How Many Hours Do Electric Lawn Mower Batteries Last. Battery for electric mower
The 5 Best Electric Lawn Mowers for 2023
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Leigh Matthews is a sustainability expert and long time vegan. Her work on solar policy has been published in Canada’s National Observer.
Looking for a lawn mower that doesn’t contribute to climate change, and that won’t wake up your neighbor’s sleeping baby? We rate the best emission free, electric, lawn mowers on the market today, plus tips for buying the right electric lawn mower.
Gas lawn mowers degrade air quality
Think your choice of lawn mower doesn’t matter?
According to research published by Michigan State, “mowing the average lawn in the U.S. creates as much air pollution as driving the family car on a 200-mile trip,” which has many of us looking for greener options. We rated, and tested, emission free lawn mowers and listed our top picks below
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) places restrictions on emissions from lawnmowers, but there are no emission-free gas lawn mowers. Gas mowers also become less efficient and pump out ever-greater emissions the older they get.
As for electric mowers, these are tankless and instead rely on a cord or battery. Corded mowers have no mowing time restriction as they draw energy from your main electricity hookup. For battery models, battery time means how long you can use an electric mower before having to charge the battery again.
Most battery-powered lawn mowers are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are just bigger versions of the lithium batteries in our laptops and cellphones. You can store a lot of energy in a lithium battery compared to older types of batteries, which is why electric lawn mowers are now possible and, indeed, comparable in power to a gas-powered lawnmower.
Unfortunately, lithium batteries are expensive and deteriorate over several years, with their capacity decreasing as the cells in the battery die off. It’s a good idea, therefore, to have a spare battery and to replace the battery every few years to ensure good performance.
Avoid second hand electric lawn mowers
Beware second-hand electric mowers with older batteries; the mower itself may be sold cheap compared to a new model, but the included battery or batteries may be next to useless and cost more than the mower to replace.
The best electric lawn mowers
Curious about how we rate products? Click here to view our methodology, which at its core, is about voting with our dollars to fight climate change.
Ego LM2102SP and LM2142SP [Staff Tested]
Highlights: 56V, Cordless, huge storage bag, headlights for evening mowing. Both models fold up easily for storage, have weather-resistant construction, and have a 21-inch deck size, with 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, side discharge options. Can buy with or without battery and charger.
- Same torque as a gas powered mower
- Huge collector bag
- Pin drop quiet while mowing
- Easy to store
- Can mow the lawn at night
The EGO 2102SP is a 21 in. 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Walk Behind Self Propelled Mower that includes a 7.5 Ah battery and charger, and offers 60 minutes of cutting time and a 60 minute charge time.
With more than 6,000 5-star reviews at Home Depot online and a reputation elsewhere for high performance and usability, the Ego is a top pick for an electric lawn mower that can easily handle larger lawns.
You can also buy the 2102SP model without battery or charger for 450 (View Price on Ace Hardware).
This mower delivers the same high torque as gas-powered mowers without the air pollution and noise, and at a lower price! If your lawn area is half an acre or more, this monster of a mower might be your new best friend. It even boasts headlights, so you can do a spot of evening mowing should you wish.
One big plus for the Ego is that huge collector bag, which means you can mow a large area of lawn without having to stop to empty the bag. The downside here, of course, is that the machine becomes quite heavy by the end of your run. Happily, this model doesn’t seem to lose traction at the front when the bag is nearing capacity, unlike some other models.
The LM2142SP (View Price on Amazon) is a 2 x 5 Ah battery model that is very similar to the LM2102SP 7.5 Ah model. The 2142SP offers a bit more flexibility in handle height, however, with 6 handlebar positions available rather than just 3. This makes it the better option if you’re a bit taller or shorter than average.
One other major difference between these two Ego mowers is that the 7.5 Ah model has a polymer composite cutting deck, while the 5 Ah model has a steel cutting deck. Both seem to perform extremely well across all kinds of grass, but the steel is, arguably, the more sustainable material.
The rear wheels on the 2 x 5 Ah model are also an inch bigger in diameter (10 inches vs. 9 inches), which may help with maneuverability in some situations and be better for sloping lawns. The 7.5 Ah model also weighs a dash more at 78.8 lbs compared to 75 lbs or the 2 x 5 Ah model.
The major difference between the two, though, is simply the run time. The 7.5 Ah gives you around 60 minutes of run time before you’ll need to charge the battery. And, of course, while you’re charging the battery, you don’t have a spare to use as a backup. With the dual battery model, you can use one 5 Ah battery for 45 minutes while charging the other battery, then switch them out to carry on mowing without having to take a break. This way, you could pretty much mow all day and, thanks to the LED headlights, all night if you wanted!
Both of these Egos have one easy-to-use shifter style handle that adjusts the height of all four wheels at the same time, which is much more convenient than having to adjust each one individually. Both models fold up easily for storage, and both have weather-resistant construction and a 21-inch deck size, with 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, side discharge options.
