Electric lawn mower voltage. Best Electric Lawn Mower 2023 – Battery-Powered Mower Reviews

Best Electric Lawn Mower 2023 – Battery-Powered Mower Reviews

As the mowing season comes up on the horizon, it’s time to offer our recommendations for the best electric lawn mowers in 2023. Whether your top priorities are for large lawns, small lawns, high value, or something in between, our experts have weighed in on these best battery-powered lawn mower models.

The good news—there are a lot of quality battery-powered lawn mowers to choose from this year!

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below and we’ll let you know what our choice would be!

Considering gas models, too? Check out those in our best lawn mower recommendations!

Best Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Overall

Commercial Pick: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Boasting a monstrous 10 ft-lbs of torque (more than a 200cc gas engine!), Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel self-propelled lawn mower is the strongest battery-powered walk-behind we’ve tested so far. Using a pair of 12.0Ah batteries, it can run up to an hour in light conditions and we ran it for more than 40 minutes when taking off 4 – 6 inches of growth. If there’s a downside, it’s that the drive thumb bar introduces some thumb fatigue, but we were able to adjust our grip to deal with it.

The mower also has a tough build designed to handle professional use while offering the convenience of single-point height adjustments and vertical storage. While there are larger options now available (such as Greenworks’ 82V 30-inch), Milwaukee’s price tag is much easier on your budget.

Price: 1099.00 with two 12.0Ah batteries and a dual-port Rapid charger

Residential Pick: EGO 56V Select Cut XP Self-Propelled Lawn Mower With Speed IQ

The EGO Select Cut mower became an instant favorite of ours with its stacked-blade system and solid performance level to go with its excellent cut quality. EGO stepped it up with the release of the Select Cut XP, taking everything we already loved and stepping up the torque to 8.3 ft-lbs. Now, it’s taking the next evolution by adding Speed IQ.

Speed IQ is a drive system that automatically adjusts with the pace you’re walking. Unlike Toro’s Personal Pace system, this doesn’t use springs and a sensor in the handle arms. In fact, there’s no physical movement we were able to detect at all. Yet EGO’s sensor perfectly adjusted in our tests. Is it magic? No, but there’s some crazy-good engineering in play.

Price: 599.00 bare, 999.00 with a 12.0Ah battery and a Turbo charger

Best Self-Propelled Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

As self-propelled models, our recommendations from Milwaukee and EGO top the charts in this category, too. Here are two more outstanding options for you.

Commercial Pick: Greenworks Commercial 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

At Equip Expo 2022 (formerly GIE), we got our hands on the Greenworks Commercial 30-inch lawn mower. As the first in the 30-inch class for the commercial market, it’s an eye-opener for Pros who have been skeptical of battery power.

As we saw from the 25-inch version, the mower uses two side-by-side blades to achieve its cutting width. Thanks to brushless technology, it cuts with 16,000 fpm blade tip speed, making for clean cuts and efficient bagging/mulching and exceeding the power of a 200cc gas engine.

It’s Smart, too, taking advantage of 4G coverage to provide GPS tracking. On the “why didn’t they do that sooner?” list, it has a reverse function for its independent hub wheel motors.

Price: 1999.00 bare tool, 2999.00 with three 8.0Ah batteries and dual port charger.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless CrossCut AWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Ryobi crushed it with the development of the 40V HP Brushless CrossCut self-propelled lawn mower, making huge strides over its previous generation of mowers. Matching up very well against EGO’s Select Cut XP, it’s a stacked blade design that offers excellent power and cut quality. Where it has a clear advantage over its competitors is on the side discharge. This mower distributes clippings far better than other battery-powered lawn mowers we’ve tested.

With the upgrade to an all-wheel-drive system, the design team made it selectable so you can run AWD when you need it and just the rear wheels when you don’t. Plus, Ryobi builds this mower in the US using global materials.

Price: 849.00 with two 6.0Ah batteries and a Rapid charger

Toro 60V Stripe Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Toro is introducing what is probably the most compelling battery-powered lawn mower for 2023. Using its 60V battery platform for power (there are also gas models), it’s making the jump to a stacked two-blade system similar to EGO’s Select Cut and Ryobi’s CrossCut models. What Toro is doing differently is adding a built-in striping feature, leaving your lawn not with just a clean cut, but also a professional finish.

Price: 629.00 bare, 729.00 with 7.5Ah battery and charger

Best Electric Ride-On Lawn Mower

Commercial Pick: Greenworks Commercial OptimusZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

At Equip Expo 2023, it was clear that Pros have more battery-powered ride-on lawn mowers than ever, and more are coming. Greenworks revealed its second generation as it moves from the LithiumZ mowers to the OptimusZ line and embraces a whole-system approach.

With several ride-on and stand-on ZT options up to 60 inches, there’s a wide range for professional crews to build from with the runtime to back up a full day of mowing. Greenworks also unveiled a trailer to support a 100% battery-powered crew, including up to three ride-on/stand-on mowers. Taking it another step further, the team is also working on a version of the OptimusZ that can run with an operator or fully autonomous. We got to see a working prototype at Equip Expo.

Residential Picks

If you’re looking for a residential battery-powered riding mower, there are several really good choices. Of those, two rise above the rest this year.

EGO E-Steer Residential Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

While some will argue EGO’s 54-inch zero-turn is the better option because of its wider deck, the EGO E-Steer is turning heads this year. It has a zero turning radius but uses a steering wheel rather than lap bars for turning. If the traditional lap bar steering system has been keeping you from going to a zero-turn model, it’s a big win.

Even if you’re comfortable with lap bars, there’s still a reason to consider the E-Steer system. EGO shifted the control panel from the side of the mower to the center of the wheel. Now they’re conveniently in front of you where it’s easier to keep an eye on your battery status and make quick adjustments.

Price: 5999.00 with four 12.0Ah batteries and onboard charger (scheduled for May 2023 launch)

Ryobi 80V iDrive Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Ryobi is also joining the alternative control group this year. These 80V zero-turn lawn mowers feature the iDrive system that uses joystick control. Whether you want to think of it as playing a video game or flying a grass-maintaining fighter jet, it doesn’t take long to get used to.

For its first-generation iDrive models, you have three deck sizes to choose from: 30, 42, or 54 inches. They primarily use a suitcase-style 80V battery that can also be supplemented by 40V batteries to extend your runtime. With performance levels reaching up to that of a 42 HP gas engine, cutting power isn’t a problem.

Price: 5999.00 – 7999.00 ready to mow

Best Cordless Push Lawn Mower

EGO Select Cut Push Lawn Mower

EGO’s Select Cut mowers were the first to introduce a stacked two-blade system to battery-powered lawn mowers. By cutting high first and then following with a lower cut, you get a cleaner finish with finer clippings. EGO packs that performance and a host of convenient design features into an easy-rolling push mower for those of you who don’t want or need a self-propelled model.

