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For more and more buyers, electric lawn mowers are the easy-to-use, eco-friendly, and efficient choice for yard maintenance and lawn care. Not only can you bid goodbye to pulling a starter cord, replacing fouled spark plugs, and storing flammable fuel, but you’d be doing your part to reduce air pollution.
We have tested more than 30 electric mowers and documented their performance with regard to grass-cutting power, price, and safety features. Our favorite overall was the Ego Power+ thanks to its impressive runtime, ability to increase cutting power for difficult conditions, and overall better performance. Plus, it’s comfortable and easy to use.
In this guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of choosing an electric lawn mower and explore the features to look for while shopping. But first, we will share our observations from testing the following models and give you the reasons why we named them among the best electric lawn mowers around.
- BEST OVERALL: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wild Badger Power 40V 18″ Cordless Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL YARD: Worx Nitro 80V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE LAWN: John Deere Z370R Electric Zero-Turn Mower
- BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
- BEST PUSH: Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower
- BEST RIDING LAWN MOWER: Craftsman 56V MAX 42″ Battery-Powered Riding Mower
- BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 2x20V MAX 21.5″ Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
- BEST CORDED: American Lawn Mower Company 14″ Corded Mower
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 32 |
| Hours spent testing | 96 |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $154 to $4,899 |
Before You Buy an Electric Lawn Mower
Electric mowers are an easy choice for those who want a cleaner alternative to gas-powered mowers. Still, an electric model might not be right for everyone. The gas vs. electric mower debate rages on, with adherents on both sides making convincing points.
An electric mower is much quieter, works at the touch of a button, and can reduce the user’s carbon footprint. In contrast, a gas-powered mower is loud but can run for hours, as long as a can of gasoline is nearby. It’s also usually more powerful, making it better suited to mowing thick, dense grass where an electric mower may get bogged down.
Our Top Picks
After we tested dozens of battery-powered and corded electric lawn mowers of all styles, shapes, and sizes, we chose the following mowers as our top picks. These models are made by reputable brands and have some of the most popular features on the market. Check out the individual reviews for details on how each one performed in our backyard tests.
Best Overall
Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 56V
What We Like
- Better overall performance than other cordless mowers at this price point
- Has an easily adjustable self-propelled feature and can be pushed manually
- Automatically increases cutting power for difficult mowing conditions
- Rustproof deck and rugged construction for enhanced durability
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy drive system; may not be suitable for all users and neighborhoods
- Poor traction for slopes or wet grass, so it’s not ideal for hillsides
- Self-propelled feature cuts battery runtime in half
Our top pick boasts powerful cordless operation with features that are typical of more expensive models. The 56V 7.5 amp-hour (Ah) battery produces up to an hour of runtime per charge and recharges within 60 minutes. Cutting power automatically increases when conditions get tougher, such as in dense weedy areas or tall grass, and a lever allows the user to adjust the self-propelled pace for optimum comfort. Choose from rear bagging, side discharge, or mulching with the included equipment.
Ego got it right on the basics, too. In our tests, the Ego Power+ mower was comfortable and easy to use in all conditions. The large wheels rolled smoothly over our rough terrain and made for easy push mowing when we weren’t using the self-propelled feature. The handle was easy to adjust for different user heights and folded neatly over the engine for compact storage.
Unfortunately the wheel drive motor seemed excessively noisy. More importantly, self-propelled mode cut the battery life in half compared to pushing the mower manually. We push-mowed for nearly 90 minutes per charge, but we were only able to get about 45 minutes of runtime in self-propelled mode. Buyers with large yards may need to consider adding a second battery to increase runtime.