The Egos also offer independent self-propulsion, meaning you can turn off the mowing function but still use self-propulsion to move the mower easily from one spot to another, such as over surfaces that could damage the blades if they were moving.
Finally, both the Egos have a 5-year limited warranty and, if you buy from Home Depot, a 90-day return window in case you’re not happy with your new mower.
Oh, and the Ego Power 56 Volt battery/batteries are shipped separately and are compatible with all Ego Power products. This means you can save on the cost of the mower by buying the tool only, if you already have an Ego battery and charger. Or, consider this an investment in the future of your tool collection if you’ll also be replacing any snow blowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws or so forth in the next little while.
One other reason Ego make my list of eco-friendly lawn mowers is their adoption of green power sources for their research and development facilities and industrial park. In 2004, the company installed a 7,500 square foot Green Roof system on their RD facility, with savings of around 1.5 gallons of gas per square foot each year. The roof of their Green Power Industrial Park also features a 2-megawatt photovoltaic power station.
This ‘Blue Roof’ generates, year-on-year, the equivalent power from burning 755 tons of coal. This cuts sulfur dioxide emissions by 50 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 1677 tons annually.
In addition, the Ego Green Power Industrial Park utilizes ground-source heating, air-conditioning and water-storage technologies. They estimate that their ground source heating system alone saves 1 million kWh of electricity annually, the equivalent of 378 tons of coal. It also cuts sulfur dioxide emissions by around 25 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 839 tons each year.
Ego hasn’t been in business quite as long as Black Decker, but they’re an innovative company with global reach. Established in 1993, they have long been invested in cordless electric technology and are now one of the world’s largest manufacturers of tools.
Our experience after one year of using the Ego electric lawn mower
After a year of hands-on use, here’s what a member of our team, Taylor, has to say about his experience with the Ego mower:
I’m not the type of person who really enjoys and looks forward to mowing their yard, unlike many of my neighbors; it’s a chore that needs to get done just like any of the others that are part of owning a home. With that being said, the Ego mower is hands-down my favorite mower that I’ve used to date.
It’s quiet enough that I have no problems listening to a podcast or audiobook while mowing, which definitely couldn’t be said about my older gas mowers. The battery life is commendable, and assuming it hasn’t been too long between mowings, one large battery easily gets me through both my front and back yards without issue.
One of my favorite features is its ability to neatly fold up with a few quick releases of a lever or two. If you’re short on storage space for yard tools like I am (the growing arsenal of Ego products isn’t helping) this space-saving feature is super welcomed.
A surprise feature I found myself thankful for just recently was the LED lights. In Pennsylvania fall, there isn’t much time between the end of the workday and it being too dark to mow. I had half of my front yard left to mow while the sun was quickly setting, but the headlights on the mower made it a total non-issue.
Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower
Highlights: Boasts a powerful 80 V motor and a wide steel cutting deck, so you’ll probably be able to mow a half acre lawn in one charge.
| Mower | Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower |
| Price | 240-700 (depending on batteries and self-propulsion) |
| Battery type | Lithium ion 4 Ah (or 2 x 2 Ah) |
| Voltage | 80V |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Cutting width | 21 inches |
| Self-propelling | Self-propelling option available |
| Run time | 60 mins |
| Product link | View Price on Amazon |
The Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower GLM801602 (View Price on Amazon) is a top pick for those looking to be convinced of the merits of electric mowers versus gas mowers. Providing the equivalent of around a 160 cc gas mower, the Greenworks 80 V models mean business and costs just 550 for the PRO 21-Inch 80 V with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger.
Both sets of batteries offer up to 60 minutes of run time with a full charge, and because there are two, you could just adopt a policy of one out one charging, for continual operation. Greenworks also make the Self-Propelled 80 V 21 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower (without batteries or charger) (View Price on Amazon) with all the same great features plus self-propulsion courtesy of the back wheels. This model is compatible with the 2 Ah and 4 Ah batteries and can also be bought as a self-propelled model with a 5 Ah battery and Rapid charger (View Price on Amazon), providing 70 minutes of run time and charging fully in just 75 minutes. Compared to the almost four hours needed to charge a single 2.5 Ah Black Decker battery, this charger and battery combo is much more efficient and user friendly.
The variable speed control on the handle of these self-propelled models can be set between 0.5-1.5 m/s, which is super helpful if you struggle to push a mower around, especially as it gathers grass clippings. The self-propelled Greenworks 80 V lawn mower may also be a good option if you have hillier terrain.
Both the self-propelled and push versions of the Greenworks 80 V 21-inch Cordless Lawn Mower have lovely large rear wheels measuring 10″ (24.4 cm), with smaller 8″ (20.3 cm) front wheels for maneuverability. Greenworks brushless motor provides for a longer run-time, more torque and more power, meaning less wear and tear, extending the life of the mower.
