element is provided on the selector and a second latching element is provided on the trigger element, which coact in the starting position of the selector and the starting position of the trigger and hold the trigger in its starting position. To ensure that the starting position of the selector can only be engaged when the trigger is actuated, the second latching element lies outside of the pivot path of the first latching element in the non-actuated position of the trigger.