Electric standing lawn mower. Electric Lawn Mowers: 4 Ways to Get Discounts and Rebates

The best electric lawn mowers of 2023

The best electric lawn mowers are a safe and eco-friendly way to tame your lawn.

With six height adjustment options and the ability to mow or mulch, this pick is perfect for the whole family.

This 10 Amp electric mower can cruise through any lawn for a pristine finish.

Ready to ditch the hassle of mowing altogether? Then grab this automated mowing robot that can trim up to one half of an acre.

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The best electric lawn mowers are much more than just hair clippers with an attitude. Today’s electric mowers are energy-efficient and cost-effective lawn tools perfect for keeping the yard trim and proper. From push mowers that are always ready to chop to cordless mowers with quick-charging, long-lasting batteries, get all the power of a gas mower with none of the hassles. These mowers are easy to operate and nearly maintenance-free. Small and mid-sized lawns can be quickly tamed and managed with an Earth-friendly mower. Cheaper than some gas-powered mowers and more agile than riding mowers, the best electric mower makes yard maintenance less frustrating. Harness the power of electricity with one of these dependable lawn mowers designed for efficiency.

• Best overall:Greenworks 10A Corded Mower
• Best cordless:Worx WG779 Power Share Lawn Mower
• Best premium:Husqvarna Automower Robotic Lawn Mower
• Best self-propelled:Greenworks Self-Propelled Mower
• Best budget:Black and Decker Electric Lawn Mower/Trimmer

How we chose the best electric lawn mowers

We’ve searched far and wide for the best lawn mowers many times. There isn’t a lawn mower we haven’t looked at, from riding mowers for your new house or a zero-turn mower for an industrial job. To create this list of the best electric lawn mowers, we took from our previous lawn mower research (push mowers to cordless mowers to all manner of more serious machinery) and combined it with personal testing, research, recommendations, and user impressions.

Best electric lawn mowers: Reviews recommendations

Looking for the best electric lawn mower? You have several choices to make. The two big differences between models: Cord or cordless, and push or self-propelled. Explore the options, have a budget in mind, and you’ll find the perfect electric lawn mower for your yard.

Best overall: Greenworks 10A Corded Mower

Why it made the cut: Hills and tight corners are no match for this manual lawn mower.

• Easy on hills and around tight corners
• Maneuverable despite weight
• No major maintenance

The 16-inch cutting deck of the Greenworks electric mower is great for mid-sized suburban yards smaller than a quarter-acre. While 37.5 pounds may sound like a lot, it’s a shockingly light and agile mower. This mower has no trouble being pushed up hills or around tight corners. It starts easily, and there’s no major maintenance to worry about. Make sure you have an outdoor extension cord to give you optimal mobility. If you only have a few free minutes during the work to get the lawn cut, the Greenworks electric lawn mower is the yard tool for the job.

Best cordless: Worx WG779 Power Share Lawn Mower

Why it made the cut: Mowing the lawn is fun for the whole family with this lightweight electric lawn mower.

Electric lawn mowers are known for their simplicity, but the WORK WG779 is perhaps the most user-friendly electric push mower on the market. The lightweight body can be managed by even young teens. The dual batteries last long enough to chop an eighth of an acre when fully charged. You can use the batteries from other WORX power tools, or buy a few extras to keep the mower running across larger yards. It comes ready to bag or mulch. A simple turn of a knob offers more torque when you hit a patch of tall or tough grass, but the extra power boost will eat up battery life. This is a great mower for everyone in the family.

Best premium: Husqvarna Automower Robotic Lawn Mower

Why it made the cut: Mowing the lawn is never a pain when a Smart, powerful, small robot does it for you.

The Husqvarna mower is not your typical electric lawn mower. It’s also not a cheap mower. This robotic mower can be programmed and easily controlled via a user-friendly 4G app. On a full charge, it’ll run for about 60 minutes and is recommended for yards smaller than a half-acre. It can’t do everything. For instance, it has trouble climbing inclines. And anyone with a dog or outdoor pets should avoid robot mowers altogether. Plus, it works best if your yard has a simple layout—a rectangle without many obstacles such as trees or gardens. So, why would you want to spend over 1,000 on a robot lawn mower? When it works, it’s pure futuristic magic. Sit back and relax as your new robot takes a chunk out of your weekend to-do list. For those who don’t want to be bothered with lawn work, a robot assistant is an amazing addition to the family.