What Our Expert Says: “I really liked the simple speed adjustment for the self-propelled pace, which was more reliable than many of the auto-adjust features on other models I’ve tested” — Mark Wolfe, Staff Writer and Product Tester
Get the Ego Power+ electric lawn mower at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Best Bang for the Buck
Wild Badger Power 40V 18" Cordless Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Storability 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 40V
What We Like
- Small, lightweight lawn mower that’s ideal for small yards and limited storage areas
- Handle folds over the motor to conserve storage space
- Includes a large 11-gallon collection bag to gather the grass clippings
- Efficient brushless motor conserves battery life and provides up to 30 minutes of mowing per charge
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic wheels, deck, and motor housing are less durable than parts made of different materials
The Wild Badger 40V 18-inch electric push mower is an affordable space-saving option for townhomes, courtyards, and other small landscapes. This lightweight push mower weighs just 37.5 pounds. It comes with a 40V 4-Ah battery and charger to power the brushless motor for 30 minutes per charge. The battery recharges in just 60 minutes.
Besides easy push-button operation and a lightweight build, several convenience features make this mower even easier to operate. A single lever adjusts the mower deck height to any of five different cutting heights between 1 inch and 3 inches. Two-way clipping management lets you either mulch the grass clippings and recycle nutrients back to the lawn or attach the included 11-gallon bagger for easy collection and disposal.
This was the smallest and lightest of the battery-powered mowers we tested, but the 40V brushless motor held its own among the competition. While the mower offered plenty of power and a fairly clean finish, the small size of the deck limited the amount of area that could be mowed. On average, we were able to mow about 10,000 square feet per charge. It was quiet, easy to push, and more affordable than the rest of the mowers in our testing.
Get the Wild Badger electric mower at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.
Best for Small Yard
Worx Nitro 80V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 80V
What We Like
- Space-saving power pack and charging system also works with the Nitro leaf blower
- Fast and easy-to-use single-lever deck height adjustment
- Bag, side-discharge, or mulch grass clippings without a mulch plug
- LED headlamps provide high-visibility mowing in low-light conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Removing and installing Base Camp power pack is more awkward than removing and installing a single battery
- Does not include the longer-lasting 20V 6-Ah Worx batteries
The Worx Nitro 80V power-share system packs a serious lawn-mowing punch. A standout feature on the Nitro mower is the Base Camp power pack. This mower combines the power of the four included 20V 5-Ah batteries to deliver 80 volts of power for up to 60 minutes of mowing time per charge. The power pack doubles as a four-way charger, recharging the depleted batteries in just 2 hours. It can be used for both onboard and offboard charging, and it is also compatible with the Worx Nitro 80V leaf blower.
It is a moderately priced, highly capable, self-propelled mower with numerous features to compete with others we’ve tested. For ease of operation, it incorporates a single-lever deck height adjustment; a one-touch fully collapsible handle; charge-level indicator; and choice of side discharging, bagging, or mulching. The built-in mulch/discharge lever eliminates dealing with a mulch plug. The quiet, load-sensing multistage motor automatically increases output for difficult conditions. Plus, LED headlights extend mowing time past sundown.
The Worx mower performed better than the average of the group in terms of smart power output and cut quality. It did a great job conserving power while providing an excellent cut on previously maintained lawn areas. It also increased output almost immediately to power through overgrown weedy lawn areas. The finish quality was very good in both the previously maintained area and in the overgrown area, and there was no need for a second pass.
Battery runtime decreased by as much as 50 percent under a heavy mowing load, but the difference between sloped areas and flat ground was less pronounced. We gave this one the Best for Small Yard award, considering the amount of power that would be needed in reserve to blow off the driveway using the Base Camp–compatible 80V leaf blower. Those with between a quarter and a third of an acre of grass could probably do both on a single charge.
Get the Worx electric mower at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Best for Large Lawn
John Deere Z370R Electric Zero-Turn Mower
Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Zero-turn riding lawn mower
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 58V
What We Like
- Outstanding battery life; mows up to 2 acres per charge
- Onboard charging system; only requires a 3-prong extension cord to charge the battery
- Precise controls: smooth wheel motors and tight lap bars
- Extremely comfortable seat and suspension system
What We Don’t Like
- 42-inch deck was almost too small to mow perimeters without driving on bed edges
Large lawns with obstacles like landscape beds, tree rings, and outbuildings are best mowed with a nimble zero-turn riding mower for fast, efficient mowing. The John Deere Z370R ZTrak fills the need perfectly. It mows up to 2 acres per charge with superior cut quality, and it offers the smooth, articulate steering and comfortable ride that we expect from a top riding-mower brand.
