If you’re in the market for a new lawn mower, an electric lawn mower is worth considering. Electric mowers are a convenient alternative to traditional gas models, often quieter and requiring less maintenance and with cleaner operation. And, you don’t have to sacrifice power or features to get an electric version. This guide rounds up 7 of the best electric lawn mowers based on specific needs or features, like small yards or self-propelled operation, to help you find a suitable option.
Best Electric Lawn Mower in 2024
| Product | Estimated Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower | $699 | Multi-blade design, Interchangeable blades, Self-propelled, 60 min runtime, Built-in fuel gauge | Best Overall Mower |
| PowerSmart 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower | $249.99 | Three-in-one cutting system, 17-inch cutting width, Foldable handles, 30-45 min runtime | Best Value Mower |
| EGO Power+ ZT4205S 42-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Zero Turn Radius Mower | $5,999 | Zero-turn radius, Four lithium batteries, 2.5 acres cutting on one charge, 42-inch deck | Best Riding Mower |
| Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower | $299 | Five cutting height positions, Foldable handle, 40 min runtime, Lightweight | Best Push Mower |
| Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower | $599.99 | Rear-wheel drive, Two batteries, 60 min runtime, 4-in-1 system, Vertical storage | Best Self-Propelled Mower |
| Worx 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards | $299.99 | Lightweight, Two-battery system, 6 height adjustments, Intelligent cutting system | Best Mower for Small Yards |
| BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower with Bike Handle | $170.13 | Bike handle design, Continuous power, 17-inch deck, Six height adjustments | Best Corded Mower |
Are Electric Lawn Mowers Worth It?
An electric lawn mower uses a battery or a cord to power its motors rather than gasoline as traditional lawn mowers use. Without the need for gas, electric mowers have no emissions, making them an eco-friendlier option. Plus, their motors generally require less maintenance than gas-powered motors because they require fewer parts and no oil, and they tend to be quieter overall. Considering its potential benefits for homeowners, an electric mower could be an excellent investment for your own homeownership needs or one of the best housewarming gifts for a friend or loved one to enjoy.
However, electric lawn mowers do have some drawbacks to consider. Generally, they offer less power than a gas-powered mower, and you may need to spend more to get a high-powered version. They can also be costlier initially, although reduced maintenance and no need for gas purchases could make them more cost-effective over time. Battery life is another potential downside, as batteries for electric mowers usually run 60 minutes or less, which may not be enough for a large yard.
Best Electric Lawn Mowers
We researched numerous electric mowers to put together this list of the best electric lawn mowers for various needs, whether you’re looking for the best value, a mower for a small outdoor space, or a riding mower for a large yard.
Best Overall: EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower
- Multi-blade cutting system
- Touch Drive self-propel
- 60-minute battery life
- Brushless motor
- Height: 1.5" - 4"
- Mulch, bag, side discharge
The EGO Power+ lawn mower is an easy choice for our best overall lawn mower pick because of everything it offers in terms of power, features, and cutting performance. First, its multi-blade design allows precision cutting, and the blades are interchangeable so you can get the exact type of cut you want for your lawn. Choose between a mulching, high-lift bagging, and extended runtime blade. The self-propelled mower helps move itself around your yard, which can reduce pressure on your arms, back, shoulders, etc., especially if you have a hilly outdoor space.
The battery for this lawn mower can last up to 60 minutes, making it work for mid-size and even some larger yards with straightforward designs and minimal hills. You can see how much power is left with the built-in fuel gauge, so you’ll know when to replace the battery to continue mowing. The battery is the same one that powers over 80 other EGO Power+ tools, making it easier to transition between the tools you use most for yard upkeep.
Best Value: PowerSmart 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower
- 3-in-1 mowing system
- 17" steel deck, brushless motor
- Height: 1.5" - 3.9" adjustable
- Compact foldable storage
- 40V battery and charger included
One way to save money at home is to look for budget-friendly versions of tools you’ll use a lot to maintain your home, like an electric mower. That’s where the PowerSmart 40V 17” cordless lawn mower could come into play. This mower is priced at just under $250 on Amazon without skimping on features.
This cordless mower has a three-in-one cutting system allowing you to discharge, mulch, and bag cuttings according to your preference. The 17-inch cutting width is suitable for small to medium yards, and you can adjust the cutting height with six positions to achieve the look you want. To save some room where you store your mower, the handles fold down.