Price: 379.00 bare, 649.00 kit with 7.5Ah battery and Rapid charger

Best Cordless Mower for Small Lawns

Skil PWRCore 20 18-Inch Lawn Mower

The joy of a small lawn is that it doesn’t take long to cut and you can go with a smaller mower that takes up less space. A 17 or 18-inch deck is great for that kind of lawn. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice all the features of larger mowers to get.

Our top pick is Skil’s PWRCore 20 18-inch lawn mower. It has the benefits of a brushless motor, folds up for vertical storage, and its 20V batteries are compatible with Skil’s entire line of PWRCore 20 lawn and power tools.

Price: 299.00 with two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger.

Best Electric Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Ryobi 80V 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

We knew it would take something special to displace Greenworks 60V 25-inch mower as our top choice for large lawns. It’s taken a couple of years, but Ryobi has an 80V 30-inch self-propelled model that’s taking over.

Like the iDrive ride-on mowers, the 30-inch walk-behind uses an 80V suitcase-style battery for power. The brushless motors turn two sets of stacked twin blades, making for a total of four. By going that route, Ryobi keeps the overall blade mass down while achieving the large cutting width, performance, and runtime it needs to make sure you get the job done well.

This one is slated for launch later in the Spring. Check Home Depot for availability.

Best Budget Cordless Lawn Mower

Skil PWRCore 40 20-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Here’s the challenge: find a brushless self-propelled lawn mower with a battery and charger for under 400. When it comes to the brands we trust, there aren’t many options.

Skil offers a lot of value with its 20-inch self-propelled lawn mower. Running on the stronger PWRCore 40 line, this brushless mower has excellent all-around performance and cut quality characteristics compared to others in the same price range. If you’re trying to make the switch to battery power on a budget, Skil offers the best value self-propelled lawn mower available.

Price: 399 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower: Options From Brands We Trust

Best Echo Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Echo phased out its 58V battery lineup in favor of a completely new 56V eForce line (sorry, the old batteries are not compatible with the new tools) and that includes a new mower, the self-propelled DLM-2100SP. It’s a solid design that presses all the right buttons and makes for a well-rounded machine. It doesn’t challenge the power levels of the top performers, but it doesn’t have their price tags, either.

Price: 449.00 bare, 549.00 with a 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Greenworks Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Greenworks has a couple of excellent CrossoverZ battery-powered ride-on lawn mowers to choose from. They use the same 60V batteries that power its other mowers and lawn care equipment (there are 80V versions, too). The design is a very easy transition if you’re switching from a gas mower and you can choose between a zero-turn or lawn tractor design.

Best HART Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

HART stepped up with its SUpercharge 40V brushless self-propelled mower, demonstrating that the brand can make a mower capable of cutting 3/4-acre lawns. The performance level is in the 160cc gas engine class thanks to two active battery ports and the two 6.0Ah batteries included in the kit. Compared to the mowers we’ve used from HART before, this is by far the most capable for those of you holding out for a mid-range gas replacement.

Price: 598.00 with two 6.0Ah batteries and a Rapid charger

Best Husqvarna Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Husqvarna launched a 20-inch commercial-grade 3-in-1 battery-powered self-propelled lawn mower with an aluminum deck and front bar to protect the battery/motor housing. The W520i notably is compatible with a battery backpack. It doesn’t fit as cleanly as Makita’s ConnectX since you still need to run an adapter into the battery slots, but it does take the weight off of your back and keep you from being tethered. It also has a higher-than-normal cutting range that tops out at 4.5 inches.

Take a look at Husqvarna’s Lawn Xpert mower—a Lowe’s exclusive for 2023!

Best Kobalt Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Kobalt is quietly still making excellent electric lawn mowers and the 80V line is where its performance peaks. The most recent is a 21-inch rear-wheel-drive system with an upgrade to the handle system that makes folding it forward for vertical storage easier. In addition to its excellent cutting power, Kobalt also makes efficient use of its batteries, running up 60 minutes with a 6.0Ah battery. Plus, its high 4 1/8-inch top cutting height is great for tall grass species and reclaiming neglected areas.

Price: 699.00 with a 6.0Ah battery and charger, 749.00 with two 4.0Ah batteries and charger

Best Makita Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

One of the biggest challenges with any battery-powered electric lawn mower is runtime. Makita put that problem squarely in its crosshairs and developed the ConnectX system. Unlike other designs, the 1200Wh power supply attaches directly to the top of the mower, offering more than 3x the capacity of most cordless mowers and running up to 3 hours continuously.

Similar to the 18V X2 (36V) XML08, the mower tops out at 2800 RPM with a 2300 RPM Quiet Mode and has a true 21-inch steel deck.

Price: 949.00 bare, 1399.00 power supply (2348.00 for both)

Best STIHL Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

STIHL has been a little more cautious in entering the electric lawn mower market and upgraded the line with a couple of self-propelled models. Of the two available, the STIHL RMA 510 V is your top performer. It features a 21-inch steel deck (20-inch blade) with a tougher build than the 460 series and its 3.9-inch top cutting height is appropriate for taller grass species. The one downside is that this model runs through batteries quickly compared to other self-propelled mowers.

Price: 599.99 bare, 749.99 with AP 300 battery and charger

Best Electric Lawn Mower: What We Look For

Power

Brushless motors make testing power much more challenging because of their ability to sense and adjust to the load the blade is experiencing. To gauge it, we cut an overgrown section of grass to a manageable height and follow it up by seeing how short we can cut an even standard height section of grass.

The more effectively a battery-powered lawn mower can reclaim overgrowth and the shorter it can effectively cut a baseline height, the more working power it has.

Runtime

How much runtime an electric lawn mower has is only part of the equation. The best information is how much area you can cut on a charge. We start with a section of grass cut to a standard height and then see how long we can mow on one battery charge as we cut it down to 3 inches.

Once we know that, we calculate the maximum area you should be able to mow without having to stop and recharge.

Cut Quality

We test three basic areas of cut quality: evenness, bagging efficiency, and mulching efficiency.

Evenness is simple enough—we gauge how even the cut is by looking for blades that stick out and areas that may have been cut shorter than intended.

Bagging efficiency is a matter of seeing how much grass is left behind compared to the amount that is collected in the bag.

Mulching efficiency takes in consideration the size of the clippings the mower drops and whether it creates any clumping or trailing.

Build

We consider the quality of the build based on the materials and how well the mower is put together. We’re looking for solid components that will last well beyond the warranty period, a rigid construction, and protection for the electrical components and batteries.

Hills, Slopes, and Uneven Terrain

Sure, it’s Florida and we don’t have many legit hills. But we do have sloped lakesides and ditches to go along with plenty of uneven ground. We drive or push our mowers to see how well they hold wheel traction mowing uphill, downhill, side-to-side, and bumping along.

Features

In addition to any standout features, here’s a list of the standard items we look for:

• Brushless motor
• Drive type and function
• Deck size
• Deck material
• Height adjustment
• Height range and number of levels
• Handle positions
• Discharge options
• Battery ports

Value

For our team of experts, value is much more than just price. It’s about what you get for what you pay. An expensive model may very well be the best battery mower value if it’s performing far enough ahead of the budget brands to justify it.