Best self-propelled: Greenworks Self-Propelled Mower

Why it made the cut: This electric lawn mower provides the power of a gas mower minus the ecological effects.

The Greenworks self-propelled lawn mower is one of the best electric lawn mowers for every type of yard. It’s designed to tame lawns a third of an acre or smaller, powerful enough for most suburban homes. The rear-wheel drive is strong enough for mild hills. And the self-propelled lawn mower runs on two, 24-volt batteries that provide 45 minutes of cutting time on a full charge. There is a turbo button, but using it will eat up battery power. The handle feels solid and is easy to maneuver around property lines and landscaping. This self-propelled mower is comparable to the best gas-powered mowers but has all the benefits of quiet, energy-efficient, Earth-friendly battery power.

Best budget: Black Decker Electric Lawn Mower/Trimmer

Why it made the cut: This budget-friendly electric lawn mower keeps your city lawn in tip-top shape.

Is an electric mower under 150 worth it? Yes. If you only need to mow a small area, the Black Decker electric lawn mower is a fantastic tool. Sure, it’s more of a glorified weed whacker than a true lawn mower, but it works wonders in confined areas too small for typical mowers. The corded electric yard tool can be switched from lawn mower to trimmer by unclipping it from the wheeled base. The 12-inch cutting width is great for the minimalist lawns of city homes. Because this is a trimmer, it uses a cable to cut the grass instead of blades. The cutting cable is spun around an automatic feed spool, making it easy to adjust on the go. While not designed for big lawns, those living in townhouses will love this petite, cheap lawn mower.

FAQs

Q: Do electric lawn mowers really work?

Yes, electric lawn mowers really work. Advances in technology and battery life have given these electrical yard tools enough juice and cutting power to stand side-by-side with gas-powered mowers. A gas-powered mower may last longer on a full tank of fuel compared to a battery-powered mower with a full charge. But these quiet, easy-to-handle electric mowers get the job done … if you have the right-sized yard. The best electric lawn mowers are designed for yards smaller than a half-acre, and most work best on yards that are less than a quarter-acre. They’re great for suburban homes and city townhouses. And while they may not hold up well against rain and mud, these electric mowers are easy to maintain. Electric mowers are a Smart, economical, and ecological way to keep the lawn trim and proper.

Q: How do I choose an electric mower?

To choose an electric mower, start with yard size. Tiny yards smaller than an eighth of an acre won’t need the same cutting machine as a lawn that’s a half-acre. Next, decide if you want a battery-powered electric mower or a mower that needs to be plugged in. Corded mowers are cheaper and will always be ready to work, but battery-powered mowers can go anywhere. Finally, do you want a self-propelled mower or a push mower? There will be a price difference between the two, but self-propelled models make lawn maintenance much easier.

Q: How long do electric mowers last?

An electric lawn mower will last about five years. A gas-powered mower may last twice as long but will require three times the maintenance. If you don’t want to be bothered with season tuneups and oil changes, an electric mower is worth it even if it won’t last as long. Keep the mower stored properly, away from rain and snow, and you’ll get more than a couple of years worth of mowing out of it.

Q: Are electric lawn mowers powerful enough?

Yes. Although gas mowers are considered more powerful overall, electric mowers—in terms of oomph factor—are now catching up. They’re more than capable to mow and manicure a standard yard.

Q: What is the life expectancy of an electric lawn mower?

With a good level of care, an electric lawn mower can last 7-13 years. To extend the longevity of your electric lawn mower, make sure to clean the cutting deck before putting the mower away. Make sure to check the fuel pipes, wires, and mower body every year when taking it out of storage. Additionally, you should remove any dirt and rust, tighten nuts and bolts, and grease parts.

