After Testing More Than 30 Lawn Mowers, I Can Easily Say These Are the Best Electric Mowers 

Electric mowers are an easy-to-use, eco-friendly, and efficient choice for lawn care. Not only do they eliminate the need to pull a starter cord, replace fouled spark plugs, and store flammable fuel, but they also help reduce air and noise pollution. 

After testing over 30 electric mowers and scoring them based on grass-cutting power, maneuverability, durability, and value, we selected the Ego Power+ 21″ 56V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower as our favorite for its impressive runtime, ability to adjust to varying conditions, and overall excellent performance. 

This review of our eight top picks for electric mowers details what we like and don’t about each model and explores which features matter most so you can choose the best electric mowers for your yard. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Ego Power+ 21″ 56V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. RUNNER-UP: Ego Power+ 22″ 56V Super Composite Select Cut Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wild Badger Power 40V 18″ Cordless Lawn Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Worx Nitro 80V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS: Ego Power+ ZT4204L 42″ Z6 56V Zero-Turn Riding Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review 
7. BEST PUSH: Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
8. BEST RIDING LAWN MOWER: Craftsman 56V MAX 42″ Battery-Powered Riding Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review 
9. BEST CORDED: American Lawn Mower Company 14″ 120V Corded Mower
   ↓ Jump to Review
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Ryobi 40V HP 21” Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
    ↓ Jump to Review

Before You Buy an Electric Lawn Mower

Electric mowers are great for people who want a clean alternative to gas-powered mowers, but they aren’t right for everyone. Because of that, the electric lawn mower versus gas mower debate continues. 

Electric lawn equipment is comparatively quiet, starts with the push of a button, and is better for the environment and neighborhood noise levels. Still, electric mowers that run on batteries may only last an hour or two before needing a recharge, and corded models come with the hassle of long cords that are easy to trip over. 

Gas mowers, on the other hand, are loud but can run all day as long as you keep them fueled. They also tend to be more powerful, making them better for cutting thick, dense grass that might bog down some electric models—though they do require much more maintenance.

Electric Mowers Comparison

Our Top Picks

After we tested dozens of battery-powered and corded electric lawn mowers of all styles, shapes, and sizes, we selected the ones that performed best for our list of top picks. These models offer some of the most popular features available and are well suited for a variety of users, yard sizes, and mowing needs. 

Best Overall

Ego Power+ 21" 56V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

See It

What We Like

• Great performance at a great price
• Optional and easily adjustable self-propelled feature
• Automatically increases power for difficult conditions
• Rustproof deck and rugged construction

What We Don’t Like

• Somewhat noisy drive system
• Poor traction on slopes or wet grass
• Self-propelled feature cuts runtime in half

---

Specs 

• Type: Self-propelled
• Cutting width: 21 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 56 volts (V)

Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Storability 4.5/5 

Our top pick boasts powerful cordless operation with features typically only found on more expensive models. The 56-volt (V) 7.5 amp-hour (Ah) battery produces up to an hour of runtime and recharges within 60 minutes. Cutting power automatically increases when conditions get tougher, such as in dense weedy areas or tall grass, and a lever lets you adjust the self-propelled pace for optimum comfort. Choose from rear bagging, side discharge, or mulching with the included equipment. 

Ego got it right on the basics, too. In our tests, it was comfortable and effective in all conditions. The large wheels rolled smoothly over rough terrain and made for easy push mowing when we weren’t using the self-propelled feature. The handle is adjustable for different user heights and folds neatly over the engine for compact storage. 

In terms of downsides, the wheel drive motor seemed excessively noisy for an electric mower. More importantly, using self-propelled mode cut the battery life in half compared to pushing the mower manually. We push-mowed for nearly 90 minutes per charge, but we could only get about 45 minutes of runtime in self-propelled mode. Buyers with large yards may need to consider adding a second battery to increase runtime.

What our tester says: “I really liked the simple speed adjustment for the self-propelled pace, which was more reliable than many of the auto-adjust features on other models I’ve tested” — Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ego 21″ self-propelled electric lawn mower at Amazon or Ace Hardware. 