Best Electric Lawn Mower Buying Guide

As you’re deciding on the best battery lawn mower for you in 2022, there’s a lot to consider. These electric mowers are a long way away from when we started with battery power.

What’s Your Budget?

While you can get a battery lawn mower for less than 300, plan on spending at least 500 for a quality model and more than 700 for the best electric lawn mowers.

That can cause a bit of a conflict. When you look at what you can get for the same price on a gas mower, you get more power and features from that gas engine. It won’t have the noise, emission, and maintenance benefits, though.

Are Battery Riding Mowers Viable?

There are a few riding mowers available for both professional and homeowner use. Professional crews have options such as Greenworks’ Lithium Z zero turn (they also have a battery-powered UTV).

Homeowners have more choices with well-known brands Ryobi, Cub Cadet, and EGO (along with several others) providing a handful of zero turns and more traditional lawn tractors.

The models we’ve tested work well and do the job they’re designed for. However, there are two key trade-offs you need to keep in mind. One, there’s a big premium on the cost compared to a gas model. Two, at the moment, you need to plan for long charge times.

A third consideration is simply that this class of electric lawn mower is still relatively new. It’s possible to keep a gas model running for 10 years or more and repower it if necessary. With a full electric power plant, we simply don’t know what kind of service life to expect with proper maintenance.

As battery technology continues to move forward, keep your eyes open for the first graphene or silicon lithium batteries. They’re able to take a charge much faster than standard lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries and have the potential to get you back in the saddle quicker.

Residential or Commercial Quality?

On the surface, there’s not a huge difference between commercial-quality and residential-quality walk-behind battery lawn mowers.

At the high end, power doesn’t seem to vary much (though Milwaukee just changed that expectation). In fact, one of the most powerful we’ve tested—EGO’s Select Cut XP—is technically a residential model.

What commercial battery mowers have going for them is a design and feature set that’s much more tuned in to what professionals ask for. Some of that is merely the difference between what homeowners and professional crews prefer on a mower. But there are differences in the quality of the components that brands choose for their separate lines. Commercial mowers have to be ready for far more service hours each week.

Brands such as Greenworks Commercial, Husqvarna, and STIHL rely on their dealer networks rather than big box stores. You get additional support during and after the sale that you won’t find at other retailers.

Electric riding mowers are a completely different ballgame. With those, you’ll find a much greater difference in design and performance, along with a massive gap in cost.

Self-Propelled vs Push

Considering a self-propelled drive doesn’t have a huge effect on your runtime, it’s a feature you should get if it’s in your budget. Look for variable speed controls and try working it in the store before you bring it home. You can usually tell in just a few minutes if it’s comfortable and natural for your hands.

Look for a mower that disengages its drive easily when you want to pull the mower back. Some systems have a hard time letting go and force you to drag the drive wheels rather than allowing them to roll.

Let’s not completely rule out the classic push mower style, though. When you’re on a budget, you can easily save 100 or more without losing cutting performance if you’re willing to carry more of the workload.

If that’s the direction you’re heading, look for a poly deck to help reduce weight and wheels with bearings and low rolling resistance to make your job a little easier.

Self-Propel Drive Adjustment

Our testing team generally prefers a variable speed dial separate from the presence bar. Taking a different approach, Toro’s Personal Pace and Ryobi’s Smart Trek systems offer a self-adjusting speed that some folks like.

As you’re trying different adjustment styles, look for one that’s on the stiffer side or has positive stops. This will reduce the chances of accidentally knocking it to a different speed if your hand hits it or the terrain is bumpy.

Keep an eye on the location of the dial as well. Front and center is convenient to make adjustments on the fly. However, some people hit that position with their hand or hip as they turn. If that’s you, you might prefer your adjustment on the side so you don’t accidentally change your speed with each turn.

Steel vs Poly Deck

In the gas-powered world, there are really no poly decks—most are either steel or aluminum. The cordless lawn mower world is much different with poly decks in every direction.

Steel is more durable, but it’s very unlikely you’re going to wear through a poly deck over the life of your battery-powered lawn mower. Poly also has an advantage in design. It’s much easier to make subtle changes in the shape that optimizes airflow for better lift, mulching, and bagging than a steel deck.

As we said, steel is more durable. If you have a lot of small rocks you kick up when you’re mowing or perhaps your teenager doesn’t pay quite as much attention as you’d like, then a steel deck can extend your mower’s life. Plus, it just looks good.

Bag, Mulch, or Side Discharge?

You probably already know whether you prefer to mulch or bag. Here in central Florida, we usually mulch to return nutrients to the lawn and avoid stopping every 10 minutes (literally) to dump the bag.

Sometimes, however, you go on vacation or the weather prevents you from hitting your normal mowing day. That’s when side (or rear) discharge becomes helpful.

Instead of keeping the grass up in the deck for finer mulching, it kicks it out. You could bag it, of course, but you’d spend a lot of time emptying. For the sake of getting your cut back under control, side discharging can help keep you moving along when your grass gets long.

Look for a mower that gives you all three options and keep that side discharge chute somewhere handy just in case you need it.

Deck and Blade Size

Most of the best electric lawn mowers have 20 or 21-inch deck sizes with slightly smaller blades (Several brands list the actual blade diameter rather than the deck diameter).

There are smaller models appropriate for smaller lawns or areas with a lot of landscaping to work around.

There are also larger models. Greenworks Commercial and Greenworks 60V both have 25-inch models available. Battery-powered riding mowers run up to 52 inches or more on the residential side and 74 inches for commercial.

The larger deck sizes are most helpful on lawns over 1/4-acre where they offer more significant time savings. For lawns 1/4-acre or less, the standard 20 or 21-inch deck is usually fine.

Single Point vs Multi-Point Deck Height Adjustment

There’s no doubt that single-point height adjustments are more convenient than adjusting each wheel. The relatively lighter weight of cordless lawn mowers also makes it a more viable solution.

Don’t completely discount two or four-point adjustments, though. A four-point system typically has a more rigid construction over single point. Plus, you can kick your front wheels one notch higher than the rear to improve your bagging efficiency.

This one is really about what your preference is. We find most people set their height once and leave it, so a four-point system may not be all that bad from a convenience standpoint.

Multiple Battery Ports

If you have a lawn that’s more than 1/3 of an acre, there’s a good chance you can benefit from multiple battery ports. There are three possibilities: a second storage port, a second active port with a manual switch, and a second active port with automatic switching.

Automatic switching is the most convenient and usually comes on higher-priced mowers. Manual switching and simple storage take some extra effort, but not as much as going back to the garage or trailer for another battery.

Height Range

The majority of electric lawn mowers have all the height range you need to cover a wide variety of grass species. If you prefer to cut at heights over 3-1/2 inches or under 2 inches, just double check that the mower you’re looking at covers it.

Why Buy an Electric Lawn Mower?