What to consider when shopping for the best electric lawn mowers

Power supply, special features, and price are the three main factors to examine when shopping for an electric lawn mower. Some electric mowers are better for smaller yard care, while others are better for hills and inclines. Think carefully about your lawn and how to make yard maintenance easier. The best electric lawn mower is out there—you just need to weed out the competition.

Battery-powered mowers vs. corded mowers

The power source will be the first major decision when choosing an electric lawn mower. Obviously, battery-powered mowers are more versatile and can go wherever they need to go. The downside: The battery may not last longer than an hour. In fact, most will die after 45 minutes of use. Having a backup battery helps keep the yard maintenance machine rolling, but it will add to the overall price. Also, if the battery isn’t charged and ready, you won’t be mowing right away. Even the most efficient lawn mower battery needs at least 30 minutes to get a full charge.

Corded mowers are the simplest lawn mowers besides a fly-wheel push mower or sickle and are always ready to slice up some grass. You’ll need a hearty outdoor extension cord to give you room to work. And make sure an outdoor outlet is available or else you’ll be running cords through Windows. But if you don’t mind the hassle of a cord, these tethered electric mowers are an inexpensive way to cut the grass quickly. Just watch where you’re mowing. Sling the cord over your shoulder so you’re always in control and reduce the risk of cord-cutting and you’ll be good to go and mow.

Self-propelled mower vs. push mower

A self-propelled mower is a must-have piece of lawn equipment for larger yards (anything over half an acre), but they do cost more. Electric lawn mowers are much, much lighter than their gas-guzzling brothers, so a push mower may not be as strenuous to operate as you think. Even when cutting up hills and inclines, an electric push mower is comfortable to control.

Self-propelled mowers will eat up battery power quickly. Unless you have extra batteries handy, it can make mowing an average-sized yard take all day as you wait and wait for the battery to charge.

When choosing between a self-propelled electric mower and an electric push mower, the push mower has a clear advantage. But there’s no denying that letting the self-propelled mower do all the work is nice. If you don’t mind the higher price and the need for extra batteries, the self-propelled mower can be a back saver and your best weekend friend.

Yard size

Electric lawn mowers are great for yards smaller than a half-acre. If you have a few acres to mow and still want an eco-friendly lawn tool, there are electric riding mowers on the market. An electric riding mower will be expensive (upwards of 4,000), and when you go that big, you may be better off with a more powerful gas mower.

Robotic lawn mowers are becoming increasingly popular. These tiny electric lawn mowers are programmed via an app and can cover areas up to about three-quarters of an acre, depending on the make and model. However, robotic lawn mowers are easily defeated by hills and obstacles … and pets. Plus, they are still priced as a luxury-level product.

For lawns smaller than a quarter-acre, a corded electric mower may be ideal. And for the tiny yard of a townhouse, there’s no need for a big mower when an affordable trimmer/mower hybrid will do the job.

Storage

One of the benefits of an electric mower is that they are often smaller and easier to store than gas-powered mowers. That said, if storage space is limited, you’ll want an electric lawn mower with a handle that’s easy to fold. These mowers can slide into small spaces in a shed or garage. Some electric mowers are also more delicate, they cannot stand up to the elements the same way as a big, robust gas mower. Make sure you can store your electric mower without exposing it to the elements (rain, snow, extreme temperatures). Don’t leave it out on the porch all night.

Additional features

Most electric lawn mowers, even the cheap mowers, are 3-in-1 yard tools. They can send the grass clippings out to the side, mulch the grass clippings into small bits, or bag the grass clippings. Switching between these options is usually straightforward, but some models of electric mowers are easier to adjust and manage. And don’t assume the bag comes with the mower, it could be an add-on option.

Final thoughts on the best electric lawn mowers

Today’s electric lawn mowers are energy-efficient and powerful, and they give gas-powered lawn mowers a run for their money. Corded mowers are fantastic for homes with available outlets. Battery-powered lawn mowers provide versatility and convenience, as long as you keep the batteries charged and ready. And if you want to live a life of luxury, opt for a robotic lawn mower to be your own electronic groundskeeper. Electric lawn mowers are eco-friendly yard tools that are as quiet as they are dependable. For anyone with a medium-sized yard, the best electric mower is the perfect power tool for lawn maintenance.