Runner-up

Ego Power+ 22" 56V Super Composite Select Cut Mower

See It

What We Like

• Excellent cut quality, even in dense grass
• Switches between bagging and mulching with a lever instead of a plug
• Bright LED headlights for off-hours mowing
• Adjustable blade and self-propel speeds 

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than some battery-powered models
• Safety start takes practice to learn

---

Specs 

• Type: Self-propelled
• Cutting width: 22 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 56V

Our Ratings: Value 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Storability 5/5 

Ego’s new 56-volt 10.0 Ah composite deck electric mower shows just how far cordless lawn mowers have come. This new model is packed with features that make it not only one of the most capable battery-powered mowers on the market but also better than some high-quality gas machines. With a 22-inch deck, adjustable blade speeds of up to 3,200 RPM, TouchDrive self-propelled technology, and a runtime of up to 75 minutes, it delivers a powerful and user-friendly performance alongside clean precision cuts.

In testing, this Ego was impressive across the board. Its single-point height adjustment lever made it easy to raise and lower the deck in seconds, and an integrated mulch lever let us switch from bagging to mulching without the need for a mulch plug. The variable-speed self-propulsion system felt responsive and allowed for a comfortable pace around corners and across open areas. Blade speed adjustment (a feature that’s rare in cordless models) was especially useful in dense grass. While the 10.0 Ah battery does add to its weight, the mower’s balanced design is still easy to maneuver. Plus, it has LED headlights for added visibility and even folds for upright storage once the work is complete. 

Read our full review: Ego Power+ 22″ 56V Super Composite Select Cut Mower

Get the Ego 22″ self-propelled electric lawn mower at Lowe’s.

Best Bang for the Buck

Wild Badger Power 40V 18" Cordless Lawn Mower

See It

What We Like

• Compact design works well in small yards 
• Handle folds to conserve storage space
• Large 11-gallon collection bag
• Efficient brushless motor 

What We Don’t Like

• Wheels, deck, and motor housing are plastic 
• Relatively short runtime

---

Specs 

• Type: Push
• Cutting width: 18 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 40V

Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Storability 5/5 

The Wild Badger 18-inch electric push mower is an affordable space-saving option for townhomes, courtyards, and other compact spaces. This small electric lawn mower weighs just 37.5 pounds and comes with a 40-volt 4.0 Ah battery and charger to power the brushless motor for up to 30 minutes and recharge in 60 minutes.

In addition to its easy push-button operation and a lightweight build, several convenient features make this mower especially simple to operate. A single lever adjusts deck height between five different cutting heights of approximately 1 inch to 3 inches. Two-way clipping management lets you either mulch grass and recycle its nutrients back into the lawn or collect them using the included 11-gallon bagger for easy disposal.

While this was the smallest and lightest of the battery-powered mowers we tested, the 40-volt brushless motor held its own among the competition. It offered plenty of power and a fairly clean finish, though the small size of the deck does limit how much it can cut at once. For us, that was about 10,000 square feet per charge. If you have a relatively small space to maintain, this quiet, easy-to-push, and affordable electric mower will be great. 

Get the Wild Badger Power electric lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, or Wild Badger Power. 

Best for Small Yards

Worx Nitro 80V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

See It

What We Like

• Space-saving power pack and charging system 
• Single-lever deck height adjustment
• No mulch plug required to mulch clippings 
• LED headlamps provide increased visibility in low light

What We Don’t Like

• Removing/installing power pack is a little awkward

---

Specs 

• Type: Self-propelled
• Cutting width: 21 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 80V

Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5

The Worx Nitro 80V power-share system delivers serious mowing power with its Base Camp power pack. This setup uses four included 20-volt 5.0 Ah batteries to produce 80 volts for up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge. The power pack doubles as a four-way charger, recharging depleted batteries in just 2 hours. It supports both onboard and offboard charging and is even compatible with the Worx Nitro 80V leaf blower.

