The invention relates to an electric drive device that is equipped with a brushless electric motor that can be controlled with a frequency-variable alternating current on its supply connection. A direct current source is also provided. The invention is characterised in that the electric motor is configured as a permanently excited synchronous motor, that a mechanic commutator that is coupled to a rotor of the synchronous motor and that connects a pol of the direct current source to one of its outlet conductors in accordance with an angular position of the rotor is provided, and that a switch via which the outlet conductor of the commutator can be connected to the supply connection of the synchronous motor is provided.