Making the switch to cleaner lawn equipment may not cost as much as you think.

By Deirdre Mundorf | Published May 30, 2023 2:30 PM

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Every time you mow a lawn with a gas-powered mower, you’re adding new pollutants into the air. In fact, using a gas-powered mower for just one hour releases the same amount of VOCs into the air as driving a new car for 45 miles, which is part of why gas mowers and other lawn equipment are responsible for as much as 5 percent of the air pollution in the United States. Some states are proposing laws to prohibit the purchase of these mowers in the coming years. Honda has even pledged to stop selling gas mowers in the United States by the end of 2024.

In addition, battery technology has been improving and homeowner concerns have been growing about carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions. The result is that electric lawn mowers have been gaining popularity.

Contrary to what many believe, you can even save money using an electric mower instead of a gas one. They’re competitively priced and cost less to operate, especially when you consider gas prices.

If you currently have a gas-powered mower and are ready to make the switch to a clean, electric model, you may be able to get a rebate to help make the new purchase a little easier. Lawn mower rebates are offered by many cities, states, and even utility companies.

How to Find Electric Lawn Mower Rebates

There are several different types of electric lawn mower rebates available, and the trick is finding one that applies to you. Start by checking with your local government for the city or county you live in. If that search doesn’t yield any results, you can also try searching by the state you live in.

There are numerous rebate and exchange programs that cover more than one city or zipcode, and you may fall into one of these. Another place to check is with your utility company. Some are offering rebates or credits to their customers for switching to more environmentally-friendly appliances and equipment, including lawn mowers. Searching for “electric lawn mower rebate near me” or using your city name could also help bring up viable options for you.

Once you find a rebate or exchange program near you, be sure to closely read the fine print. Some require that you purchase a specific model of electric mower—such as a battery powered model over a corded one. Others also require that you turn in an old (and, in some cases, working) gas mower in order to qualify for some or all of the rebate. You will likely need to provide documentation of your purchase and proof of residency, as well.

City Rebate and Exchange Programs

One of the first places to look for rebate programs is in the city where you live. Many local governments are offering either rebate or exchange programs to encourage their residents to make the switch to cleaner energy sources. The specific outlines of each program will vary based on location; some are simply offering a rebate to any customers who purchases an electric-powered motor, while others require customers to turn in a functioning gas-powered model in order to receive any funds.

If you live in Toledo, Ohio, you’re in luck. The city is offering a limited number of 100 rebates for residents who purchase a new battery-powered mower and dispose of their old gas-powered model. The rebate is a 100 gift card.

Regional Rebate and Exchange Programs

There are also rebate programs run by larger regional governments or organizations. For example, the Regional Air Quality Council is also running a rebate and exchange program for the Denver Metro/North Front Range area of Colorado. Residents can receive a 150 voucher when they recycle their old gas mower at a participating Ace Hardware or The Home Depot in the city. With this program, even residents who don’t have a gas-powered mower to recycle can receive a 75 voucher towards the purchase of a new electric lawn mower.

Another example of a regional program is the one being run by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The program covers residents of most of San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and most of Los Angeles Counties in California. When they trade in a working gas mower, residents can receive a rebate of up to 250 on the purchase of a new, zero-emission battery-powered lawn mower. The maximum rebate of 250 only applies to electric lawn mowers that retail for 401 or more, but even cheaper lawn mowers can qualify for a 150 rebate.

Utility Company Rebates

If the state or regional government in your area doesn’t offer a rebate or exchange program, check with the local utility companies. For example, Clark County REMC, a utility company in Indiana, offers customers up to 50 towards the purchase of a new electric lawn mower (minimum of 36 volts), string trimmer, or leaf blower.

Similarly, all 17 of the electric utility companies in Vermont offer rebates and incentives to encourage their customers to switch from gas to electric mowers. The specific discount varies, but may be up to 100 in some areas.

Incentives and Tax Credits for Landscaping Companies

Landscaping companies can also receive benefits for making the switch to electric-powered lawn equipment. Numerous states offer various incentives to make the transition from gas-equipment a bit less painful.