The mower is equipped with a 58V 61.27-Ah battery system that charges in about 6 hours. We really liked the simplicity of the charging system, which is fully integrated on the mower. Rather than dealing with a dedicated charging cable, we simply connected the mower to our wall outlet with a 12-gauge extension cord.
From a mowing standpoint, the cut quality was perfect, and the side-discharge chute did a great job dispersing the clippings. The deep mowing deck created ample airflow to lift the grass blades upright for a crisp, level cut in one pass, but we really wanted a slightly wider deck. The 42-inch deck was just wide enough to cut beyond the width of the tires, but we had to be extra careful not to drive over the borders when working around curved landscape bed edges. A wider deck would provide enough lateral reach to eliminate some of the edge trimming in these areas.
In addition to the standout cut quality, we also loved the quiet, comfortable ride. The John Deere Z370R didn’t sound nearly as “rattly” as other electric riding mowers we’ve tested. Where the lack of engine noise reveals the jarring sounds of mower deck mounts and other moving parts, John Deere has done a great job silencing the ancillary noise. Additionally, the highback seat was extremely comfortable. The standard configuration includes armrests, which take away some of the arm and shoulder strain of operating the lap bars. Most other brands offer armrests only as an upgrade option. While the suspension system was not adjustable, it delivered a smooth ride on uneven ground.
Get the John Deere electric mower at Lowe’s.
Best Self-Propelled
Toro 60V MAX 22" Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 60V
What We Like
- 60V 6-Ah battery powers up to a half acre of mowing per charge
- Personal pace system automatically adjust self-propel system to user’s walking pace
- Motor automatically adjusts power output to match mowing conditions
- Deep deck enhances airflow for better bagging and mulching without clumps
- Handle folds flat and the mower stores in a space-saving vertical position
What We Don’t Like
- The self-propel system was not designed for occasional push mowing as an alternative
- While mowing performance is superior, runtime per charge is lower than other top brands
With a strong reputation for mechanical durability, mowing power, quality of cut, and value pricing, Toro has produced some of the best lawn mowers for decades. The Toro 60V Recycler self-propelled lawn mower continues this tradition in the battery-powered era. It works hard to deliver outstanding mowing results with a comfortable user experience.
This mower comes with a 60V 6-Ah battery that powers up to a half acre of grass cutting. The standout features are its powerful steel mowing deck and the Personal Pace drive system. The deck is designed to generate powerful airflow that stands grass blades upright for a cleaner cut, and it also enhances mulching and bagging capabilities. The drive system, controlled by a pressure-sensitive handlebar, automatically adjusts the speed to match the user’s pace in real time, without knobs, levers, or thumb paddles.
In our tests, the 60V Toro Recycler worked as well as advertised. We were especially impressed by the mowing quality, which may have been the best of all models tested, and the smooth operating self-propelled system. We’ve used other mowers with sliding handlebars, but the one on the Toro mower was the best. It accelerated and decelerated seamlessly with our walking pace and felt more natural than the others, even on slopes.
While this mower proved capable of cutting all kinds of lawn grass (including overgrown weedy areas) with a high degree of competency, it left a little to be desired in terms of runtime. We mowed exactly a half acre before the battery died. That’s what the brand predicts, but it’s a little underwhelming compared to some of the others in the category.
Get the Toro electric mower at Tractor Supply Co. or Ace Hardware.
Best Push
Greenworks Pro 80V 21" Brushless Push Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 80V
What We Like
- Runs on 1 battery but includes 2 for extended mowing time
- Easy push-start button and lightweight deck make mowing a pleasure
- Sensor automatically adjusts power output for varying grass conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Side-discharge chute fits loosely and could be knocked off
This Greenworks electric lawn mower comes with two 80V G-MAX lithium-ion batteries that are also compatible with other G-MAX-powered lawn tools. It runs on one battery at a time and will power through nearly an acre of the lawn during the 60 minutes of runtime provided by a full charge.