One drawback of this model is its battery life, which some customers state seems short. The consensus is that it lasts about 30-45 minutes, depending on the power needed for the yard. The battery takes about two hours for a complete charge, so you might want to consider buying a second one if you expect to need more runtime.
Best Riding: EGO Power+ ZT4205S 42-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Zero Turn Radius Mower
- Steering wheel precision
- Gas-equivalent power
- 2.5-acre cutting, expandable
- 4–8 MPH speed
- Customizable controls
- Three driving modes
Yes, electric mowers are even available in ridable versions, just like their gas-powered counterparts. The EGO Power+ ZT4205S is a ride-on electric mower with zero-turn-radius technology, allowing you to maneuver easily around all parts of your yard, including tight turns. Its top speed is 8 miles per hour, and you can choose from control, standard, and sport driving modes to customize your ride.
How does it stay charged while powering a much bigger mower than standard push models? It has four lithium batteries, which can handle up to 2.5 acres of cutting on a single charge. You can also add more batteries to the mower to expand its runtime for bigger yards. A 42-inch cutting deck allows for fewer passes than a push mower and less time to complete your yard.
Best Push: Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower
- 45-minute runtime
- Brushless motor
- Lightweight, 16” deck
- 5-position height adjustment
- Mulching and bagging options
- 3-year warranty
Amazon Price: $299
The Greenworks 40V 16” push mower is a cordless model that offers the basics you’d expect from a push mower. This electric mower is best for simple yards with little to no hills and slopes. You’ll have five positions to adjust your mower’s cutting height and can fold down the handle when you’re ready to store it away to save space. It’s also lightweight compared to more robust models, even including a handle to transport it by carrying.
Greenworks includes a bag for you to choose between bagging and mulching, and a 4.0 Ah battery, which lasts for up to 40 minutes of runtime and takes around two hours to charge.
Best Self-Propelled: Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower
- 60V, 21” mower
- 60-minute runtime
- Self-propelled drive
- 50% more power, quieter operation
- IPX 4 waterproof
If you want a little help mowing your lawn, consider the Greenworks 60V 21” cordless lawn mower. This self-propelled mower has a rear-wheel drive system and a motor that gives you some extra power when mowing slopes and hills, putting less strain on your arms and back. The mower includes two batteries for up to 60 minutes of runtime, ideal for yards of up to ¾ of an acre.
The mower has a 4-in-1 system for mulching, bagging, side discharge, and leaf pickup. You can fold up the handle on this mower for convenient vertical storage.
Best for Small Yards: Worx 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
- 40V power, fast start
- Power Share battery system
- IntelliCut speed adjustment
- Height adjustable (1.5"-3.5")
- Bagging and mulching options
If you have a small yard and want to save space when you store away your mower, opt for the Worx 14” cordless lawn mower. Its small size keeps it lightweight and easy to maneuver around your yard and tight spaces, and its two-battery system provides enough runtime for yards of up to ⅛ of an acre in size. When you want to store it, fold down the handles to take up even less space.
This mower only offers bagging and mulching, so that’s something to keep in mind if you prefer more cutting options. However, it has six height adjustments to cater to your ideal cutting height preference, and its intelligent cutting system detects your grass’s needs to deliver the best cutting speed and power.
Best Corded: BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower with Bike Handle
- 12 Amp, 17" mower
- Bike handle grip
- Push button start
- Height adjustment
- Collection bag included
Bike handle lawn mowers aren’t common to find, so this BLACK+DECKER lawn mower is somewhat of a diamond in the rough. The bike handle design is an alternative to the traditional bar handle and is meant to reduce fatigue and give you more control over turning the mower. Since there are no batteries to worry about charging, this corded mower gives you continuous power to mow as long as you need to.
This model has a 17-inch cutting deck for small to medium-sized yards and six cutting heights from one to three inches. While many customers praise its lightweight and easy assembly, it’s worth noting that some have had concerns about the long-term durability of some of its plastic parts.
Things You Need to Know Before Buying an Electric Lawn Mower
Has an electric lawn mower been on your radar but you aren’t sure exactly what you should be looking for? Here’s a breakdown of the most important considerations to make as you compare your options.
Costs
If you compare an electric lawn mower to a gas model, you’ll probably notice that electric versions are generally more expensive. However, electric mowers won’t require you to buy gas to keep them powered. Instead, you’ll either use a battery or cord, depending on the type of mower you have.