For example, Michigan’s Clean Diesel Program will cover up to 60 percent of the cost of new electric mowers, California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project offers up to 12,500 per mower, and Colorado’s Clean Diesel Program covers up to 45 percent of a new electric mower.

I’ve Been Mowing Lawns 30 Years, and the Ego Mower Is My All-Time Favorite

The 56-volt Ego Power Select Cut Mower LM2135SP is the best lawn mower I’ve ever used, and I’ve been mowing lawns my whole life.

I earned my first 20 shoving a rusted Craftsman up the hills of north Georgia when I was barely big enough to yank the cord to get the engine started.

I raced Toro TimeCutters across the parking lots of megachurches while working on a pro mowing crew.

Now I whip the Ego mower up and down a Los Angeles hillside so steep, it’s hardly safe to mow. And after mowing grass with every mainstream mulching machine of the past three decades, I’m sure that only the Ego mower could pull this one off.

But forget my personal mowing memoirs. This is about your mowing needs, and I’m telling you that this mower is satisfying even if the smell of a gas mower’s four-stroke is like noxious nostalgia in your nose.

The Ego mower is quiet. Maintenance is simple—there is no maintenance. No emissions. No noise. Your scowling neighbors will smile. Everything is better with the Ego mower.

The best lawn mower

This self-propelled machine easily mows down overgrown grass—and it spares you the noise, emissions, and maintenance of a typical gas mower. Its battery runs for about an hour.

Buying Options

At the time of publishing, the price was 699.

The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers in 2023

Henry Parker is a home improvement enthusiast who loves to share his passion and expertise with others. He writes on a variety of topics, such as painting, flooring, Windows, and lawn care, to help homeowners make informed decisions and achieve their desired results. Henry strives to write high quality guides and reviews that are easy to understand and practical to follow. Whether you are looking for the best electric riding lawn mower, the easiest way to remove paint from flooring, or the signs of a bad tile job, Henry has you covered with his insightful and honest articles. Henry lives in Florida with his wife and two kids, and enjoys spending his free time on DIY projects around the house. You can find some of his work on Today’s Homeowner, where he is a regular contributor.

May 26, 2023 March 22, 2023

Compared to gas models, relatively few electric riding lawn mowers are available to choose from, but with a little research you can still find a riding mower that will get your lawn in shape without the mess and fumes of gas.

The best electric riding mowers handle smoothly, cut evenly, and can mow an acre or more on one battery charge, but each has strengths and weaknesses you’ll want to know about before you choose.

Ryobi #RY48111

An industry leader in electric riding lawn mowers, Ryobi produces a range of models, but the RY48111 stands out as a consistent favorite among homeowners. This mower’s 100Ah lead acid battery powers its three brushless motors for up to 2.5 hours, enough to mow 2.5 acres.

Even towing accessories takes little out of the battery. The 38-inch two-blade deck can be manually adjusted in 12 positions, from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, for precise cutting.

It’s highly maneuverable even at slow speeds, and with its exceptionally small turning radius of 16 inches, it has no trouble with tight corners. If you’re a lawn perfectionist, this is the riding mower for you.

Although designed for flat terrain, it handles well on small inclines. The mower’s impressive weight of 695 pounds adds stability, but can make maintenance challenging. It mows in reverse at up to 3 mph, but speed and turning control are less precise.

As an electric model, it’s quieter than any gas mower, but when the blade is engaged, it’s loud enough that you’ll want ear protection. This machine’s biggest downside is its lead acid battery, but proper maintenance helps maximize the battery’s lifespan. If the battery fails to charge, leaving it unplugged from the charger for several hours, then plugging it back in can help.

Ryobi #RY48130

If Ryobi’s reputation appeals to you, but you’re looking for something compact and easy on the wallet, consider model #RY48130. This model’s 30-inch cutting deck manually adjusts in seven positions between 1.5 to 4.5 inches, offering plenty of flexibility for the average lawn.

Its 48V/50Ah battery lets you work for an hour and cover around an acre. As with the 38-inch model, this smaller model is equipped with three brushless motors for serious cutting power, and its 16-inch turning radius makes it easily maneuverable. The Ryobi #RY48130 is a practical option if you’re cutting thick grass or weeds in a tight space with multiple obstacles.