This moderately priced, highly capable self-propelled mower has an impressive number of user-friendly features. It incorporates a single-lever deck height adjustment, a one-touch collapsible handle, a charge-level indicator, and options for side discharge, bagging, or mulching. The built-in mulch/discharge lever eliminates dealing with a mulch plug. The quiet, load-sensing multistage motor automatically increases output for difficult conditions, and the LED headlights help extend use beyond daylight hours.

In testing, the Worx mower performed better than average in terms of smart power output and cut quality. It conserved energy effectively in well-maintained areas and quickly boosted output to tackle overgrown, weedy patches. The finish quality was excellent across both types of lawn, with no need for a second pass. Just be aware that runtime will decrease by as much as 50 percent under a heavy mowing load, though there isn’t much difference using it on sloped areas versus flat ground. If you have between a quarter and a third of an acre to cut plus clippings to clear with a compatible leaf blower, you can probably do both on a single charge.

Get the Worx electric lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, Target, or Worx.

Best for Large Lawns

Ego Power+ ZT4204L 42" Z6 56V Zero-Turn Riding Mower

See It

What We Like

• 42-inch deck with 10 height settings 
• Can add 2 additional batteries to increase runtime
• Onboard rapid battery-charging system
• As powerful as 22 horsepower (hp) engine

What We Don’t Like

• Struggles slightly in overgrown areas
• Lap bars and casters feel a bit loose in tight spaces

---

Specs 

• Type: Riding
• Cutting width: 42 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 224V

Our Ratings: Value 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Storability 3.5/5

With the Ego Power+ ZT4204L electric zero-turn lawn mower, those with large lawns and high expectations can finally retire the gas can. This powerful machine runs on four 56-volt 10.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries, which run long enough to mow up to 2 acres per charge. For even more coverage (close to 3 acres), users can buy two more batteries to fully fill the battery bay. This pick delivers electric output equivalent to that of a 22-horsepower (hp) gasoline engine alongside common riding mower features like adjustable lap bars, a large 42-inch deck with 10 height settings, a high-back suspension seat, and side-discharge, mulch, or bagging options.

We tested this zero-turn mower over the course of about a month on 2¼ acres of rolling land and were impressed by its quiet operation, smooth startup, and easy-to-use controls, gauges, and adjustments. It also features an independent drive system for the wheels and blades plus adjustable power to accommodate a range of mowing conditions. But the list of features don’t end there: It even has bright LED headlights, a battery-life indicator, and the fastest rapid-charge adapter in its class, rehcarging a full set of batteries in just 2 hours. 

That said, it’s not without its downsides. The lap bars and front casters felt a bit loose when maneuvering tight spaces, and the smaller rear tires in combination with the mower’s light frame made the ride a bit bouncy on uneven terrain It also doesn’t do as well in overgrown areas as it does on well-maintained lawns, though that’s to be expected to a degree. Still, for those with large properties looking to switch to a quieter, cleaner alternative to gas, this Ego will be hard to beat.

Get the Ego zero-turn electric lawn mower at Ace Hardware.

Best Self-Propelled

Toro 60V MAX 22" Recycler Self-Propelled Mower

See It

What We Like

• 60V 6.0 Ah battery; mows up to half an acre per charge
• Automatically adjusts self-propelled speed to your pace
• Deep deck enhances airflow for minimal clumping
• Handle folds flat for vertical storage

What We Don’t Like

• Self-propel system doesn’t allow occasional push mowing
• Runtime per charge is relatively short

---

Specs 

• Type: Self-propelled
• Cutting width: 22 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 60V

Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 5/5

With a reliable reputation for mechanical durability, mowing power, quality of cut, and value pricing, Toro has been producing some of the highest-quality lawn mowers available for decades. The Toro 60V Recycler self-propelled lawn mower continues this tradition in the battery-powered era, coming equipped with a 60-volt 6.0 Ah battery that delivers up to a half acre of grass cutting per charge. It also has a durable steel mowing deck and user-friendly Personal Pace drive system. The deck generates substantial airflow to stand grass blades upright for a cleaner cut, and the drive system is controlled by a pressure-sensitive handlebar to automatically adjust to match the user’s walking speed. 