Although battery replacements are sometimes necessary, your battery should last several years if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using it.
Battery Life and Runtime
Electronic, battery-operated devices have become much more efficient over the years, which is why many of the best smart home devices operate on a battery. Cordless electric mowers use highly efficient batteries to charge relatively quickly and provide ample runtime to mow your yard.
Some lower-priced models may use a smaller battery without as much runtime as higher-powered devices, which is something to keep in mind if your yard takes a while to mow. Compare average runtimes detailed by each manufacturer and pay attention to customer reviews to get firsthand accounts of how long the mower can run before needing a charge.
Yard Size
Finding a mower that can keep up with your specific yard is an important part of the process. Large yards may need a more powerful mower with a long-running battery so you can finish mowing on a single charge. Alternatively, you can look for a manufacturer that offers batteries you can buy separately to have a backup always charged, just in case.
A wider cutting deck can also be a good choice for a large yard, as it offers more cutting area at one time, meaning fewer passes for you.
Cutting Width
The cutting width of an electric lawn mower relates to the amount of grass it can cut in one pass. For example, a 16-inch cutting deck will cut a section of grass that’s 16 inches wide in one pass.
Smaller decks are usually 14 to 16 inches wide and are useful for small outdoor spaces that don’t require many passes to completely mow or for mowing in tight areas, like a fenced-in space. A 20-inch or larger deck is a better option for large, open yards. You’ll be able to mow more area in less time with a larger cutting width.
Power Source
Cordless electric lawn mowers give you more flexibility to move around your yard without working around a power cord or finding a spot to plug a cord in. On the other hand, you’ll need to pay attention to battery life with a cordless model, and you may need to invest in a backup battery if you have a large yard.
Meanwhile, a corded option could be best for smaller yards with a nearby power outlet available. Corded mowers provide a steady power source, so there’s no need to worry about your battery dying during your mow.
Self-propelled vs Push
A push lawn mower requires more physical effort from you to maneuver. A self-propelled mower has an electric motor that does some of the work so you don’t have to exert as much effort to move it. The latter option can help reduce fatigue when mowing large lawns or sloped areas, but they’re usually more expensive than push mowers.
Maneuverability
Generally speaking, electric lawn mowers weigh less than traditional gas models. However, some weigh around 30 pounds while others are closer to 80. Usually, higher-powered lawn mowers with extra battery capacity and more robust motors sit on the heavier end of the range. These are your self-propelled mowers that are best for large, open areas with hills and slopes.
Lightweight models are better for small yards with obstacles, as they’re usually easier to maneuver around your yard.
Battery Replacement
If you want a cordless mower, you’ll need to think about battery life. Batteries tend to degrade over time, so you should consider the price of a replacement battery for the mower you want to buy. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to replace a mower than a battery.
Storage
Lawn mowers should be stored away when not in use to keep them in the best shape. That usually means taking up some space in your garage or shed. Some electric mowers have folding handles to make them more compact for storage purposes, which can be helpful if you don’t have an abundance of storage space.
What Customers Are Saying
We browsed Reddit to see what real customers love about the best electric lawn mowers that top their list:
Making the Switch: Should You Invest in an Electric Lawn Mower?
An electric lawn mower is a good solution if you don’t want to deal with refilling a gas mower and want a quieter, greener option for your outdoor space. However, it comes with important considerations. First, electric mowers need continuous power through a cord, which can get cumbersome to work around when mowing, or a battery, which may run out before you can finish mowing a medium to large yard. Second, they generally don’t provide the same power as a gas-powered mower.
If you want to switch to an electric lawn mower, consider the options in this guide, which has a good mix of models for different types of yards and needs.
Electric Lawn Mower FAQs
No, electric lawn mowers shouldn’t be used in the rain. They are powered by electric components, which can become damaged when exposed to liquid.
Generally, no, electric lawn mowers aren’t as powerful as gas mowers. However, some electric lawn mowers are self-propelled and have high-powered mowers to perform similarly to gas mowers. Self-propelled electric mowers can be a good choice for lawns with slopes and hills.
With a consistent maintenance schedule and proper care, an electric lawn mower should last at least five years, or sometimes as much as 10 years. If your electric mower uses a battery, however, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace it within this timeframe, as rechargeable batteries tend to degrade over time.
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