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

Best Electric Lawn Mower 2023 – Battery-Powered Mower Reviews

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

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

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

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

Best Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Overall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Self-Propelled Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Electric Ride-On Lawn Mower

Commercial Pick: Greenworks Commercial OptimusZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

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

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

Residential Picks

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

EGO E-Steer Residential Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

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

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

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

Ryobi 80V iDrive Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

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

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

Price: 5999.00 – 7999.00 ready to mow

Best Cordless Push Lawn Mower

EGO Select Cut Push Lawn Mower

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

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

Best Cordless Mower for Small Lawns

Skil PWRCore 20 18-Inch Lawn Mower

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

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

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

Best Electric Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Ryobi 80V 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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

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

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

Best Budget Cordless Lawn Mower

Skil PWRCore 40 20-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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

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

Price: 399 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

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

Best Echo Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

Best Greenworks Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

Best HART Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

Best Husqvarna Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

Best Kobalt Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

Best Makita Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

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

Best STIHL Electric Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

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

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

Best Electric Lawn Mower: What We Look For

Power

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

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

Runtime

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

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

Cut Quality

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

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

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

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

Build

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

Hills, Slopes, and Uneven Terrain

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

Features

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

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

Value

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

Best Electric Lawn Mower Buying Guide

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

What’s Your Budget?

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

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

Are Battery Riding Mowers Viable?

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

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

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

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

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

Residential or Commercial Quality?

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

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

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

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

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

Self-Propelled vs Push

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

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

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

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

Self-Propel Drive Adjustment

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

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

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

Steel vs Poly Deck

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

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

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

Bag, Mulch, or Side Discharge?

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

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

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

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

Deck and Blade Size

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

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

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

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

Single Point vs Multi-Point Deck Height Adjustment

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

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

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

Multiple Battery Ports

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

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

Height Range

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

Why Buy an Electric Lawn Mower?

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

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

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

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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

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

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We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

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

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

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

Are electric lawnmowers any good?

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

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

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

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

How long do electric lawnmower batteries last?

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

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

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

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

What is the best electric lawn mower?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making the Switch to an Electric Lawn Mower

With the onset of spring, many of us have been pulling out our lawnmowers and beginning to get them prepped for the mowing season. Traditional gas mowers require routine maintenance, from changing spark plugs and oil to regular trips to the gas station before you can begin mowing. There’s a new solution that requires significantly less maintenance, is quieter, more eco friendly, and significantly cheaper over time. Electric cordless lawn mowers come in a plethora of styles and cover a wide range of needs making them accessible to almost anyone. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, now is the time.

Electric Lawn Mowers are Essentially Maintenance Free

Electric mowers require significantly less maintenance in comparison with gas mowers. Gas mowers need spark plugs, oil changes, fresh gas, and have a pull start that can be tricky to get going. Mowing your yard can go from being a quick endeavor to a day’s project. Electric mowers, in comparison, are much easier to operate. Cordless mowers require a charge before you can get going, and depending on the size of your lawn and the battery, may require more than one charge to complete the job. Corded mowers, however, don’t need a charge — just plug and go! Both electric and gas mowers require the blades be sharpened once or twice a season so that they don’t harm your grass as you’re mowing.

Easier operation

Gone are the days of fighting with your mower to get it to turn on. Electric mowers turn on with a button, making them much more manageable than gas mowers with their pull-cord starts. Many electric mowers come equipped with rear-wheel drive and make it easier to maneuver your lawn as you mow. Electric mowers are also significantly lighter than gas mowers, which can eliminate the stress and strain that comes from pushing a heavy mower around your lawn.

Easier storage and cleaning

Traditional mowers can be bulky, taking up lots of room in your garage, especially with all the equipment required to maintain them. We love electric mowers because they fold up in their charging docks and take up significantly less room. They are also easier to clean. All they require is sharpening the blade, removing caked-on debris, and a quick vacuum around the motor. This can be done once a year at the beginning of the mowing season.

Electric Lawn Mowers are significantly quieter.

Nothing is more disruptive to a peaceful morning or evening than the roar of a mower. Gas mowers can be quite disturbing, especially in the summer when it’s much better to mow in the morning or late evening to beat the heat. Another huge perk to electric mowers is that they are virtually silent. By eradicating the need for an engine, electric mowers cut way down on the sound they produce. This means mowing on a Sunday morning is no longer a nuisance to your neighbors! It’s also a big perk for golf courses or parks because it doesn’t disrupt the quiet serenity of the setting.

Electric Lawn Mowers are more Cost-Effective.

Corded electric lawn mowers are the most inexpensive choice and cost less than a gas mower would upfront. Cordless mowers can be a bit more expensive but are significantly cheaper over time. As we discussed earlier, gas mowers require gas, oil, and repairs from time to time. Over the lifetime of the mower, that can add up. Electric mowers save hundreds of dollars over their lifetime in comparison to gas mowers.

Electric Lawn Mowers are better for the environment!

Going electric is better for the environment, plain and simple. While lawns can be criticized for not being eco friendly, a big part of that critique often points to the maintenance they require — specifically the gas intake and emissions from mowing. While we’ve debunked this idea that grass is bad for the environment, read more, switching to an electric mower is a huge part of making lawns greener! Anything we can do to reduce our emissions is significant for the earth. In many areas, you also have the option to source your electricity from a more sustainable option. If you haven’t yet, call your electricity provider and ask about using renewable energy to power your home.

While gas mowers do have some advantages, like being a bit more durable and being able to go for much longer than a cordless mower, electric mowers are great for the homeowner. They have plenty of power to keep your yard in tip-top shape. They are much easier to operate and maintain, save you money, and are much better for the environment. There’s never been a better time to switch to an electric mower!

We tested the Craftsman electric riding lawnmower — Our honest review

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As a recent suburban transplant from NYC, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my years of city living had not prepared me for the realities of homeownership – more specifically, lawn care.

No longer could I rely on my superintendent to keep the grounds neat and tidy; instead, I found myself facing nearly an acre of unruly grass that demanded constant attention. In my search for a simple solution, I found myself gravitating towards a mower of the riding type. On top of that, I didn’t want the hassle of dealing with gas cans and spark plugs and oil changes – I have enough of that on the car I also had to acquire with this move.

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That’s when I landed on the Craftsman 56V MAX 42-Inch Battery-Powered Brushless Riding Mower, and I must say, it has been a game-changer.

OK, full disclosure, I have been a loyal Craftsman man for as long as I can remember. I have memories of my dad getting the Craftsman tools he needed from Sears and commenting he wouldn’t go with any other brand due to their incredible warranty and, well, craftsmanship.

Do I currently have my grandfather’s steel Craftsman toolbox housing the various sets of Craftsman tools my father passed down to me nestled by my tool bench in the garage? Why, yes, yes, I do.

How to choose an electric lawn mower

Craftsman 56V MAX Battery-Powered Brushless Riding Mower, 4,899

When choosing an electric mower, it’s important to consider factors such as the size of your lawn, the power of the motor, the length of the battery life, and the ease of maintenance. The Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower ticks all these boxes for me, making it an attractive option for those who want a reliable and efficient lawn mower for an average-sized lawn.

Depending on where you live, the average lawn size in America ranges from.25 acres to.75 acres, with Angi highlighting data from the U.S. Census Bureau that states the average lot size for a new single-family was at a record low of 13,896 square feet in 2020. If you are on the higher end of the range, maybe an electric lawnmower isn’t the best lawnmower for you quite yet.

First, decide whether you want a corded or cordless model. Corded mowers require an electrical outlet and may limit your range of motion, while cordless models offer greater flexibility but may have shorter battery life.

Next, consider the size of your yard and choose a mower with an appropriate cutting width and battery capacity. Residential lawnmowers cutting widths typically range from as short as 21 inches to as large as 54 inches, with the average falling between 30 inches and 42 inches.

Finally, look for features that are important to you, such as adjustable cutting height, bagging or mulching capabilities, and ease of maneuverability. Personally, I was less concerned with bagging while looking because I don’t need to bag grass clippings. However, I soon realized how convenient having that option would be when I want to mow some overgrown areas or during the fall for leaf collection.