In our tests, the 60V Toro Recycler worked as well as advertised. We were especially impressed by the mowing quality (which may have been the best of all models tested) and the smoothness of the self-propelled system. It proved plenty capable of cutting all kinds of lawn grass (including overgrown weedy areas) with a high degree of precision, but it did leave a bit to be desired in terms of runtime. We mowed exactly a half acre before the battery died., which is what the brand predicts, but it’s a little underwhelming compared to similar models. 

What our tester says: “I’ve used other mowers with sliding handlebars, but the one on the Toro mower has been the best. It accelerated and decelerated with my walking pace without any delay and felt more natural than the others, even on slopes.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Toro electric lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, Amazon, or Toro.

Best Push

Greenworks Pro 80V 21" Brushless Push Lawn Mower

See It

What We Like

• Runs on 1 battery but includes 2 for extended mowing time
• Push-button start and lightweight deck
• Automatically adjusts to grass conditions

What We Don’t Like

• Side-discharge chute doesn’t attach tightly

---

Specs 

• Type: Push
• Cutting width: 21 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 80V

Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5

This Greenworks 80-volt electric push lawn mower only needs one battery to deliver up to 60 minutes of runtime to cut nearly an acre of grass. While that’s impressive in its own right, what’s even better is that it comes with two 80-volt G-MAX lithium-ion batteries that are also compatible with other G-MAX-powered lawn tools. It also boasts a generous 21-inch cutting swath and uses the brand’s SmartCut technology to speed up the blades when it senses an increase in grass density. It offers mulching, bagging, and side discharge and has large 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels that make it easy to maneuver.

During testing, a few of the things we liked best about this model were that the push-button starting system was conveniently located near the grip for easy operation and that the absence of drive motors for the wheels saved weight and extended battery life. Though it’s exclusively a push mower, we found it easy to maneuver (even on sloped areas and rough ground) and felt it delivered a more “gas-like” mowing experience than the others.

Get the Greenworks electric lawn mower at Amazon.

Best Riding Lawn Mower

Craftsman 56V MAX 42" Battery-Powered Riding Mower

See It

What We Like

• Extremely tight turning radius for easy maneuvering
• 1.75 hours of runtime is enough for up to 3.5 acres
• Operates much like a gas-powered lawn tractor

What We Don’t Like

• Cut would be cleaner if deck pulled blades up better
• Not great in heavily overgrown, weedy areas

---

Specs 

• Type: Riding
• Cutting width: 42 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Power output: 56V

Our Ratings: Value 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Storability 4/5

As the trend toward battery-powered mowing continues, those with larger properties are finding an increasing number of options. Bolstering the electric riding lawn mower category, the Craftsman 56V MAX riding mower offers excellent battery life, maneuverability, user comfort, and wide-ranging versatility. It features three brushless motors powered by a 56-volt 6.0 Ah lithium-ion battery that can cut about 3.5 acres in 1.75 hours before requiring recharging for 4.5 hours and going back for more. Since there are no gears to shift, the controls feel very similar to a comparably sized gas-powered hydrostatic lawn tractor.

This electric riding mower comes equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, LED headlights, a towing hitch, electronic PTO for blade engagement, and an electronic mowing-in-reverse override switch. The cutting deck is manually adjustable with a lever that switches among 12 settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high. It has simple forward and reverse pedals for travel, and it can mow at speeds up to 6 miles per hour. During testing, we found the seat comfortable, the ride smooth, and the controls responsive. 

As with other electric battery lawn mower models, mowing with the Craftsman battery-powered lawn tractor was significantly quieter than mowing with gas and nearly silent when traveling with the mower blades disengaged. Unfortunately, it was slightly underpowered for mowing overgrown or weedy spots where the deck didn’t provide adequate air uplift to pull the foliage upright. For that reason, it may not be the best choice for inconsistent or occasional mowing, but it is definitely a good electric mower for weekly lawn maintenance.