We liked the push-button starting system that is conveniently located near the grip for easy operation. Also, the lack of drive motors for the wheels saves weight and extends battery life compared to the self-propelled models we tested. Even on sloped areas and rough ground, it was easy to push and maneuver. Overall, it gave a more “gas-like” mowing experience than any of the others, albeit without self-propulsion.
This push lawn mower boasts a generous 21-inch-swath cut. It features the brand’s SmartCut technology, which senses when the grass becomes denser and speeds up the blades. This capability earned this mower the Best Push award as one of the top-rated electric lawn mowers. The mower also provides a three-in-one system, allowing the user to choose between mulching, bagging, or discharging the grass clippings. Large 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels make it easy to mow and maneuver.
Get the Greenworks electric mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best Riding Lawn Mower
Craftsman 56V MAX 42" Battery-Powered Riding Mower
Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Lawn tractor
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 56V
What We Like
- Extremely tight turning radius easily maneuvers around obstacles
- 1.75 hours of runtime per charge; enough to mow up to 3.5 acres
- Familiar feel; controls operate similarly to gas-powered lawn tractors
- Mulching, bagging, and side-discharge capable (accessories sold separately)
What We Don’t Like
- Deck does not create much of a vacuum to pull grass blades upright
- Not designed for rough mowing in heavily overgrown, weedy areas
As the trend toward battery-powered mowing continues, those with larger properties are finding an increasing number of options. Bolstering the electric riding lawn mower category, the Craftsman 56V MAX riding mower wins this category with excellent battery life, maneuverability, user comfort, and wide-ranging versatility.
The Craftsman 56V electric riding mower features three brushless motors powered by a built-in 56V 60-Ah lithium-ion battery. In our tests it charged in 4.5 hours and mowed for about 1.75 hours, cutting about 3.5 acres per charge. Operationally, the controls felt very much like a comparably sized gas-powered hydrostatic lawn tractor—no gears to shift. It has simple forward and reverse pedals for travel, and it can mow at speeds up to 6 miles per hour.
This electric lawn tractor comes equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, LED headlights, towing hitch, electronic PTO for blade engagement, and an electronic mowing-in-reverse override switch. The cutting deck is manually adjustable with a lever that switches among 12 settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high.
As with other battery mowers, mowing with the Craftsman battery-powered lawn tractor was significantly quieter than mowing with gas and nearly silent when traveling with the mower blades disengaged. Unfortunately, it was slightly underpowered for mowing overgrown grass or weedy spots where the deck didn’t provide adequate air uplift to pull the grass blades upright. It may not be an ideal choice for inconsistent or occasional mowing, but it is a good option for weekly lawn maintenance.
On the plus side, its TurnTight steering system was another excellent feature, which allowed the mower to carve incredibly tight turns—a 5-inch turning radius, according to Craftsman. We had no problem edging tree mulch rings. It also proved capable of towing a 10-cubic-foot lawn cart loaded with mulch. The seat was comfortable, the ride was smooth, and the controls were responsive for an all-around quality riding mower.
Get the Craftsman electric mower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.
Best Cordless
DeWalt 2x20V MAX 21.5" Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Power output: 20V
What We Like
- Lots of cutting power for all grass types as well as tall, dense lawns
- Variable-speed self-propelled system works with or without the blade engaged
- Up to 80 minutes of runtime per charge depending on mowing conditions
- Included 20V MAX XR 10-Ah DeWalt batteries work with other 20V DeWalt tools
What We Don’t Like
- Batteries take longer to charge than those of many other cordless lawn mowers
- Shallow deck doesn’t produce enough uplift for a clean cut on overgrown lawns
The best cordless electric mowers can do more thanks to efficient designs combined with big batteries. DeWalt’s 2x20V MAX XR self-propelled lawn mower leads the pack with brushless motors, a dual-blade cutting system, rugged steel construction, and dual batteries packing 200 watt hours of mowing energy. Boasting up to 80 minutes of runtime per charge, it’s equipped to take on bigger lawns and tougher mowing conditions.