How much is an electric lawn mower?

The price of an electric lawn mower varies depending on the model and features. Corded models are generally less expensive, with starting as low as 100 up to 300. Cordless models can range from 200 to 500 or more, depending on battery capacity and other features. Premium models, like the Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower, may cost upwards of 3,000. Professional models can run you well over 10,000.

How long does an electric lawn mower charge last?

The battery life of an electric lawn mower depends on the capacity of the battery and the demands of the cutting job. The Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower boasts a 5.0 Ah battery that can last up to 90 minutes on a single charge. This is plenty of time to mow my entire.75-acre yard, with enough juice left over for some light trimming.

The size and density of your yard play a key role in the efficiency of your battery. If your yard is full of dense, long grass, or it has lots of areas requiring maneuvering, the battery will run on the shorter side of the range advertised. If your lawn is flat and relatively easy on your mower, your battery will likely make it to the maximum shown.

The higher the voltage, the longer the battery life. It’s fairly obvious the Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower boasts a 56-volt battery, which falls well within the standard range.

How to clean an electric lawn mower

To clean an electric lawn mower, first, make sure it is turned off, and the battery is removed if possible. The Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower battery does not come out. Then, use a brush and/or air compressor to remove any clippings or debris from the underside of the deck. Next, wipe down the mower with a damp cloth, being careful not to get any electrical components wet. Finally, if you took it out, replace the battery and store the mower in a dry, protected area.

Our review

I have been using the Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower for several months now, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. The mower cuts well at every setting, from the lowest height of 1 inch for a clean, golf course-style lawn to the highest height of 4 inches for more lush terrain.

The length settings are set in quarter-inch increments and can be adjusted quickly and easily with the lever located directly beside the seat on the right side of the body of the mower. This makes customizing the length for different parts of my lawn quite easy. So far, this sounds like any other riding lawnmower, right?

Well, it’s what it sounds like that really sets it apart – or, I should say, the lack thereof. When this Craftsman 56V MAX battery-powered brushless riding mower isn’t in mow mode, it’s silent.

No, no, I don’t mean quiet, I mean zero sound. One of the starkest differences is its complete lack of sound when powered on. Sometimes I don’t know if I turned it on or not. If I miss the two beeps indicating it’s on, I might never know.

To turn it on, the break must be depressed, which is easy to forget, given the aforementioned silence upon ignition. However, it doesn’t stay silent forever. Once those blades get going, we’re up and running, and I would say the cutting force feels comparable to that of a gas-powered motor.

That said, the noise level is less than that of its gassed-up counterparts. Don’t get me wrong, it’s loud, but not like you expect a lawnmower to be. My decibel levels are more than fine with my noise-canceling Airpods at mid-volume.

The battery life is impressive, lasting for the entirety of my.75-acre yard with power to spare. And because it’s cordless, I have the freedom to roam without worrying about getting tangled up or limited by cord length.

However, I must mention that in areas of dense, weedy grass, the mower can slow down or even shut off, requiring some extra maneuvering to get through. Additionally, the propel pedal (it’s not a “gas” pedal) and the reverse pedal are very sensitive, so it’s easy to take off pretty quickly if you press a little too hard too fast.

The blades cut the lawn just like I would expect. Rarely did I have to visit a spot twice, and those few times were when I had let the grass get exceedingly long for the purposes of this review. On my normal weekly mowing schedule, I never saw rouge rough spots in need of another run.

Craftsman 56V MAX Battery-Powered Brushless Riding Mower Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Easy to use and maintain
• Widely adjustable cutting height
• Blade width is generous
• Tight turning radius
• Battery life up to 90 minutes
• Fast charging time of 2 hours
• Price comparable to gas mowers the same size
• Suitable for average suburban-sized lawns

Cons:

• Somewhat tight legroom across the knees
• Not a zero turn
• Motor can slow down mowing tall, dense, weedy areas
• Very sensitive acceleration and deceleration until one gets comfortable with it