Read our full review: Craftsman 56V MAX 42″ Battery-Powered Riding Mower

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about this Craftsman is its TurnTight steering system. I love being able to edge tree rings with the same machine I use to tow a 10-cubic-foot lawn cart loaded with mulch.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Craftsman electric lawn mower at Ace Hardware. 

Best Corded

American Lawn Mower Company 14" 120V Corded Mower

See It

What We Like

• Compact size makes it easy to store
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Budget-friendly price compared to similar models
• No expensive batteries or downtime for recharging

What We Don’t Like

• Front wheels may lift up when bagger is full
• Narrow cutting swath compared to battery-powered mowers

---

Specs 

• Type: Push 
• Cutting width: 14 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded
• Power output: 120V

Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4/5

The corded electric lawn mower from American Lawn Mower Company offers convenient features at an attractive price point. It’s powered by a reliable 120-volt 11-amp motor and cuts a 14-inch swath at five heights between 1 and 2.5 inches. As a corded electric model, it’s great for those with small yards, limited storage space, and the desire to skip the process of charging batteries. 

We found a lot to like about this pick during testing. Its nonslip grip handle offered comfortable control, and the large 7-inch rear wheels and narrow, lightweight, compact body made it easy to pivot when navigating tight spaces. Plus, it had no problem mowing thick, weedy grass. It did struggle with tall grass, though, since the tallest setting is 2.5 inches compared to 3-plus inches on other mowers.

This pick features a safety switch that shuts off the motor when you release the handle, and it also folds down for easy storage. While it offers the convenience of both bagging and mulching options, you will need a 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord and a nearby electrical outlet to run the mower.

Get the American Lawn Mower Company electric lawn mower at Amazon, Walmart, or American Lawn Mower Company.

Also Consider

Ryobi 40V HP 21” Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

See It

What We Like

• Excellent cut quality with 2-stage brushless motor
• Integrated mulch plug 
• Up to 80 minutes runtime per charge

What We Don’t Like

• Durable composite deck increases weight

---

Specs 

• Type: Self-propelled
• Cutting width: 21 inches
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Power output: 40V

Our Ratings: Value 5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Storability 4.5/5

Just as gas-powered mowers are getting more expensive without major advances in quality, electric mowers are coming down in price and including more user-friendly features all the time. This midsize mower from Ryobi offers an excellent value for those needing to tackle an average suburban-size lot. The 40-volt, 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower packs power equivalent to a 163cc gas mower at a comparable price. It comes with a pair of 6.0 Ah batteries for up to 80 minutes of mowing time per charge, which is enough to cut about .75 acres of grass. Plus, it includes the most popular mowing features: 3-way clipping management, single-lever mowing height adjustment, and a multi-phase brushless motor that instantly adjusts power output to match the cutting conditions.

After cutting our grass with the new Ryobi 40-volt cordless mower, we were incredibly impressed with its performance. It had enough power to cleanly cut all types of grass, moved quickly across open areas, and had plenty of runtime left when the job was over. The durable composite deck is a bit heavy and has a little higher likelihood of collecting clippings than other deck materials, but it provides ample flow to stand grass blades up for a high-quality mow. Priced under $500 for the mower, two batteries, and a charger, it’s hard to imagine getting a better lawn mower kit. 

Get the Ryobi electric mower at The Home Depot. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Electric Mowers

Our electric grass mower trials started with assembling each machine and checking battery charging times against manufacturers’ claims. We then used each mower to cut at least 5,000 square feet of lawn, evaluating power and performance on slopes, uneven ground, dense grass with weedy patches, and tall, overgrown areas.

When rating the mowers, we considered aspects that prospective buyers are likely to find the most useful: durability, ease of operation, user comfort, required storage space, price, and performance under difficult conditions.