But mowing prowess isn’t everything. This mower offers numerous comfort and convenience features, too, including an adjustable self-propel system that works with or without the blade engaged. The telescoping handlebar adjusts for user comfort and folds flat for compact storage. In its vertical storage configuration, this mower uses 80 percent less space than a traditional lawn mower of similar dimensions.
This mower delivered exceptional runtime. On our 0.8-acre lot, we mowed a little more than a half acre of lawn on a single charge. The two-phase motor did a great job of preserving battery life in average conditions, but it automatically kicked into high power within a split second when necessary. We also noted that the mower fills its bagger extremely well. Unlike many cordless mowers, there was almost no empty space at the back when we dumped it.
The finish was pretty good after a single pass in most of the yard. But in tall weedy areas, the shallow mowing deck did not produce adequate uplift to pull the grass blades up straight. We cut those areas a second time for a clean, level finish. The only other minor drawback was the long charge time—about 4 hours with both batteries on individual chargers. It was only a minor inconvenience because we got 50 percent more runtime than average, and this allowed us to complete the lawn on a single charge.
Get the DeWalt electric mower at Tractor Supply Co. or The Home Depot.
Best Corded
American Lawn Mower Company 14" Corded Mower
Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Power output: 11 amps
What We Like
- Compact size is easy to store, even in small spaces
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver; great for extended use
- Budget-friendly price compared to similar models
- No expensive batteries, and no downtime for recharging
What We Don’t Like
- When bagger is nearly full, the front wheels may lift off the ground
- Much narrower cutting swath than the battery-powered mowers we tested
The corded electric lawn mower from American Lawn Mower Company offers convenient features at an attractive price point. It features a strong 11-amp motor and cuts a 14-inch swath. The cutting height adjusts from 1 inch up to 2.5 inches, making it most suitable for low-growing and warm-season grass types.
This mower is a good choice for those with small yards and limited storage space. We liked the nonslip-grip handle for comfortable control. The large 7-inch rear wheels and narrow, lightweight, compact body made it easy to pivot and navigate tight spaces. Plus, it had no problem mowing thick, weedy grass. It did struggle with tall grass, though, since the tallest setting is 2.5 inches compared to 3-plus inches on other mowers.
The mower also features a safety switch to shut off the motor if the user releases the handle, and it folds down to aid in storage. You can set the mower for clippings to discharge into a 16-gallon grass bag or to fall back on the lawn for use as natural mulch. Users will need a 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord (not included) and a nearby electrical outlet to run the mower.
Get the American Lawn Mower Company electric mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Electric Lawn Mowers
Our electric mower trials started with assembling each machine. Actual battery charging times were checked against the charge times that manufacturers claim. Then, we evaluated mowing power and performance in a real backyard setting, with all of the difficulties and flaws in a typical yard, including slopes; uneven ground; dense grass with weedy patches; and tall, overgrown areas.
We mowed at least 5,000 square feet of lawn with every model tested; each mower in this guide performed at least as well as claimed in the brand’s marketing materials. In our testing, we considered aspects that prospective buyers may find most useful: durability, ease of operation, user comfort, required storage space, price, and performance under difficult conditions.
All of our cordless lawn mower picks operated similarly to gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of cutting power in thick, weedy, and tall grass. They were able to easily maintain manicured lawns and perform at least a limited amount of rough cutting in overgrown areas. The corded picks proved capable of producing a clean finish on maintained areas, with or without weeds, but we gave them only a cursory try in taller grass.
What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Lawn Mower
Electric mowers offer a variety of options that make them more suitable for certain lawns and users. Keep the following factors in mind when selecting the best electric lawn mower for maintaining your yard.