Troy-Bilt TB30 E

From one of the most trusted gardening equipment manufacturers around comes the highly rated Troy-Bilt 30-inch TB30 E. A full charge of the 56V lithium-ion battery lets you mow for around an hour and cover an acre. Better yet, the battery recharges in just four hours. The accurate battery level indicator ensures you won’t run dry in the middle of your work.

This machine easily handles rough ground and slight slopes and can cut in reverse. The mower operates with a simple foot pedal control that lets you easily switch between forward and reverse. Working around trees and landscaping features is effortless with this model’s responsive steering and 18-inch turning radius.

The body is mostly plastic, making the mower particularly lightweight and easy to push away for storage. The front-end suspension gives you a smoother ride. Because the mower lacks anti-scalping wheels, however, the combination of light weight and front-end suspension increase the risk of scalping.

Oddly, although this mower is equipped with a headlight, the control panel isn’t backlit, which makes mowing at dusk a little harder.

Craftsman E150

This compact little riding mower is ideal for small lawns of less than an acre. The lithium-ion 56V battery gives you around an hour of runtime, enough for an acre. Even on low battery it performs well and can power ahead at a brisk 5 mph.

The 30-inch single-blade steel deck has five adjustable cutting heights between 1.5 and 3.75 inches. With a foot pedal for speed control and an 18-inch turn radius, it handles as easily as a golf cart.

It’s an exceptionally quiet machine, letting you mow in the early morning without irritating your neighbors. Although it struggles with tall grass and thick grass species such as Bermuda and zoysia, it can get through them if you take it slow. Trying to force the mower through will stop the cutting deck.

It’s designed for flat terrain, but can handle driving straight on slight inclines. The mower’s light weight means it tends to bounce on uneven ground and can get stuck in small pits, but also makes it easy to push into the garage for storage.

As a safety feature to prevent children from using the mower, the motor won’t start without sufficient weight on the seat. The cutting deck turns off in reverse, but you can disengage this feature with the push of a button. The telescoping Soft Touch steering wheel and the adjustable mid-back seat keep you comfortable. A mulching kit is available separately.

Cub Cadet CC 30 e Electric Rider

The Electric Rider was designed with the goal of creating an electric riding mower that’s as effective as a gas model. Its 56V/30 Ah lithium-ion battery gives you an hour of runtime for an acre of mowing. Charge it for 4 hours, and you’re up and running again. The 30-inch single blade deck can be adjusted in five positions between 1.5 to 4 inches.

The pedals provide good speed control at up to 5 mph or 4 mph in reverse, while the responsive steering and 18-inch turning radius makes maneuvering around obstacles easy. It handles tall grass well even in damp conditions.

On level ground, the mower produces an exceptionally even cut, but because it lacks guide wheels, results on uneven ground vary. It’s also prone to getting stuck on roots, mole hills, and divots, which can cause the wheels to spin or the blade to stop.

Unlike many smaller riding mowers, this model is engineered to handle hills of up to 20 percent, and it does the job well, although turning on a hill can be difficult.

A bagger, mulching kit, and hauler are available separately for this side-discharge mower. The high-back, spring cushioned seat with arm rests is built for comfort, and there’s even a USB charging port. It’s one of the pricier models around, but a wise choice if you need a mower that performs reliably on hilly lawns.

Weibang Lithium-ion E-Rider (Model #WB76E)

The E-Rider, powered by a 72V/18AH lithium-ion battery, is built for light work on small lawns. The 30-inch two-blade cutting deck can be adjusted in 10 positions from 1 to 4 inches, giving you precise control over your lawn’s height, while the 18-inch turning radius helps with handling.

The two pedal driving system – right for gas and left for brake – might take some getting used to if you’re new to it. The speed can be hard to finesse when going slow, although this model isn’t particularly fast, running at 3.7 mph or 3.1 mph in reverse. It can mow in reverse and cuts wet grass and weeds with little difficultly.