The battery-powered lawn mower models and corded machines that made the cut all operate similarly to their gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of cutting power in thick, weedy, and tall grass. Each easily maintained manicured lawns and was robust enough to perform at least a limited amount of rough cutting in overgrown areas. 

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Lawn Mower

Electric mowers offer a variety of options that make them more suitable for certain lawns and users. Keep the following factors in mind when selecting the best electric mower for maintaining your yard.

Type

There are several types of electric mowers, including push, self-propelled, riding, and robot mowers. The most suitable type depends on your yard, budget, and the amount of labor you’re comfortable doing. 

• Push lawn mowers are basic walk-behind models, requiring manual effort to move them forward. They’re significantly less expensive relative to other electric varieties, which contain more advanced features. Since push mowers demand more user effort, they’re typically best for small to medium-sized yards with even ground.
• Self-propelled lawn mowers automatically propel their 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 self-propelled lawn mowers preferable for medium to large lawns and sloped terrain.
• Riding lawn mowers are as heavy-duty as they come, and they have a high price tag to match. Multiple types of electric riding lawn mowers are part of this category, including lawn tractors, electric zero-turn mowers, and rear-engine mowers. Featuring the largest cutting width and terrain capabilities, riding lawn mowers are built to navigate hills and tackle large yards with ease.
• Robotic lawn mowers function autonomously and require the least amount of effort to use (after initial setup). These high-tech models come with many modern features, such as programmable mowing, collision sensors, and app operation. Robot lawn mowers are less powerful than other types of mowers. They also have a shorter runtime and a limited cutting width, so they’re best for smaller spaces that are well maintained. 

Corded vs. Cordless

Most electric mowers are cordless and run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, though there are also a few reliable corded options still available. One of the biggest benefits of either type is that they typically require significantly less lawn mower maintenance than gas models. 

Battery-powered mowers offer more flexibility than corded machines. Investing in a second battery can double the operating time for cordless mowers since you can switch out the first one when it runs out. Rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan, however, and they’ll need to be replaced after 5 to 10 mowing seasons.

The advantage of a corded electric mower is that an electrical outlet provides unlimited power on demand, and you will never need to replace a battery. Corded mowers are often more affordable and weigh less due to the absence of batteries. A definite drawback is that the user is limited to the length of the extension cord. 

Motor Power

Electric motor power can be confusing—and even misleading, so it’s essential to remember that it’s only one aspect of a mower’s ability. For example, when it comes to corded models (particularly within the same brand), a shopper could reasonably assume that a 13-amp lawn mower will be more powerful than a 10-amp mower. However, deck size and design also play into this calculation. Therefore, a 10-amp 14-inch lawn mower may actually cut just as efficiently as a 13-amp 18-inch lawn mower.

When it comes to battery power, think of the battery like a gas tank—it holds the fuel, but it’s not the engine.This means battery specifications (labeled in voltage and amp hours) offer little insight into a mower’s performance. You can multiply these two numbers to calculate watt-hours, which shows how much energy the battery can deliver over time. But without knowing how much power the mower’s blade and wheel motors actually use, that number still doesn’t give you the full picture.

Brushed vs. Brushless Motor

Another important bit of information is motor type. Since brushed motors use more power and perform less work, the best cordless mowers use high-efficiency brushless motors. For the longest battery life, choose a mower with a two- or three-phase motor that consumes less power under normal mowing conditions and kicks into a high power mode when it senses tough cutting conditions.

Deck Size and Swath Width

A lawn mower’s deck size is the width of its cutting swath. The wider the swath—the width of grass you can cut in a single pass—the fewer passes you’ll have to make. On the other hand, a wider swath requires more power, which can translate into a shorter runtime. 

The best electric push mower and self-propelled electric lawn mower options have an average swath width from 13 to 22 inches; robot models are at 5 to 10 inches; and riding mowers can go up to 54 inches. If the lawn is small, even a mower with a 15-inch-wide swath will get the job done without taking too much time. Larger yards will benefit from a broader swath width so mowing them doesn’t take forever. 