Type
There are several types of electric mowers, including push, self-propelled, riding, and robot mowers. The most suitable type depends on your yard, budget, and the amount of labor you’re comfortable doing.
- Push lawn mowers are basic walk-behind models, requiring manual effort to move the mower forward. They’re significantly less expensive relative to other electric varieties, which contain more advanced features. Since push mowers require more labor, they’re ideal for small to medium-size yards with even ground.
- Self-propelled lawn mowers propel the wheels forward while cutting grass. These mowers often cost several hundred dollars more than push mowers. The trade-off is convenience, and the reduced effort involved makes them preferable for medium-size to large lawns and sloped terrain.
- Riding lawn mowers are as heavy-duty as they come, and they have a high price tag to match. Multiple varieties fall under this mower category, including lawn tractors, zero-turn, and rear-engine mowers. Users operate the mower in a seated or standing position. Featuring the largest cutting width and terrain capabilities, they’re built to tackle large yards and navigate hills and even steep slopes with ease.
- Robot lawn mowers function autonomously and require the least amount of effort. These high-tech models come with many modern features, such as programmable mowing, collision sensors, and app operation. Robotic lawn mowers are less powerful than other types of mowers. They also have a shorter runtime and a limited cutting width, so they’re not a top choice for large lawns.
Corded vs. Cordless
Most electric mowers are cordless and run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Reliable corded options still exist for push and self-propelled mowers. Both types require significantly less maintenance and fewer repairs than gas lawn mowers. Each power source has its benefits and downsides.
Battery-powered mowers can be taken anywhere a lawn needs cutting, and they offer the most flexibility. Investing in a second battery can double the operating time for cordless mowers since you can switch out the first one when it runs out. Rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan, however, and they’ll need to be replaced after 5 to 10 mowing seasons.
The advantage of a corded electric mower is that an electrical outlet provides unlimited power on demand, and you will never need to replace a battery. Corded mowers are often more affordable and weigh less due to the absence of batteries. A definite drawback is that the user is limited to the extension cord’s length.
Motor Power
Electric motor power can be confusing, and even misleading. It is only one piece of the mowing-ability puzzle and should be treated accordingly. With corded models, particularly within the same brand, a shopper could reasonably assume that a 13-amp lawn mower will be more powerful than a 10-amp mower. However, deck size and design also play into this calculation. Therefore, a 10-amp 14-inch lawn mower may actually cut just as efficiently as a 13-amp 18-inch lawn mower.
When it comes to battery power, confusion is compounded, as brands advertise them based on battery specifications. Keep in mind that the battery pack itself is like a gas tank: it’s the fuel, not the engine. So battery specifications offer little insight to the mower’s performance. Batteries are labeled with voltage and amp hours. Multiply the two to calculate watt hours, which is the potential electrical discharge over time. In the absence of any information regarding power consumption by the blade motor and wheel motors on the lawn mower itself, the picture is still completely unclear.
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
Another important bit of information is the motor type. Brushed motors use more power and perform less work. The best cordless mowers use high-efficiency brushless motors. For the longest battery life, choose a mower with a two- or three-phase motor that consumes less power under normal mowing conditions and kicks into a high power mode when it senses tough cutting conditions.
Deck Size and Swath Width
A lawn mower’s deck size is the width of its cutting swath. The wider the swath—the width of grass you can cut in a single pass—the fewer passes you’ll have to make. On the other hand, a wider swath requires more power, which can translate into shorter battery life.
The best electric push mower and self-propelled electric mower options have an average swath width from 13 to 22 inches; robot models are at 5 to 10 inches; and riding mowers can go up to 54 inches. If the lawn is small, even a mower with a 15-inch-wide swath will get the job done without taking too much time. Larger yards will benefit from a broader swath width so it doesn’t take forever to mow them.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a mower are also important considerations, especially if storage and user strength are limited. Higher voltage mowers are generally heavier, simply because larger batteries weigh more. Additionally, mowers with a larger deck width tend to weigh more than smaller models.