The minimum cutting height on this model is a little higher than on some other mowers, but there are seven possible settings, easily toggled using the large lever on the handle. This means it’s likely you’ll find a setting to suit your grass. The lowest setting is 1 ¼”, the second is 1 ⅔”, the third is 2”, the fourth is 2 ⅓”, the fifth 2 ¾”, the sixth is 3 1/7”, and the seventh setting is 3 ⅝”.
Smart Cut Load sensing technology may help extend battery time, and you can definitely tell when the motor is revving up to deal with tougher spots. If you’re using the push mower, you’ll want to slow down just before hitting denser grass, to give the mower a chance to adjust. With the self-propelled model, consider switching to the slower (snail!) setting if you’re in the faster (hare!) setting.
One small issue with the Greenworks Pro is the relatively low suction compared to the Snapper XD. This can mean that grass clippings don’t always get sucked into the collector on the first pass, necessitating a bit of back and forth. With the Snapper, the greater suction means you rarely need a second pass.
The Greenworks self-propelled cordless mower is arguably one of the best electric mowers for medium to large gardens and is made by a company with a reputation for excellent build quality and cutting efficiency. This mower is also quite attractive, as mowers go, but the foam handle jiggles a bit and could be a tad more robust.
The Greenworks boasts a powerful 80 V motor and a wide steel cutting deck, so you’ll probably be able to mow a half acre lawn in one charge. However, if your grass is long, dense, wet, or all of the above, chances are you’ll need to switch out the battery (and empty the collector) at least once to cover this area of lawn though. On the slowest self-propulsion setting, two 2 Ah batteries can provide for around 60 minutes of continuous operation, with around the same run time for a single 4 or 5 Ah battery.
The Greenworks may be too large for very small lawns, with its wide cutting deck and large wheels. That said, it can easily be used by smaller people for larger lawns, thanks to an adjustable handle with three different height positions, including one suitable for folks under five feet tall.
What we Like About the Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower
One thing I really like about Greenworks is that you could buy this mower with a battery or pair of batteries and use those batteries for around 20 other power tools from the company, including their snowblower, chainsaw, hedge trimmer, and polesaw. This not only saves you money and time, it also keeps resource use to a minimum, saving you from having to purchase, store, charge, and recycle numerous batteries for your power tool collection.
The Greenworks PRO charger takes just 30 minutes to fully charge a 2 Ah battery and around 75 minutes to charge a fully discharged 4 Ah battery. It has a useful diagnostic LED fuel indicator so you can see the current charge in the battery. This Rapid charger was Energy Star rated (the program has now been discontinued), has a compact design, and can be stored on a shelf or mounted on the wall. It is compatible with battery models GBA80200 and GBA400, but, and this is a big annoyance across the industry, this charger only works with Greenworks PRO 80 V batteries. It won’t work with other brands’ 80 V batteries. The same is true of the Ego Power batteries, though, so this isn’t an annoyance unique to Greenworks.
If you buy a Greenworks PRO lawn mower or other tool without the battery and charger, you can purchase their PRO 80V Lithium Ion Single Port Rapid Battery Charger GCH8040 for less than 100 (View Price on Amazon). This charger has a built-in fan to enable Rapid charge time without overheating.
Greenworks was founded in 2007 and quickly became an industry leader for electric power tools. So much so that they are now partly owned by tool giant STIHL. They opened an American headquarters in North Carolina in 2016, but their main office is in Sweden. As for their approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR), I can’t find any information on this side of the business. Instead, the FOCUS seems to be on making high quality electric power tools that are durable and energy efficient. I’ve reached out to the company for comment and will provide updates if/when I hear back from Greenworks.
How Many Hours Do Electric Lawn Mower Batteries Last?
One of the main reasons people are apprehensive about switching to an electric mower is the battery. They have concerns about the performance and battery replacement costs. That’s why it’s so important to know how long electric lawn mower batteries will last.
Lifespan: Typically, individual electric lawnmower batteries last an average of 20,000 hours (three to six years.
Runtime: On average, an electric mower will run for 50 minutes on a fully charged battery or set of batteries.
Check out the DynaTrap Mosquito Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, Other Flying Insects – Protects up to 1/2 Acre (link to Amazon).
This article will outline the average run-time and life expectancy of different lawn mower batteries. It’ll also explain how to find the mower with the most efficient batteries and provide tips on extending the life of both. Keep reading for more information.
Factors Determining Life Expectancy of Typical Lawn Mower Batteries
The life expectancy of your mower batteries depends on two main things.
First, it depends on the mower the battery is powering, with the two main categories being a riding mower versus a push mower.
A riding mower uses more resources than a push mower. This is because the mower not only has to mow the lawn, but it is fully self-propelled and is moving the weight of the rider. This limits the length of time the battery will mow in a single use and drains the batteries quicker over the lifespan of the battery.
The other factor that determines the life expectancy of your mower battery is the type of battery itself. Electric mowers can use lithium ion batteries or lead acid batteries. Lithium ion batteries typically cost a bit more but will last longer on average than lead acid batteries.
With that in mind, here’s what you can expect from different lawn mower batteries:
- Lithium-ion batteries for push mowers: 40-60 minutes/charge three to six years lifespan
- Lithium-ion batteries for riding mowers: 40-90 minutes/charge three to six years lifespan
- Lead acid batteries for push mowers: 30-50 minutes/charge two to four years lifespan
- Lead acid batteries for riding mowers: 30-60 minutes/charge one to four years lifespan
Picking a Mower With the Longest Lasting Batteries
A high-quality battery is key to a positive electric lawn mower experience. When shopping for an electric mower, be sure the models you consider have a high-quality lithium-ion battery as the power source. Also, look for a higher voltage.
A high-quality lithium-ion battery is simply going to last longer than a standard lead-ion battery. However, when buying a more expensive lawn mower, be sure you’re paying for more than just a brand name. Check reviews on the mower, explicitly looking for mentions of battery life or warranty claims on batteries.
When shopping, look at electric mowers on the higher end of the voltage range for the size you need. Battle Born Batteries describes the relationship between voltage and amount of power (source).
A higher voltage means you’ll be able to mow for a longer length of time. It also means the battery will hold a longer charge.
Unless your yard is tiny, you must shop for models that use two batteries simultaneously. These have a higher voltage, resulting in better performance and longer run time.
The extra power is also more forgiving if you go an additional few days between cuttings or experience an unseasonably active growing season.
Another best practice is to invest in an extra battery upfront. (If your mower takes two batteries to run, buy two additional batteries.)
Doing this will allow you to rotate between four batteries as you mow your yard rather than two. This distributes the usage to four batteries rather than two.
importantly, if you mow and run your two batteries dry, you aren’t totally dead in the water waiting for the batteries to recharge.
One argument against electric mowers is that you can only mow “so much” on a single charge. Planning to deal with this issue up front will reduce your frustration considerably.
Also, consider the additional features of the mower and whether you need them. bells and whistles mean more power drain on the mower.
For example, a self-propelled mower is attractive to many, but the self-propelled feature consumes more energy.
Be mindful of these features and consider whether you need them or will use them. The more energy required to run these features, the more it will cost you over time.
Buying a Mower With the Most Efficient Engine Will Increase Battery Life
In many ways, buying an electric lawn mower is no different than shopping for a gas-powered one. You want a mower that works well and uses fewer resources to accomplish the task. The only difference between the two mowers is the power source.
As with a gas-powered mower, an electric mower with a brushless motor performs better and more efficiently than a brushed motor and is less prone to downtime due to regular wear and tear. According to Bob Vila, a brushless motor has several notable advantages (source).
Thanks to its design, a brushless motor produces more power that is dedicated to the mowing task than a brushed motor. Furthermore, a brushless motor is also quieter and generally requires less preventative and corrective maintenance.
Shopping for and purchasing the most efficient brushless engine to propel your mower is an investment in the item’s longevity.
A less expensive item may work fine, but it likely won’t function as long and may be prone to more issues during its lifecycle that require replacement or repair. Taking that into account, they may not save you any money long-term.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Mower and Batteries
One of the best ways to extend the life of your mower is to be mindful of when you use it. Mowers work much harder to cut damp or wet grass, so mowing when your yard is dry will reduce strain on the engine.
Also, it’s important to occasionally clean your mower deck. Doing so reduces the strain on the engine to turn the blades, which decreases the draw on your batteries.
Consider purchasing something like the Ultimate Mower Cleaning Tool (link to Amazon). It allows you to address flat and curved surfaces and is one of the best tools to clean the underside of your mower deck.
Last, remember to sharpen your mower blade at least twice each cutting season – more if the mower seems to be cutting grass unevenly.
A sharp mower blade cuts more cleanly, reducing strain on the machine and its batteries. Buying a spare blade and always having a sharp one on hand to swap out is a great way to keep your lawn maintenance on track.
Final Thoughts
Electric lawn mower batteries don’t have an unlimited lifespan, but with careful consideration, you can choose a mower that will function well for years to come.
With some additional investment, ongoing care of the mower, and adherence to a few best practices, you can do a lot to extend the lifespan of your electric lawn mower batteries.
Willie writes on small engine repair, landscaping, and lawn care. He owned a professional lawn care business in Alabama for almost 10 years.
The 9 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023
You don’t have to worry about gasoline with these mowers.
Andrea Wurzburger has been a writer for nearly a decade, with experience writing for publications like HerCampus.com, REDBOOK Magazine, VH1.com, and People.com. As a features writer at People.com, she wrote across verticals about everything from gift guides to buzzy pop culture galleries.
Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a FOCUS on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.
In This Article
Whether you’re looking to save money on fuel or do your small part to save the environment, battery-powered lawn mowers are an easy way to do so without sacrificing function. Battery-powered mowers are cordless, don’t use gasoline, and are typically best for small to medium-sized yards.
There are a few important factors to consider when looking for the best battery-powered lawn mower, according to Nicole Durden, senior merchant of outdoor power at The Home Depot.
“Be mindful of the size of your yard,” she advises, since over half an acre will require more battery power. “Consider the terrain and the drive system on the mower. Customers with steep or hilly yards should consider a self-propelled mower.”
Best Overall
Ego Power LM2102SP-A Cordless Lawn Mower
Why You Should Get It: It has three options for clipping disposal.
Keep in Mind: In order to get the full 65 minutes of run time, you’ll need to swap out batteries halfway through.
We’ve chosen the Ego Power LM2101SP-A Cordless Lawn Mower as the best battery-powered lawn mower overall because it is moderately priced, has a self-propelling motor, and multiple options for clipping disposal.
It comes with LED lights, so if you are looking to beat the heat and mow your lawn before the sun rises or as it is setting, you will still be able to see what you’re cutting. It is also a self-propelled mower, so it takes less of an effort on your part to cut the grass.
Instead, it uses the motor to propel the mower forward. It has six different height settings for your lawn mower blades, which range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, giving you plenty of options for the height of your grass. You can adjust these settings with just one hand.
This unit made our list not only for its cutting capabilities, but also its disposal option. It offers three options to the use: mulching (which is when your clippings get chopped up into smaller pieces and then discarded onto the ground to act like fertilizer), side discharge, or bagging isn’t the two-bushel collection bag included.
One feature we love is this mower’s storage capability. Whereas some mowers can take up quite a bit of space in your garage, the Ego Power Mower can fold in order to be stored away for the winter.
This lawn mower offers 60 minutes of run time on a single charge with a 56 volt 7.5Ah ARC Lithium Battery, so long as you use the two batteries included. This means that it is best suited for a small to medium-sized yard of 0.5 acres.
Price at time of publish: 699
Product Details: Run Time: 60 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches
Best Budget
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower
Why You Should Get It: This push mower weighs 37.5 pounds, so it’s easy to maneuver.
Keep in Mind: It only has 45 minutes of run time.
The Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower is our pick for the best battery-powered lawn mower for those on a budget. It has five height settings, mulching, and rear bagging capabilities.
For a push mower, it’s lightweight at 37.5 pounds—as light as our pick for best lightweight mower. Some lawn mowers on this list weigh as much as 66 pounds.
With this mower, even though you have to do the work of pushing it around the yard, it makes the task much less difficult. It also has five height adjustments to choose from, this lawn mower can cut from 1.25 inches to 3.375 inches.
When it comes to mowing, it’s important to have a plan when it comes to handling your clippings, and this lawn mower offers options for both mulching and rear bagging. It even comes with a collection bag, should you choose to use it.
Keep in mind that this battery-powered lawn mower only has 45 minutes of run time on a full charge. Its 16-inch deck width also means that you clip less grass per pass, so it could take longer to mow your yard.
If you don’t have a small yard, this could present a problem, as you’ll have to pause to recharge. The good news is, the battery reaches full power after two hours.
Price at time of publish: 313
Product Details: Run Time: 45 minutes | Height Adjustments: Five | Recommended Yard Size: Up to 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches
Best Splurge
Toro Super Recycler 21 in. 60-Volt SmartStow Max Cordless Battery Walk Behind Mower
Why You Should Get It: This lawn mower adjusts to your walking speed. Keep in Mind: It only mows for 50 minutes on a fully charged battery.
We chose the Toro Super Recycler Mower as our pick for best battery-powered lawn mower to splurge on because it offers a smooth and comfortable mowing experience, plus plenty of features to justify the price point. This lawn mower has self-propel technology, which works with your speed so that you set the pace for your lawn mower. All you need to do is grab the steering wheel, and you’re in the driver’s seat. Plus, it comes with a handle that helps absorb shock, which helps to keep your wrists comfortable. This lawn mower also has three-in-one capabilities when it comes to disposing of your clippings. You can either use your clippings as mulch, bag them, or get rid of them through a side discharge. While most lawn mowers on our list have five to seven cutting positions, this mower has nine cutting positions to choose from and the ability to adjust the handles as well. The mower’s dual blades and under-deck wedges work to shave down your grass clippings so that you can use them as mulch. Mulching is a popular practice in lawn care as it adds nutrients back into your lawn. The mower’s technology pulls more air into the mower’s cutting chamber, creating air flow and giving the blades time to mince the grass into finer pieces. The Toro Super Recycler Mower also has headlights, so you don’t have to be limited by the time of day. Mow when you want—even in the mornings or evening—and know that you’ll be able to see what you’re doing. Plus, this mower has high traction high wheels so you can mow over various types of terrain. It’s also designed to last with a deck made of cast aluminum that is durable and rust-proof. Keep in mind that this lawn mower has a run time of 50 minutes, which is a bit less than the average battery lets users enjoy. Price at time of publish: 899 Product Details: Run Time: 50 minutes | Height Adjustments: Nine | Recommended Yard Size: 0.25 to 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches
Best Lightweight
BlackDecker 40V Max 16 inch Cordless Lawn Mower
Why You Should Get It: It’s only 38 pounds and stores away easily. Keep in Mind: It is meant for small yards of up to 0.125 an acre.
We chose the BlackDecker Cordless Lawn Mower because it is affordable, and it is only 38 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver around your yard. The mower’s technology also makes it simple to use as it determines the height of your grass and adjusts accordingly to increase power and preserve battery life. Because it’s lightweight, it is also a pretty compact model, with handles that fold down to make storage simpler. Additionally, this model has carrying handles that make moving it easy. It’s the best battery-powered lawn mower for people who need a mower that is lightweight and convenient to carry. This battery-powered lawn mower has plenty of practical features as well, and includes six cutting heights that range from 1 inch to 3 inches, and the single lever height adjustment is easy to use. It also has a 9.5 gallon grass bag, which is attached to the back of the mower. The bag is made of soft fabric with a hard top, and it’s simple to check its capacity with a simple tap on the soft fabric. With a 16-inch deck, plus a 30 minute run time, it can mow years up to 0.125 acres big. If you have a yard larger than this, you’ll find yourself either switching out batteries (it does come with two) or stopping to recharge them. Price at time of publish: 330 Product Details: Run Time: 30 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.125 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches
Best Self-Propelled
Snapper XD MAX 82-Volt Electric 21 in. Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit
Why You Should Get It: It comes with two batteries, so you can get up to 90 minutes of run time. Keep in Mind: This self-propelled mower does not automatically adjust speed.
Self-propelled mowers are easier to use than push mowers because they rely on the motor to propel the wheels forward rather than your own strength. Our pick for the best self-propelled lawn mower is the Snapper XD Self Propelled Mower. It has up to 45 minutes of run time on one fully charged battery, but if you use the second battery (which is included with the mower) you’ll get 90 minutes of run time. This, plus the self-propelled motor and 21-inch deck help to move your mowing along and give you plenty of time to mow a yard up to 0.5 acres in size. It also has load-sensing technology, which adjusts the power level in order to ensure you’re getting the most efficient experience. You have the choice of seven different height adjustments, which you can control with a single lever as you mow. This mower also has three options for what to do with your clippings as you mow. The Snapper has the option of mulching your clippings, using side discharge, or bagging your clippings. When you’re done, this mower has vertical storage capabilities, so you can fold it up and stow it away in your shed or garage until the next time you need it. While some pricier self-propelled mowers are able to automatically adjust to your speed, this model allows you to control the forward mowing speed with a speed control lever. Price at time of publish: 550 Product Details: Run Time: 90 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches
Best Push
Kobalt 21-Inch 80-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
Why You Should Get It: It has a larger battery, which offers up to 60 minutes of run time. Keep in Mind: At 66 pounds, it is not a lightweight model.
Push lawn mowers are operated by the user, so you’ll need to put a little more effort into mowing your lawn compared to self-propelled or ride-on mowers. The Kobalt Push Cordless Lawn Mower is our choice for best push mower because it uses a powerful battery for a 60 minute run time and a 21-inch deck to cover more ground. The Kobalt Push Cordless Lawn Mower uses a powerful, 5.0Ah battery (many mowers use 2.0Ah batteries), so it carries more of a charge for a longer amount of time—you can get 60 minutes of run time using this model. This push mower has an on-board indicator which will let you know how much battery power you have. It also uses auto-sensing technology in order to adjust the motor performance based on changing grass conditions, so it can provide you with greater power or more runtime. Additionally, you can choose from seven separate height adjustments. When it comes time to store it away, this model has a collapsible handle, so you can store it vertically and save some space. While it is not the heaviest battery-powered mower, it does weigh 66 pounds, so is not exactly lightweight. If you’re looking for lightweight, our best lightweight pick is only 38 pounds. As mentioned above, push mowers are operated mostly by the user, so consider this while buying. Price at time of publish: 599 Product Details: Run Time: 60 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 to 1 acre | Deck Width: 21 inches
Best Ride-On
RYOBI RY48140 48V 54-Inch Electric Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Why You Should Get It: It can mow up to 3.5 acres on a single charge. Keep in Mind: Ride-on mowers tend to be very expensive, this one is no exception.
If you’re looking to do less manual labor while tending to your lawn, a ride-on mower may be the best battery-powered mower for you, like the Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower. This model can mow a large yard without recharging and has cruise control, so mowing is a breeze. With a 54-inch deck, this model covers a lot of ground: 3.5 acres to be exact. The Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower uses a 115Ah battery, so one charge allows 2.5 hours of run time. It has a control panel that allows you to monitor the battery power, as well as turn on the headlights, and use cutting options like slow speed, slow blade, and reverse mow. There is also a USB charging port, two cup holders, and a towing hitch for convenience. This ride-on mower offers 12 different deck adjustments ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, plus the option to mulch or side discharge your cuttings. We love that, even though it is powered by five high-powered brushless motors, this lawn mower still manages to be quiet. A big bonus for this mower is that, if you are having problems with it, Ryobi will send someone to repair your mower right at your home, and there are 300 plus service centers you can also utilize. As is the case with most ride-on mowers, comfort and convenience comes at a premium. However, if you have a large yard and are looking to keep it looking good while keeping environmentally friendly, it’s a worthy investment. Price at time of publish: 5,999 Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 12 | Recommended Yard Size: 2-4 acres | Deck Width: 54 inches
Best for Small Yards
Makita 36-Volt Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower
Why You Should Get It: It comes with four batteries, so you can easily continue mowing with a quick swap. Keep in Mind: The only option for disposal is bag disposal.
Our pick for best battery-powered lawn mower for small yards is the Makita Brushless Lawn Mower. The Makita comes with four batteries, which power the mower for long enough to cut up to 0.33 acres of land in 43 minutes or less. It runs on two of those batteries at a time. Its brushless motor also allows you to cut grass faster at 2,500 to 3,300 rotations per minute. The batteries are equipped with battery overload, overheat, and over-discharge protection, which help to extend the battery life by shutting it down before damage can occur. Not looking to disturb your neighbors when you get up early to mow the lawn? The Makita Brushless Lawn Mower has a quiet mode that reduces noise by providing constant speed control. With a single-lever, you can adjust the height of the mower to 10 different heights. The deck width of this mower is 19 inches, so it can cut up to 19 inches across of grass per pass of the lawn mower. When it comes to your grass clippings, this lawn mower has a disposal bag that has a 16-gallon capacity—this means there isn’t the option for mulching or side-disposal. Price at time of publish: 399 Product Details: Run Time: 43 minutes | Height Adjustments: 10 | Recommended Yard Size: 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 19 inches
Best for Large Yards
Weibang WB76E E-Rider 30in. 72V Electric Riding Mower
Why You Should Get It: It has a long run time of two hours. Keep in Mind: This mower only offers mulching or side discharge for disposal.
run time and work more efficiently—that’s why we picked the Weibang E-Rider. A ride-on mower makes mowing feel less difficult for those with larger yards because you don’t have to push or pull a heavy machine. It also has an adjustable seat for a more comfortable ride. With a full charge of its 72-volt lithium ion battery, the Weibang E-Rider can last for up to two hours, which is double the run time of most mowers on this list. It has a maximum forward speed of 3.7 miles per hour and a reverse speed of 3.1 miles per hour, making it simple to get your mowing done in a clip. On top of being easy to maneuver around a large yard with its forward, neutral, and reverse mowing options, it also has LED lights mounted on the front bumper, should you want to mow when there isn’t much light. It also has 10 cutting positions from 1 inch to 4 inches, giving you the power to customize your mowing preferences. This mower only has options for mulching or side discharge so if you want to collect your clippings in a bag, this mower isn’t for you. However, if you are new to lawn care, you may not know that grass clippings are beneficial for your lawn. Additionally, this mower has a hefty price tag, which is the cost of not having to push a cumbersome mower around a large yard. Price at time of publish: 2,999 Product Details: Run Time: 2 hours | Height Adjustments: 10 | Recommended Yard Size: Up to 1 acre | Deck Width: 30 inches
The Bottom Line
Overall, when looking for the best battery-powered lawn mower, you should consider the size of your yard, whether or not you’ll need more than one battery, and whether you want a push, self-propelled, or ride-on mower. We’ve chosen the Ego Power Mower because it has 65 minutes of run time on a single charge, six cutting height adjustments, and the ability to mulch, bag, or side discharge your clippings. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly model, we love the Greenworks Cordless Mower because it’s lightweight and has five height adjustments.
What to Know About Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers Before Shopping
Lawn Size
When shopping for the best battery-powered lawn mower for your home, it’s important to take into consideration the size of your lawn. Typically, the batteries in your mower will last 50 to 60 minutes on one charge, so you’ll want to make sure you can cover the distance of your lawn in that time. Otherwise you’ll have to either change out the battery for a fully charged back-up, or charge your battery. If you have a yard that is more than an acre, it’s not ideal to have a battery-powered mower unless you have one that is made with large yards in mind, like the Weibang E-Rider, which has two hours of run time.
Type
There are a few different types of battery-powered lawn mower to choose from: self-propelled mowers, push mowers, and ride-on mowers. Self-propelled mowers are less work to operate than push mowers, with a design that uses the motor to propel the wheels, which makes it easy for you to simply guide the mower across your lawn. In order to operate a push mower, like the Kobalt Push Mower, you have to push it forward manually. The bad news: You’re the one doing the pushing. The good news: most models are compact and lighter weight (especially when compared to a gas model) so it isn’t too difficult. Ride-on mowers require the least amount of work, but are also the most expensive models. They are a great choice for people with larger lawns, and you can simply sit up top and steer it where you want it to go.
Charge Time
Battery-powered mowers need to be charged before use, and those times will vary. Some, like our pick for best self-propelled mower, the Snapper Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, charges to 100% in just an hour. Others, like our best splurge pick, the Toro Recycler, take 3 hours to reach full charge. If you don’t have time to recharge, consider choosing a mower with an extra battery so you can change them out.
Power
Battery-powered lawn mowers do not require chords to function. Instead, they work using rechargeable batteries that have an output of anywhere from 36 to 120 volts. Run time is largely dependent on the voltage of your battery. The higher the battery, the longer your mower will run. The higher the voltage, the larger the battery, so it may affect your mower’s deck size. The deck is the part of the lawn mower that covers the engine and blades of the mower. It is measured in square inches, and is determined by multiplying the width of the bottom part of your mower (between the wheels) by the length. They are also usually made with durable material so they stand up against debris and the elements. The size of the deck determines how much grass the machine will cut in one pass, as it is generally large enough to cover the blade. Smaller mowers may only have one blade, while larger models have two or three for more efficient cutting. Mowers with larger decks offer less mobility, so it’s beneficial to use a mower with a smaller deck and voltage for a yard with less acreage. The larger your yard, the bigger the deck you’ll require because you’ll need to cover more ground in the same amount of time.
Features
The best battery-powered lawn mowers come with plenty of features to make your lawn-cutting experiences as enjoyable as possible. For example, some come with mulchers that take the grass, chop it up, and leave them behind on the lawn. Others have a grass bag catcher that attaches to the mower on either the side or rear where the clippings drop straight into the bag. Another feature that is important is the ability to adjust the blade height so that you can tailor your mower to your preferences. They usually range from 1 to 4 inches, and keep in mind that you should only remove the top third of the grass blades. Adjustable handles are also important because they allow you to change the height in order to make them easier to mow.
Your Questions, Answered
How long do batteries last in a battery-powered mower?
This answer depends on the mower, but typically the batteries in a battery-powered mower last around 50 minutes to an hour if fully charged. This is why battery-powered mowers are recommended for small to medium-sized yards—if you can’t get your mowing done within an hour, you’ll need to hit pause, plug it in to charge (or replace it with another fully charged battery if you’ve got a spare), and wait to mow.
What is the best voltage for a battery-powered mower?
The batteries in battery-powered lawn mowers provide anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the run time. The longer the run time, the more time you have to cover some distance in your yard before that battery runs out. Getting a battery with a high voltage may sound Smart because it allows for a longer run time. However, it also makes the machine heavier which can slow you down and can decrease the run time.
Which mower is better: battery-powered, electric, or gas?
Battery-powered, electric, and gas lawn mowers each have their own pros and cons. Gas powered mowers have the advantage when it comes to being able to fuel them right away. When an electric or battery-powered mower runs out of juice, it needs to be plugged in and charged. “Battery-powered lawn mowers provide the power of traditional lawn mowers without the harmful emissions, which make them perfect for customers that value efficiency and sustainability,” Durden says. Gas mowers also tend to require more maintenance in order to run smoothly, and you need to take care to store the fuel properly and even winterize your mower. Battery-powered lawn mowers have the advantage of being “lightweight and quieter than gas-powered mowers, too,” says Durden. You just need to remember to keep the battery charged. Additionally, whereas gas-powered mowers need to be pulled or cranked, and cared for to ensure they’re winterized, you just need to push to start a battery-powered or electric mower and go. One downside to an electric mower is the range of motion—you may be limited by the cord. Battery powered and electric mowers are more equipped to handle small to medium-sized yards.
Who We Are
Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching the best battery-powered lawn mowers by comparing product specifications. She also spoke with Nicole Durden, who is the senior merchant of outdoor power at The Home Depot.
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.
How do we charge our batteries? | ALL ELECTRIC LAWN CARE BUSINESS GUIDE
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.
Best Buy cordless mowers
Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A
- 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
- Easy to assemble and use
- Comfortable padded handle
- Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
- Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family
How to Extend Runtime on Battery Electric Lawn Mower
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
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