Slopes are a challenge, however, and the lack of suspension makes for a bumpy ride on uneven lawns. The motor shuts off without enough weight on the seat, which is a helpful safety feature, but considering the rough ride, it can kill the engine unexpectedly when you hit a bump.

It’s an effective mulcher, but no bagger is available. Despite its compact size, it’s comfortable for taller drivers. Even with the blade running, it’s hardly louder than a vacuum cleaner. The main downside is the long battery charging time of 8 hours.

Turf One (Weibang) E-Rider VOLT (Model #30-EB)

Produced by Weibang and sold under the Turf One brand name, this mower is identical to the lithium-ion E-Rider in almost all aspects, including the cutting deck, control panel, speed, and maneuverability.

The difference is that while the E-Rider runs on a lithium-ion battery, the E-Rider VOLT is powered by a traditional lead acid battery. Just like the E-Rider’s battery, the E-Rider VOLT’s battery should give you 120 minutes of runtime on a single charge, enough for a little over an acre. Because it’s lead acid, however, you’ll need to replace it sooner than you would a lithium-ion battery.

To make up for this fact, the E-Rider VOLT sells for a lower price than the E-Rider. That’s a valuable benefit if you need a budget-friendly riding mower this season, but when you’re shopping, pay close attention to the model number to ensure you get the model you want.

Mean Green Nemesis NXR-48/52

Mean Green specializes in professional-grade electric riding lawn mowers and the Nemesis NXR-48/52 is one of its more compact models, designed for large residential lawns and small commercial properties. This powerful zero-turn mower can run for 1.5 hours hours, enough to mow three acres, on the small LEM4880 Green Lithium Battery. If you need more runtime, pick up the large LEM48140 Green Lithium Battery and mow for 2.5 hours.

The cutting deck is made from heavy gauge welded aluminum and equipped with high/low blade speed control. Cutting decks are available in 48- and 52-inch widths to make quick work of large lawns. The anti-scalp wheel mounts help you achieve an even, healthy cut. The rear tires and seat are both designed for comfort, and the mower’s low center of gravity makes driving even smoother.

At almost 650 pounds, it’s a hefty machine, but light for a zero turn model. It’s also surprisingly quiet for its size, running at just 76 dB, quieter than most gas mowers.

All that extra power, runtime, and durability doesn’t come cheap, though. At a price of over 12,000, it’s only worth the investment if you routinely mow spaces of 2 acres or more.

Even with the limited selection of electric riding lawn mowers on the market, there’s a reliable model for every type of lawn. When you’re shopping around, pay attention not just to battery life and cutting deck size, but also to maneuverability, comfort, and how well the mower performs on your type of terrain.

Henry Parker is a home improvement enthusiast who loves to share his passion and expertise with others. He writes on a variety of topics, such as painting, flooring, Windows, and lawn care, to help homeowners make informed decisions and achieve their desired results. Henry strives to write high quality guides and reviews that are easy to understand and practical to follow. Whether you are looking for the best electric riding lawn mower, the easiest way to remove paint from flooring, or the signs of a bad tile job, Henry has you covered with his insightful and honest articles. Henry lives in Florida with his wife and two kids, and enjoys spending his free time on DIY projects around the house. You can find some of his work on Today’s Homeowner, where he is a regular contributor.

The pros and cons of electric lawn mowers

Electric lawn mowers have arrived. We lay out the pros and cons of these green yard machines.

Sean Jackson is a creative copywriter living in Florida. He’s had work published with Realtor.com, theScore, ESPN, and the San Francisco Chronicle. In his free time, Sean likes to play drums, fail miserably at improv and spend time at the beach.

Once upon a time, all lawn mowers were gas-burning beasts whose pull-start motors relied as much on elbow grease as internal combustion just to get started. These days you have more options. While big-box stores still have plenty of gas-powered models on display, there’s a growing number of electric mowers available to purchase.

If you’re new to electric lawn mowers, there are some things you should consider before buying one. Electric mowers certainly offer some unique benefits, but they have some performance limitations you will want to be aware of too.

This guide examines both the benefits and drawbacks of electric mowers. By the time you’re done, you’ll hopefully have a sense of whether or not they’re a suitable fit for your specific lawn care needs.