Riding mowers are the largest, heaviest models out there. A small riding mower is comparable to a go-kart, while heavy-duty models resemble a “subcompact” car. They can weigh as little as 400 pounds to upward of 800 pounds.
Self-propelled mowers usually weigh more than push models since self-propulsion requires more battery power. These mowers generally range from as little as 30 pounds for a small push mower to 100 pounds for a large self-propelled mower. Note that self-propelled mowing still involves some manual labor, such as navigating tight spaces and moving the mower backward (they only self-propel forward).
If you’re looking for a lightweight tool, go with a corded push or robot mower. Corded electric mowers are lighter than their cordless counterparts since there are no batteries to weigh them down. Most corded mowers can be easily hung on the wall of a garage or shed to save space.
Robot mowers are the smallest and lightest options, usually weighing between 15 pounds and 30 pounds. Most are only slightly larger than a robotic vacuum. For these reasons, they are incredibly portable and easy to store.
Wheels/Tires
Push and self-propelled mowers built to take on uneven ground and thick grass have larger rear wheels with a diameter of 8 inches or more. Compact models with small wheels, on the other hand, are better at getting in and around flower beds and navigating around trees and other obstacles in the yard.
Riding lawn mowers have tires, with different types suitable for specific terrains. Lug tires are thick and designed for traction, so they’re the ideal choice for wet, slippery, or sloped yards. Smooth tires prevent ruts and other damage to manicured lawns. Turf tires establish a middle ground, with reasonable traction and less damaging effects on the yard.
Additional Features
The top electric lawn mowers and lawn-maintenance brands include convenient features and functions to look out for, which offer enhanced versatility and safer operation. Here are some of them:
- Speed control: Basic electric lawn mowers operate at only one speed, while others include multiple speed settings. Speed may be adjusted using a squeeze handle, dial, drive bar, or a pace-keeping system (usually reserved for high-end models).
- Cutting height adjustability: Electric mowers can be adjusted to suit a variety of cutting heights from 1 to 4 inches. Before choosing a mower, find out the optimal cutting height for your grass. The general rule of thumb is to cut most grass types between 2 and 3¾ inches high.
- Side or rear discharge: For users who want to collect the grass clippings, either to discard or add to a compost pile, look for a mower with a side or rear discharge and an attachable bag.
- Mulching: Some lawn mowers contain mulching blades. Mulching mowers cut the grass into smaller pieces, which return some of the nutrients to the lawn.
- Safety: Most electric mowers have a safety bar built into the handle. The bar must be held closed to keep the motor running, minimizing the risk of accidents. Many also contain flaps and guards, which prevent the mower from discharging debris at the user.
FAQs
More electric mowers are on the market today than ever before, and they’re a more eco-friendly way to care for a lawn. For those new to this type of mower, read on to have a few of the most frequently asked questions answered, and check electric lawn mower reviews and manufacturers’ websites to learn more about the model you’re eyeing.
In general, electric mowers are not as powerful as gas-powered mowers. Deck designs that optimize battery life may do so at the expense of airflow, which can lead to a rougher cut if the grass gets too tall. But for average lawns, where the grass is consistently maintained and not ultradense, they usually work quite well.
If an electric mower is stored, maintained, and used properly, it should last at least 10 years. Lithium-ion batteries should be replaced approximately every 5 years.
Clean off any stuck-on grass clippings after each use, and store your electric mower in a garage; shed; or other dry, well-ventilated space. Sharpen or replace blades annually or after every 25 hours of mowing.
It is not recommended to mow wet grass. Wet grass does not stand up straight enough for a clean cut, and the wet clippings will stick to the blades and underside of the mower deck. This inhibits airflow and may reduce battery runtime.
Since electric mowers are classified as electrical waste instead of scrap metal, they should be disposed of in the same way household appliances should be recycled. Recycle an old electric mower at a household electrical recycling center.
Electric mowers should be stored indoors when not in use. However, electric models can be stored outdoors if they are elevated and/or covered so they remain dry and air can circulate underneath the motor.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.
