A handheld work apparatus having an electric drive motor has a battery pack (11) serving as a power supply unit for the drive motor. A receptacle for the battery pack (11) is provided on a housing (2) of the work apparatus. In order to simplify the mounting and arrange the battery pack (11) in a more favorable manner, a receiving compartment is provided in the housing (2) and a system carrier is arranged therein, to which electrical components (12, 13, 16) and electrical lines are affixed. A battery compartment (6) is formed in the system carrier (5) and contact elements for contacting the battery pack (11) are arranged on the system carrier (5). The electrical components (12, 13, 16) are interconnected and connected to the contact elements (18) by the lines located on the system carrier (5).