The best electric lawn mower for you should get your lawn cut on one charge. No matter which model that is, they all share some common characteristics. There are no gas emissions and no gas engine to maintain. You still need to clean it off when you’re done, but the maintenance is much easier and takes less time.

They’re also quieter. The early bird gets the worm and if you want to start mowing at 7:00 on Saturday morning, your neighbors can probably sleep through it. of a night owl? Many battery-powered mowers have headlights, and you’re unlikely to disturb your neighbor’s Lord of the Rings marathon at 10:00 PM.

Those are some of the more obvious reasons, but one of our favorites is the ability to put the battery in and mow. There’s no cranking, no choke, and no fuel cut-off valve. As long as you have enough batteries to get the entire lawn cut, it’s an easier system to work with than gas.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

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The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

Best Electric Lawn Mowers. Cut Lawns and Costs With Battery-Powered Mowers

Battery-powered lawn mowers offer homeowners and landscapers a cleaner way to mow the lawn, rivaling gas-powered lawn mowers in performance and cost—and some can even mow the lawn autonomously!

Are electric lawnmowers any good?

Battery-powered electric mowers are now as good as gas-powered mowers since they can go anywhere other mowers can. Battery-powered mowers are becoming cost-competitive with gas mowers at the store, and have a much lower lifetime cost since they don’t require gas or oil to operate.

Electric lawnmowers offer the same set of features that gas-powered mowers do. They include grass-cutting height adjustments; grass clipping management, including mulching bagging options and side discharge; push mower, self-propelled, and riding mower options; and many conveniently fold down for storage.

They offer advantages over gas-powered mowers, too. Chief among them lower operating costs and less maintenance. They’re also quieter to operate, which means you’re more likely to hear kids playing around behind you when you’re mowing the lawn. They’re also easy to maneuver, as the motor and batteries for an electric mower are lighter than the gas and engine on a gas mower.

The overall use costs of an electric mower over 10 years, including maintenance and energy, are about 191. The overall use costs for a gas-powered mower including fuel and maintenance over 10 years are much higher, at 490.

How long do electric lawnmower batteries last?

Most mower battery packs have a cut time between 30 minutes and 60 minutes, which will allow a homeowner to mow between a half to a third of an acre or so.

Depending on the voltage, and amp hours (Ah) offered by the battery, costs vary significantly as does the run time of the lawn mower. If you have a small lawn you won’t need a giant mower or battery. For a bigger lawn consider a mower with a higher voltage and higher Ah battery pack. If you want a self-propelled electric lawn mower you might need an even bigger battery.

A mower battery should have a five-year battery life. If replaced, it can extend the mower’s life to 10 or more years.

Best Battery Lawn Mower 2022. 2023 �� Top 5 Best Battery Powered Lawn Mowers Review

Another thing to consider when purchasing a battery-powered lawn mower is whether you want it to be part of an ecosystem of electric tools. Companies like Ryobi, STIHL, DeWALT and Black Decker, offer electric lawnmowers and electrified tools like weed whackers and trimmers—or even drills and saws. These offer opportunities to share batteries and chargers among many pieces of equipment.

What is the best electric lawn mower?

EGO’s line of 21-inch deck lawnmowers are leading most lists in 2020. The mowers offer the same torque and power of a gas mower, thanks to their 56-volt 7.5 Ah batteries, which offer up to 60 minutes of mowing and a 40 minute charge-up time.

The EGO line is on the expensive side, starting at 399 for the push version and 499 for the self-propelled version, at The Home Depot. were lower on Amazon, but without the charger and battery pack. There are plenty of other great options—depending on what you need. But some quick things to note: a smaller deck means a smaller mowing area, which is okay for small yards. voltage and Ah mean stronger motors and longer operating times. Of course, are subject to change.

Also, when checking prices, always check whether the mower comes with a battery pack and charger. It might cost a lot more to buy them later on. But if you’re buying the mower as part of an ecosystem of tools—you might save some cash by not buying the mower with the battery and charger!

Here are some of the top brands and models that make the cut for different mowing needs in 2023:

As mentioned earlier, with its 21-inch deck lawn mowers, EGO’s set itself up as the company to beat. Its mowers offer up to 60 minutes of cut time and boasts a 40-minute charge time. Like any decent gas mowers, EGO’s mowers can mulch, bag and side discharge. The mower is adjustable to 6 different deck heights. Since the company offers other battery-powered products like chainsaws, leaf and snow-blowers, and trimmers, you can interchange batteries if you don’t like to have a tea or beer break while mowing.

Ryobi’s 20-inch deck, 40-volt push mower is another leader. It has a 5 Ah battery. The company claims it can mow a 1/2 acre on a single charge with a run time of about 40 minutes. It has a bay for an extra battery, which means if you have other Ryobi 40-Volt tools you don’t have to wait 90 minutes to recharge while mowing. It’s available in both push and self-propelled versions. The deck is adjustable to 7 cut heights and it has a telescoping handle. The Ryobi also offers the ability to mulch, bag, and side discharge grass clippings. The push model’s retail price is 299, self-propelled is 379.

Greenworks offers some pretty impressive features on its mowers, too. Its 80-volt 21-inch deck model has two, 2 Ah batteries, each of which will charge in 30 minutes and each last for 60 minutes. You can also buy it without the batteries. With two batteries it can almost handle a full acre of continuous mowing. The adjustable mowing deck has two blades and also offers standard features like mulching, bagging and side discharge. The mower has a suggested retail price of 499.

Greenworks also offers great battery-powered mowers with smaller batteries and deck sizes, which are ideal for small properties. Its G-Max has a 16-inch deck and uses a 40-volt, 4 Ah battery. It has five cut heights and offers bagging and mulching, but not side discharge. Plus it looks kind of like a Formula-1 racecar, which is cool. It has a suggested retail price of 299.99.

If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly electric lawn mower for a small lawn, consider the Sun Joe iON16LM. The 16-inch deck push mower features a 40-Volt, 4 Ah battery that can deliver 40 minutes of cut time. It has six height adjustments and has a rear bag for collecting grass clippings. However, it doesn’t mulch or have a side discharge option. The Sun Joe has a suggested retail price of 279.00 with a battery or 219.00 without if you have other Sun Joe or Snow Joe products.

What about the robots, you know, the lawn Roombas?

There is an increasing number of automated, electronic robotic lawn mowers but they’re still pretty expensive. Most of the best-rated ones cost about 1,000 and Husqvarna Automowers, which received some of the best ratings from Consumer Reports and PCMag, start at 1,999.00.

The Worx Landroid WG794 was rated Consumer Reports’ best buy for a robotic lawnmower. Its setup requires the installation of a perimeter wire. Then, like a dutiful, battle-hardened Roomba, it will course over your lawn looking for errant blades of grass to battle with and cut from anywhere between 1.6 inches and 4 inches. It self-docks and can cut up to about a quarter acre of grass. On Amazon it’s listed at 999.99.

Electric Lawn Mowers

The benefits of electric equipment extend far beyond cutting time. flexibility, less time servicing and fewer hassles give you freedom in the rest of your life like never before.