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 and heaviest types. A small riding mower is comparable to a go-kart, while heavy-duty models resemble a “subcompact” car. They can weigh as little as 400 pounds to upward of 800 pounds.

Self-propelled mowers usually weigh more than push models since self-propulsion requires more battery power. These mowers generally range from as little as 30 pounds for a small push mower to 100 pounds for a large self-propelled mower. Note that self-propelled mowing still involves some manual labor, such as navigating tight spaces and moving the mower backward (they only self-propel forward).

If you’re looking for a lightweight tool, go with a corded push or robot mower. Corded electric mowers are lighter than their cordless counterparts since there are no batteries to weigh them down. Most corded mowers can be easily hung on the wall of a garage or shed to save space. 

Robot mowers are the smallest and lightest options, usually weighing between 15 pounds and 30 pounds. Most are only slightly larger than a robotic vacuum. For these reasons, they are incredibly portable and easy to store.

Wheels/Tires

Push and self-propelled mowers built to take on uneven ground and thick grass have larger rear wheels with a diameter of 8 inches or more. Compact models with small wheels, on the other hand, are better at getting in and around flower beds and navigating trees and other obstacles in the yard. 

Riding lawn mowers have different types of tires that are suitable for specific terrains. Lug tires are thick and designed for traction, so they’re the ideal choice for wet, slippery, or sloped yards. Smooth tires prevent ruts and other damage to manicured lawns. Turf tires are somewhere in between, offering reasonable traction and less damaging effects on the yard.

Additional Features

The top electric lawn mowers and lawn-maintenance brands include additional features that enhance their versatility and make operating them safer. 

• Speed control: Basic electric lawn mowers operate at only one speed, while nicer models have multiple speed settings. Speed may be adjusted using a squeeze handle, dial, drive bar, or a pace-keeping system (usually reserved for high-end models).
• Cutting height adjustability: Electric mowers can be adjusted to suit a variety of cutting heights from 1 to 4 inches. Before choosing a mower, find out the optimal cutting height for your grass. The general rule of thumb is to cut most grass types between 2 and 3¾ inches high.
• Side or rear discharge: For users who want to collect the grass clippings, either to discard or add to a compost pile, look for a mower with a side or rear discharge and an attachable bag.
• Mulching: Some lawn mowers have mulching blades. Mulching mowers cut grass into small pieces to return 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 operator.

FAQs

The electric lawn mower reviews above should give you a good idea of which model is right for you, but that doesn’t mean you might not still have a few questions to help you avoid mistakes while mowing. Read on for answers to some of the most common mower and lawn care queries.

Q. Do electric mowers cut well? 

In general, even the best electric mowers may not be as powerful as gas-powered mowers. Deck designs that optimize battery life may do so at the expense of airflow, which can lead to a rougher cut if the grass gets too tall. But for average lawns, where the grass is consistently maintained and not ultradense, they usually work quite well.

Q. How long does an electric mower last?

If an electric mower is stored, maintained, and used properly, it will likely last at least 10 years. Lithium-ion batteries should be replaced approximately every 5 years. 

Q. How do you maintain an electric mower?

Clean off any stuck-on grass clippings after each use, and store your electric mower in a garage, shed, or other dry, well-ventilated space. Sharpen or replace blades annually or after every 25 hours of mowing.

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

Mowing wet grass isn’t recommended. Wet grass does not stand up straight enough for a clean cut, and the wet clippings will stick to the blades and underside of the mower deck. This inhibits airflow and may reduce battery runtime.

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

Since electric mowers are classified as electrical waste instead of scrap metal, they should be disposed of in the same way household appliances should be recycled. Recycle an old electric mower at a household electrical recycling center. 

Q. Where should I keep my electric mower?

Electric mowers should be stored indoors when not in use. However, electric models can be stored outdoors if they are elevated and/or covered so they remain dry and air can circulate underneath the motor. 

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.

 

Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.

SEE OUR FAVORITES