An electric mower has an electric motor driving at least one rotary cutting blade. A method for controlling the mower includes: a rest phase during which the electric motor is not powered; a mowing phase during which the electric motor is controlled to rotate in a first direction of rotation, corresponding to the rotation of the cutting blade in a plant cutting direction; and a temporary blade start phase, in which the electric motor is temporarily controlled to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction of rotation. The mower and method are applicable to mowers and brushcutter mowers.