Powerful Performance

Powerful Performance

Our lineup of electric riders is powered by lithium-ion batteries that deliver extended runtimes, a fast 4-hour recharge and no power fade.

Cuts Grass like Gas

Cuts Grass Like Gas

Engineered and tested to deliver the same results as our industry-leading gas models, our lithium-ion powered riding mowers will provide you with premium cut quality you expect from Cub Cadet without power fade.

Low Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Riders with no gas, oil, air filters, spark plugs, pulleys or belts means less maintenance and more barbecues, handstands, and whatever else you love to do.

100% Electric. 0% Compromise.

100% Electric. 0% Compromise.

Our electric lineup meets the same rigorous standards for performance, power and durability you’ll find in any Cub Cadet equipment, and is backed by a strong 4-year battery and 3-year machine warranty.

Quieter Than Gas

Quieter Than Gas

Up to 64% quieter during operation than gas means you can cut at dawn or dusk without disturbing the neighborhood.

Zero Emissions While In Use

Zero Emissions While In Use

No exhaust, carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbons from the on-board source of power for a cleaner, zero-emission ride while in use.

Shop Compare Electric Riding Mowers

Filter By

• 56 Volt MAX, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet.
• Mow up to 3.5 acres, or 1.5 hours, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
• 60 Volt Max, 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery
• Mow up to ½ acre, or 50 minutes on a single charge, without power fade
• Premium ball bearings and 11” rear wheels increase traction and maneuverability
• 56 Volt MAX, 30Ah, 1500Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet
• Mow up to one acre, or 1 hour, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
• 56 Volt Max, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet
• Mow up to 3.5 acres on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas

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Learn About Electric Products

Learn more about the 60V Max battery system

Cub Cadet’s 60 Volt Max battery system has many convenient features, including lithium-ion batteries, flexibile charging and an interchangeable battery platform. Read

Lithium-Ion Battery vs. Lead Acid Battery — which is Better?

Lithium-ion batteries have several advantages over their lead acid counterparts, which is why Cub Cadet uses them throughout its suite of battery-powered outdoor power equipment. Read

What is a Brushless Motor?

Brushless motors provide several advantages for Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered equipment, see how they work. Read

Electric FAQs

• Our ZT1 42E zero-turn mower has a run time of up to 2 acres on a single charge without power fade.
• The Cub Cadet LT42E lawn tractor runs for up to 1.5 hours, or up to 2 acres, on a single charge without power fade.
• The CC30E riding mower runs up to 1 hour, or up to 1 acre, on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower runs up to 50 minutes or ½ acre on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max leaf blower clears up to 90 minutes on low speed or 11 minutes on high speed.
• The 60 Volt Max string trimmer runs up to 45 minutes on a single charge on low speed without power fade. (Disclaimer: Run time based on using 0.080” line.)
• The 60 Volt Max hedge trimmer runs up to 80 minutes on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max chainsaw provides up to up to 80 minutes of run time on a single charge with no power fade. (Disclaimer: Up to 140 cuts of 4-in. x 4-in. pressure treated pine per charge.)

What is the life of the battery?

Operating under normal conditions and care, our lithium-ion batteries will last for the lifetime of the product as defined in the operator’s manual. Cub Cadet offers a 3-year limited warranty that protects your mower and a 4-year battery warranty against manufacturing defects.

Are the batteries included?

The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E zero-turn and LT42E lawn tractor come with two batteries and one charger. The CC30E riding mower comes with one battery and one charger. Our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower comes with one batter and one charger. The bundled suite of 60 Volt Max handheld products — leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw — includes one interchangeable battery and charger. Battery and charger are not included when purchased as a bare tool, however the suite is compatible with the battery included with the 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower, too.

Is the cut quality the same as gas engines?

All of our lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are being engineered to the same specifications as their gas counterparts. Our electric mowers have to pass the same cut quality tests, and we apply our experience in gas to ensure that our electric equipment delivers the same premium cut you’ve come to expect from Cub Cadet.

What cost benefits does a lithium-ion battery powered riding lawn mower provide over a gas-powered mower?

One of the biggest benefits of a lithium-ion battery-powered lawn mower is the reduction of regular maintenance. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered mowers do not require belts, filters or oil to be changed. Additional benefits include a reduction of noise and savings seen through the elimination of purchasing gas. You can also use our savings calculator to compare cost savings between gas and battery-powered mowers.

How long does it take the battery to recharge?

Top 3 Electric Lawn Mowers in 2023

Recharge time varies by product:

• The recharge time of our riding mowers — the ZT1 42E zero-turn, LT42E riding mower, and CC30E riding mower — is about 4 hours.
• The recharge time of the 5 Ah Lithium-ion battery used by our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower is 2.5 hours.
• The recharge time of the 2.5 Ah Lithium-ion battery used by our 60 Volt Max handheld products — leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw — is 2.5 hours.

Our lithium-ion powered mowers have the same restrictions as their gas counterparts when it comes to uneven terrain and hills. Please refer to each unit’s operator’s manual for specific guidelines.

Electric Mower FAQs

Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are engineered to perform to the same standards as their gas-powered counterparts. You can expect the same unmatched strength and durability along with the peace of mind that comes with all our Cub Cadet products. Additionally, our lithium-ion lawn mowers will also not experience power fade as the battery depletes, maintaining a superior cut quality throughout operation.

Is the cut quality the same as gas engines?

All of our lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are being engineered to the same specifications as their gas counterparts. Our electric mowers have to pass the same cut quality tests, and we apply our experience in gas to ensure that our electric equipment delivers the same premium cut you’ve come to expect from Cub Cadet.

Can Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers be used in the rain or wet conditions?

Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion powered mowers are engineered to handle cutting in damp or moist grass conditions. Like other outdoor power equipment, the mower should not be operated in the rain, taken through heavily saturated areas or stored outside.

Will the electric riders work on sloped terrain/hills?

Our lithium-ion powered mowers have the same restrictions as their gas counterparts when it comes to uneven terrain and hills. Please refer to each unit’s operator’s manual for specific guidelines.

Can I charge the battery from a regular 110V outlet?

Yes. Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered equipment can be charged using a standard 110V electrical outlet. The charger uses an electrical input of 720W, 6A at 120V. You should never connect the charger to an AC voltage that differs from 100-240V.

How does a bagger impact run time?

Run time will vary depending on the product. Using a bagger with our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower does not impact run time. As for our riders, it’s recommended that you an Xtream blade on the ZT42E zero-turn and LT42E Enduro lawn tractor to get the best results and could impact run time. The CC30E may experience lower run times when bagging.

What is the run time of the battery?

The run time of the battery varies by mower:

• Our ZT1 42E zero-turn mower has a run time of up to 2 acres on a single charge without power fade.
• The Cub Cadet LT42E lawn tractor runs for up to 1.5 hours, or up to 2 acres, on a single charge without power fade.
• The CC30E riding mower runs up to 1 hour, or up to 1 acre, on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower runs up to 50 minutes or ½ acre on a single charge without power fade.