Pro: Quieter operation

Electric mowers can produce up to 75 decibels (think washing machine volume), whereas gasoline mowers are quite a bit louder at 95 decibels (motorcycle volume). If you live in a suburb, an electric mower will be a less disrupting option for your neighbors.

Pro: Less maintenance

One of the biggest perks of electric mowers is there is less maintenance involved. With gas mowers, you have to replace parts annually. Examples are spark plugs, oil and air filters. That’s not the case with electric mowers. And these savings will increase every year, making an electric model more economical.

Pro: Easier to maneuver

Electric lawn mowers are lighter than their gas powered siblings. That means they’re easier to whip around tight corners and navigate through your yard. For example, the EGO Power Plus 56-Volt 21-in Push Cordless Electric Lawn Mower weighs 62.6 pounds after assembly.

Conversely, gasoline lawn mowers can be much heavier. The Craftsman M250 160-cc 21-in Self-Propelled Gas Push Lawn Mower with Honda Engine weighs a hefty 90 pounds. While the self-propelled engine improves maneuverability when you mow, it is still a heavy object to lug around when it is not in operation.

Pro: Cleaner for the environment

Gasoline-powered mowers emit lots of airborne pollutants. According to the California Air Resources Board, one hour of mowing generates the same pollution as driving a car for 300 miles. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency states that gas lawn mowers contribute the lion’s share of nonroad-related air pollution generated nationwide.

A clear clean alternative is the electric lawnmower. The Electric Power Research Institute notes if we replaced half the gas-powered lawn mowers with electric ones, it would reduce the same amount of emissions as removing two million vehicles from the road.

Pro: They can be less expensive

If you are looking to save money, electric lawn mowers might be a wise option to consider. Electric models start as low as 88, the price for the 11-inch, 10-amp Electric Hover Walk Behind Push Mower from Sun Joe. However, this model has a relatively narrow cutting width.

Alternatively, for gas-powered mowers tend to start at around 170. For example, the Yardmax 20-inch 166cc OHV Gas Walk Behind Push Mower and 20-inch 125 cc Briggs Stratton Gas Walk Behind models each cost 169 and cut wider swaths of grass.

So saving a little cash also means you’ll take more time and effort to cut the same area than you would with a bigger mower. Generally, the wider the cutting platform, the more money you’ll pay. For instance, the wider Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-inch model will set you back 170 even though it’s an electric model.

Con: Shorter run times

If your yard is more than half an acre, then an electric model might not be the best choice. Many electric mowers, like the Sun Joe Hover Walk Behind model use a cord. It allows you to mow a yard up to a quarter of an acre. However, that tether can also be a hindrance as you work.

Other electric models run on charged batteries and offer runtimes ranging between 20 and 45 minutes. If it takes longer than this to mow your yard, this limitation is a problem. To finish the job, you’ll have to wait for the mower to recharge. A better solution is to keep another charged battery on hand to extend your mowing time. However, that requires you purchase an extra standalone battery.

Con: Not the best for larger yards

For homeowners with hilly or larger yards, finding the right mower can be a challenge. A riding lawn mower like the gas-powered Toro IronForged Deck Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower will do the job. It has a huge cutting width of 60 inches and will definitely finish big yards quicker.

You can purchase electric riding mowers as well. The Ryobi 42-inch 75ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower offers a decent cutting width of 42 inches. Still, if you have a yard encompassing multiple acres, it will take you longer to finish the job with an electric model like this one.

Con: They are not as powerful

When shopping for a mower, one thing to consider is its torque rating. Torque is the driving force behind a blade’s rotational movement. Electric lawn mowers generate substantially less torque on average than a gas mower does. It means a gas mower will be a much better choice to tackle challenging terrains like hills and dips.

Overall, the lawn mower market continues to expand with diverse offerings. For homeowners with larger yards, gas-powered mowers will still be the best fit, as they have the durability and power to tackle large projects with ease.

Meanwhile, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, then an electric lawn mower is the wise way to go. Either route you take can help you gain a healthy-looking lawn that boosts the curb appeal and value of your home.

In the meantime, here are some other tips to keep your yard looking great: