in a vibration motor in which an electro - mechanical energy conversion element which is periodically deformed is joined to an elastic member to constitute a vibration member , a travelling vibration wave is generated in the vibration member , and the vibration member and a contact member which is urged against the vibration member are relatively moved by the vibration wave , a plurality of contact portions are formed on a portion of the elastic member on a driving side at predetermined intervals , and when the contact portions are engaged with the contact member , the relative movement between the vibration member and contact member is caused by the vibration wave .