When compared to the same engine without IntelliPower™ feature, improvements vary depending on engine models and specific operating conditions.

A-weighted sound level per ISO-5395-1, 95% confidence comparing XT1 Enduro Series LT42, Ultima ZT1 42 and CC30.

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WARRANTY ADDENDUM. IMPORTANT: This addendum defines the start of the warranty period. The applicable Warranty Period will begin on the original date of purchase of the Product or on the date of delivery of the Product, whichever is later. Engine Disclaimer: The engine horsepower information is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. See your local Cub Cadet Dealer for warranty details.Pricing Disclaimer: Posted price is in USD Dollars and is manufacturer’s suggested sale price. Models and pricing may vary by location. Taxes, freight, set-up and delivery not included. Optional equipment, accessories and attachments sold separately. See your retailer for details. Image Disclaimer: Products may vary from depicted model image in design, required attachments, safety features and non-functional appearance, and may not reflect dealer inventory or unit specifications. Specifications Disclaimer: Specifications subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect retailer inventory and/or unit specifications. Operator’s Manual Disclaimer: The operator’s manual posted is for general information and use. To ensure the download of the operator’s manual specific to your unit, we require a model and serial number. Speed Disclaimer: Actual vehicle speed varies based on load, use and environmental conditions. Battery Disclaimer: Battery and battery powered product performance varies with load, use and environmental conditions. Software Disclaimer: Software available on Company websites is provided on an as is basis without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The download and use of any software is done at the user’s own risk. Professional Products: Cub Cadet commercial products are intended for professional use. UTV: Cub Cadet Utility Vehicles (UTV) are intended for off-road use by adults only. Please see the operator’s manual and the warning labels posted on the vehicle itself for more details. Email disclaimer: Sign up to receive communication on services, products and special offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy.

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

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Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes

Learn about plug-in and battery-operated lawn mowers, how they stack up against their gas-powered counterparts, and which electric models are the top performers.

By Glenda Taylor and Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 13, 2023 6:41 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Electric mowers are quickly becoming an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to their gas-powered counterparts. Not only can you bid goodbye to yanking a pull cord, replacing fouled spark plugs, and storing flammable fuel, but you’d be doing your part to reduce carbon emissions.

We have tested some of the best electric mowers in order to document their performance when it comes to power, price, and safety. Read on to understand the pros and cons, figure out what features to look for when shopping, and learn why the picks below are among the best electric mower models.

• BEST OVERALL:Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR SMALL YARDS:American Lawn Mower Company Corded Mower
• UPGRADE PICK:Snapper XD 82V MAX Step Sense 21-Inch Mower Kit
• BEST SELF-PROPELLED:EGO Power Self-Propelled Mower
• BEST ROBOT:Worx WR147 Landroid Robotic Mower
• BEST CORDED:Greenworks Corded Lawn Mower
• ALSO CONSIDER:Greenworks Brushless Push Lawn Mower

Before You Buy an Electric Mower

Electric mowers are eco-friendly and a great choice for those who wish to forgo the fuel and oil required for gas-powered mowers. Still, an electric model might not be for everyone. The gas vs. electric mower debate rages on, with adherents on both sides making convincing points.

An electric mower can reduce the carbon footprint and is much quieter. 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 can get bogged down.

How We Tested the Best Electric Mowers

Our electric mower trials included assembling each machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. Battery charging times, where applicable, were checked against the times claimed in marketing. Then, we tested the mowers in an actual backyard setting, with all of the difficulties and flaws that might be expected in a yard, including slopes; uneven ground; dense grass with weedy patches; and tall, overgrown areas.

For consideration as a top pick, each mower had to perform at least as well as claimed in the brand’s marketing materials. Additionally, we considered aspects that a typical user may find most useful: durability, ease of operation, user comfort, required storage space, price, and performance under high-strain (but not abnormally so) conditions.

All of our cordless picks were capable of operating 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 currently maintained areas, with or without weeds, but were only cursorily tried in taller grass. The robot mower was programmed and used only on a maintained area with few weeds, but the ground did include a significantly sloped area.

Our Top Picks

The following picks highlight some of the best electric mower options. Read the individual reviews for details on how each one performed in our backyard tests.

Greenworks Pro 80V 21 Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

This Greenworks electric 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 model 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 and earns this mower the best overall spot as one of the top-rated electric lawn mowers. The mower also provides a 3-in-1 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.

• Includes 2 batteries
• Easy push-start button
• Sensor to adjust blade speed for thick grass
• Not self-propelled
• Limited battery life
• Side discharge chute fits loosely and could be knocked off

Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower

This Sun Joe pick is among the best corded electric mower options, with a 14-inch cutting swath and a rear-mount grass bag that catches clippings. It features a powerful 13-amp motor and optional rear-mounted side discharge chute. An adjustable cutting height from just over 1 inch to 2¼ inches makes it well suited to low-growing, warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, zoysia, or centipede.

No need to store gasoline or change spark plugs with this plastic mower that is as eco-friendly as it gets. Collect grass clippings in a 10.6-gallon bag or discard them via a rear-mounted side discharge chute. The Sun Joe mower boasts a nonslip grip handle that folds down for easy storage. A 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord is necessary for operation (not included). Some assembly of both the handle and the wheels is required.

While this mower is heavier and includes a more powerful motor than the other corded mowers we tested, it lacks a few conveniences. The Sun Joe’s handle is fixed-mounted to the body for a more rigid feel. Also, all four wheels are equal size (5.5 inches in diameter), which made it a bit less maneuverable over rough ground and in tight spaces. That said, the stronger motor provided the best performance in dense grass. This model is a good choice for those on a budget who don’t mind putting in just a bit more effort.

Product Specs

• Lowest price point among those we tested
• Felt more durable than the other corded models
• Good performance even on tough warm-season grasses
• Compact size good for storage
• Heavier than the other corded models we tested
• Smaller wheels do not maneuver as easily
• Handle does not adjust easily

Get the Sun Joe electric mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or Overstock.

American Lawn Mower Company Corded Mower

The corded electric mower from American Lawn Mower Company offers convenient features at an attractive price point. It features an 11-amp motor and cuts a 14-inch swath width. 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 since the tallest setting is 2.5 inches, compared to 3-plus inches on the other mowers.

The mower also features a safety shutoff if the user releases the handle while mowing, 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) to run the mower.

Product Specs

• Compact size that is easy to store; even in small spaces
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver; great for extended use
• Budget-friendly price compared to similar models
• When bagger is nearly full, front wheels may lift off the ground
• Bogs down in tall grass
• Feels less durable than other corded models

Get the ALMC electric lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Snapper XD 82V MAX Step Sense 21-Inch Mower Kit

For those looking for a powerful, high-end electric mower, this cordless model from Snapper doesn’t disappoint. One of the best battery-powered lawn mower options, it runs on a super-charged 82-volt lithium-ion battery; two batteries and the charger are included.

This mower cuts a generous 21-inch swath, rivaling some of its gas-powered competitors. Weighing in at a hefty 72 pounds, this mower is heavier than other electric mowers but features self-propulsion to lighten the load.

The mower features a push-button start and seven cutting heights, from 1⅜ inches to 3¾ inches, making it appropriate for most turf types. It offers large 10-inch rear wheels and a grass-catching bag that fits on the back, with clippings discharging to either the side or the back.

In our trials, this mower was a top performer in terms of power and overall user comfort. The step-sense feature, which increases or decreases the self-propelled pace, was most noticeable on slopes. It operates based on the push-pressure applied to the handle. As you push harder, the mower moves forward faster. At times the mower feels like it’s running away from you, until you get acclimated. We noted that the sliding handle mechanism has a slight tendency to “stick” instead of sliding (and changing the pace) smoothly.

Product Specs

• Powerful motor can handle most lawn jobs
• Self-propulsion feature automatically adjusts to user’s pace
• Wide range of cutting heights (7 settings from 1⅜ to 3¾ inches)

Get the Snapper electric mower at Amazon.

EGO Power Self-Propelled Mower

Our best self-propelled choice could have also been tapped as a runner-up for the best overall choice. In addition to the convenience of powerful cordless operation, it offers feature upgrades typical of more expensive models. The 56V, 7AH battery offers up to an hour of runtime per charge and recharges within 60 minutes. The self-propelled feature simply adjusts to the right pace with a lever. Also, cutting power automatically increases when conditions get tougher, such as in dense weedy areas or tall grass.

EGO got it right on the basics, too. The oversize wheels roll smoothly over rough terrain and make for easy manual operation when not using the self-propelled feature. The handle easily adjusts for different user heights and folds up neatly for storage. Choose from rear bagging, side discharge, or mulching with the included equipment.

In our tests, the EGO Power mower was comfortable and easy to use in all conditions. We liked the simple speed adjustment for the self-propelled pace—a lever located on the left side of the handle—but the drive motor seems excessively noisy. importantly, the self-propelled feature cuts battery life in half, compared to using the mower in manual mode. At 83 pounds, this was one of the heavier mowers in the lineup. Since this mower only comes with one battery, buyers may want to consider adding a second battery for longer runtime and less wait time for charging.

Product Specs

• Better overall performance than other cordless mowers at this price point
• Easily adjustable self-propelled feature
• Automatically increases cutting power in difficult conditions
• Noisy drive system
• Poor traction for slopes or wet grass
• Self-propelled feature cuts battery runtime in half

Get the EGO Power cordless mower at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Worx WR147 Landroid Robotic Mower

Save a ton of effort with this top-quality lawn robot. The Worx Landroid robot mower handles yards up to ¼ acre, thanks to a 20-volt motor and 2 hours of runtime. Plus, it only takes 90 minutes to reach full charge. Two brushless wheel motors offer extra traction, allowing this 23-pound mower to cut lawns with a 20-degree slope.

The Landroid’s 8-inch, triple-blade cutting disk mows close to the edges of a yard with adjustable height between 1.6 and 3.9 inches. Obstacles aren’t an issue with this robot mower; if it encounters them, the mower backs away, and you can also program it to exclude certain areas.

Although the Landroid requires more setup effort than a traditional mower, once it’s up and running, it is nearly 100 percent autonomous. To get started, we downloaded the app, installed the boundary wire and charging station, charged the mower, and programmed the mowing schedule. Total setup time was about 2 hours, but we allowed the battery to charge overnight prior to the first scheduled mowing.

We observed the mower in operation. Similarly to a robot vacuum, the Landroid mows in a random pattern, using its software to map out the most efficient route. It avoids obstacles by first bumping them, then rerouting (an “Anti-Collision System” is available as an add-on purchase). When the battery runs low, the Landroid returns to its docking station to recharge, then completes the program. An onboard rain sensor disrupts the mowing schedule as needed to avoid cutting wet grass.

This mower is ideal for those with up to ¼ acre of grass who like the idea of “set it and forget it.” It mowed fairly close to the edges, but a quick touch-up with a string trimmer will be necessary, maybe once a week during the summer. Other than that, it’s a matter of monitoring the app and observing the lawn. Blade changes will be required a few times during the season; the frequency depends on programming and the type of grass.

Product Specs

• 2 hours of runtime; great for average-size yards
• Mows on schedule, even when you’re out of town
• Custom schedules and routes via the app
• Expensive up-front cost
• Requires a strong Wi-Fi signal and/or Bluetooth connectivity
• Some occasional maintenance is required

Get the WORX robotic mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Target.

Greenworks Corded Lawn Mower

With a 14-inch swath width powered by a 9-amp electric motor, this Greenworks corded electric mower makes quick work of cutting small to medium-size yards. The quiet-running mower features a push-button start and graduated wheel size, with 6-inch front wheels and 7-inch rear wheels, to make maneuvering the mower a snap. It features a safety handle that must be engaged when mowing; when the handle is released, the mower stops.

The grass-cutting height is adjustable from 1¼ inches to 3 inches, and the mower features both a 10-gallon rear bag for catching grass clippings and mulching capability. At the end of an afternoon’s work, the handle folds down for easy storage, allowing it to be stowed along a wall in a garage or storage shed. A 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord (not included) is required for operation.

With its 9-amp motor, this was not the most powerful corded mower we tested, but it proved capable of cutting down taller grass and did not struggle as we anticipated it would in dense, weedy areas. We liked the ergonomic design of the handle, but the squeeze-lever controller felt like it could be tiring for those with smaller hands or less hand strength. Also the handle attachment hardware, which is a unique lock-lever screw, appears to be intended as a convenience but works awkwardly. The locking lever does not close if the mechanism is threaded too tightly—a point at which the device still feels loose.

Product Specs

• Ergonomic handle for more comfort and less fatigue
• Quieter operation than other corded models
• Large wheels roll easily over rough ground
• Least power of the corded models we tested
• The screw-clamp handle adjustment knobs operate awkwardly
• Squeeze-lever operation may not be comfortable for all users

Get the Greenworks electric mower at Amazon.

Greenworks Brushless Push Lawn Mower

Boasting a 21-inch swath cut, this Greenworks cordless mower can operate for up to 70 minutes powered by its two 40-volt lithium-ion batteries (included), allowing users to mow longer without stopping to recharge. When one battery runs down, the power automatically switches to the second battery.

The mower features self-propulsion, large front and rear wheels for easy maneuvering, a push-button start, height adjustment from 1⅜ to 3¾ inches, and a folding handle for easy storage. Rear bagging, side discharge, and mulching options are all available to collect clippings. As a bonus, the battery charger includes a USB port that can charge a cell phone or tablet if necessary.

In our tests, this 40V mower compared favorably to the other cordless models with bigger batteries. It mowed at lower power until engaging a heavier load of dense or tall grass, then it automatically increased output for the tougher work. In mulching mode, thick grass tended to bog down the blade somewhat. The self-propel feature uses a pressure-sensitive sliding handle to automatically adjust to the user’s pace. Unfortunately, like the Snapper mower, the mechanism feels somewhat sticky at times so that the mower feels like it is jerking away. Still, overall this mower offers excellent runtime and performance in most conditions.

Product Specs

• Impressive battery life can handle up to 1/3 of an acre
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Self-propel feature automatically adjusts to the user’s pace
• Long recharging time—120 minutes per battery
• Sliding handle that controls self-propelled pace is “sticky”
• Mulching in thick areas can become difficult

Get the Greenworks cordless mower at Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Electric 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 with.

• Push lawn mowersare basic walk-behind models, requiring manual effort to move the mower forward. They’re significantly less expensive compared 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, with 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, like programmable mowing, collision sensors, and app operation. Lawn robots are less powerful compared to other mowers. They also have a shorter run time and a limited cutting width, so they’re not a top choice for large lawns.

Corded vs. Cordless

Many electric mowers today are cordless and run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Reliable corded options still exist for push and self-propelled mowers. Each power source has its own benefits and downsides.

Battery-powered mowers can be taken anywhere a lawn needs cutting and offer the most flexibility. However, when the battery runs down, usually within 30 minutes to an hour, it requires recharging before mowing can be resumed. 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.

The advantage of a corded electric mower is that an electrical outlet provides unlimited power. Corded mowers are often more affordable and weigh less due to the absence of expensive batteries. A definite drawback is that the user is limited to the extension cord’s length.

For those considering a corded mower, keep in mind it will require a heavy-duty extension cord; a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord is best, although it’s always important to check the owner’s manual.

Motor Power

Lawn mower voltage, measured in volts (V), coincides with how much energy the motor can handle. The higher the voltage, the more energy is conveyed from the battery or power outlet to the motor. volts are necessary to mow large lawns and produce sufficient torque to cut through tall and thick grass. You can expect these voltage and coverage areas for electric lawn mowers:

• Push mowers: 18V to 80V (¼ acre to 2 acres)
• Self-propelled and riding mowers: 40V to 120V (¼ acre to 3 acres)
• Riding mowers: 50V to 120V (½ acre to 3 acres)
• Robot mowers: 18V to 40V (¼ acre to 1 acre)

It may seem logical to choose a mower based on battery voltage, but this figure alone does not reflect motor power. Amperage (amps) also determines how powerful the motor is. Amperage is the rate at which electrical current is delivered to the lawn mower, usually ranging from 2 to 12 amps.

The motor power of an electric lawn mower is determined by wattage (W), which equals volts multiplied by amps—so a larger battery doesn’t always result in a more powerful mower. For example, a 5-amp mower with a 60V battery (300W) is less powerful than a 7-amp mower with a 50V battery (350W).

Brushed vs. Brushless Motor

Brushless motors are more efficient, with minimal energy lost as heat. They produce less friction (which damages the motor) and are easier to maintain since there are no worn-out brushes to replace. All together, these factors translate into better performance compared to brushed motors.

By contrast, brushed motors produce more heat at the expense of power. Consequently, this type of motor may cause a mower to overheat and stall. While they’re more susceptible to friction and heating issues, with increased maintenance requirements, brushed motors are the most affordable option.

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 15-inch swath width 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 upward of 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 certain 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:

• 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: Like gas models, most electric mowers can be adjusted to suit a variety of cutting heights, ranging from 1 to 4 inches. Before choosing a mower, find out the optimal cutting height for the 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 returns 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.

Tips for Using Electric Mowers

Corded electric lawn mowers have been around for decades, but they didn’t have nearly the power to rival most gas-powered mowers until recently. Today’s models cut most turf with ease, but the following tips will help users achieve the best results and avoid mistakes while mowing.

• Cut the lawn as often as needed to maintain optimal grass height without cutting away more than a third of each grass blade. This might mean having to mow every 3 or 4 days during the lawn’s fast-growing season, but by cutting no more than a third of the grass blade, the grass will be healthier and more resistant to diseases.
• Mow away from the cord. Rather than starting at the outside of the yard and mowing back and forth toward the house, start near the electrical outlet and then mow in swaths progressively farther away. This helps keep the cord out of the way and reduces the risk of running over it.
• Don’t use a corded electric mower on wet grass. Electricity and water don’t mix, and mowing wet grass can lead to an electrical short or danger of electrical shock.

The Advantages of Owning an Electric Lawn Mower

Electric mowers produce the same power as gas-powered options, so trimming your lawn is always fast and easy. Using an electric mower can help to reduce your ecological footprint while also providing versatile and easy-to-use features. Most electric models save you the hassle of replacing spark plugs and fuel filters, oil changes are no longer required, and there is no gas tank to consistently refill, making them eco-friendly and money-saving.

Exhaust fumes and pollution are also a thing of the past without the use of gas. Another convenient feature included in electric models is that they are far quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. Here are a few more benefits of owning an electric mower:

• Less maintenance and fewer replacement parts required.
• Electric mowers are light and easy to maneuver compared to gas-powered models.
• Electric models are less expensive than gas-powered mowers.

FAQs

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.

Q. Do electric mowers cut well?

In general, electric mowers are not as powerful as gas-powered mowers, but for average lawns where the grass isn’t ultradense, they usually work quite well.

Q. How long does an electric mower last?

Depending on quality, an electric mower should last between 5 and 10 years. A lithium-ion battery (for a cordless electric mower) should be replaced approximately every 5 years.

Q. How do you maintain an electric mower?

Store an electric mower in a garage or covered shed and clean any stuck-on grass clippings from under the mower deck before use. Sharpen or replace blades as needed. In comparison to gas mowers, electric mowers require very little maintenance.

Q. How often should I mow my lawn?

Weekly mowing is the general rule, but it varies, depending on the lawn and season. Slow-growing grass can be cut every 2 weeks, while manicured lawns may require mowing twice per week. Robot mowers are typically programmed to mow the lawn two or three times per week.

Q. Is it safe to cut wet grass with my electric mower?

It is not recommended to use an electric mower on wet grass. The moisture from wet grass can cause damage to the mower’s motor and can lead to your grass being cut poorly.

Q. Is it safe to leave my electric mower outside?

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.

Q. Where should I keep my electric mower during the winter?

During the colder months, eclectic mowers should be stored in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area to ensure no moisture reaches the motor. These models should also be kept in a place where they will not be exposed to corrosive materials or excessive heat.

Q. How do I clean my electric mower?

If excessive mud, dirt, or grass has caked your electric mower’s construction or undercarriage, it should be cleaned with a moist cloth or plastic brush. Do not use a pressure washer or hose, as these models cannot resist excessive amounts of water. When cleaning the undercarriage, the cutting blades should be removed as a safety precaution.

Q. Does an electric mower require oil to work?

No oil or petrol is required to ensure your electric lawn mower is running correctly.

Q. How do you properly recycle an old electric mower?

As 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. If your electric mower has stopped functioning altogether, you can recycle it at a household electrical recycling facility.

Why Trust Bob Vila

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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.