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How Long Does A Lawn Mower Battery Last?

Just how long does a lawnmower battery last? If you own a mower, then this is something that you are likely very curious about.

In general, owners of lithium-ion powered lawnmowers can expect 500 charge cycles or 3-5 years of operation. Those who own lead-acid powered mowers can expect their battery to last 3 to 5 years; however, with proper maintenance and routine checks, they can extend the life of their lead-acid battery to ~12 years.

It is now crucial to understand the answer to this question will inevitably vary as it is based on a multitude of factors, including the types of mowers. So, keep reading to learn pertinent facts about the predominant kinds of lawnmowers and their battery lifespans.

Lean About the Life Expectancy of Lawn Mower Batteries

Long gone are the days of riding mowers using pull-cord-style recoil starters. Most of the bigger riding mowers these days have a battery for starting up. Many even come equipped with basic alternators and voltage regulators to work as a functional charging system that keeps the battery juiced up.

Comparing lawn mower batteries to car batteries doesn’t always work precisely, considering how many differences there are. However, there are some definite similarities. For starters, many lawn mower batteries use cells that have lead plates that are submerged inside an acid electrolyte.

As the battery discharges, these plates get covered with sulfate, meaning the acid turns alkaline. As it is charged back up again, the plate sulfates return to the acid electrolyte, turning acidic once more. In both mower and car batteries, the antimony and acid content of a battery can eventually result in corrosion issues.

The lead-acid battery design used in many mowers and quite a few passenger vehicles is a technology roughly a century old. However, not all mowers use these kinds of batteries, so their lifespan varies.

Electric Lawn Mower Batteries Cost Each Battery’s Lifespan

If you care about the environment or just don’t want to deal with fossil fuels, cordless electric lawn mowers are certainly appealing. However, the lifespan of the batteries is a common concern, since replacement batteries are added expenses that usually surprise you.

Replacement batteries for electric mowers typically range from 60 up to 100, but they can go as high as 350 on select high-end models. Electric mower batteries usually last for 500 charges or 3 to 5 years. Having said that, some fail in just one year, while others have been known to last up to 7. When the battery no longer holds a charge as long as it used to, then you know it’s going bad.

While those are the general facts about electric lawn mower batteries, there are two predominant categories within this area, and each is described in more detail in the next two sections.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

These kinds of batteries were first developed by researchers in the 1980s before they started getting commercialized in everything from phones to mowers. These batteries are still advancing as a technology, leading to longer lives, more energy storage, and faster charging. These kinds of batteries typically run from 3 to 5 years, or 500 charging cycles, whichever comes first.

Lead Acid Batteries

These were invented back in 1859 and were the first rechargeable batteries to be commercially available. A full discharge strains the battery cells to the point that it never hits full capacity ever again, meaning that every discharge lowers the capacity ceiling. You can only expect 200 to 300 total charging cycles, usually in a 3 to 5-year lifespan, but some actually last up to 12 years.

Managing Your Lawn Mower Battery To Extend Your Battery Life

There are fortunately things you can do to help your batteries last longer. If your mower has brushless motors, then this helps out, since a brushless motor is only going to require the energy it needs at a particular moment.

For example, if you mow thick grass, this strains the motor more. A brushless motor will sense the additional strain and draw more juice from the battery for it. However, once that thick grass is cut, and the lawn thins out, a brushless motor will use less energy.

Storage

Lead-acid batteries aren’t as sensitive to changes in temperature as lithium-ion batteries, but both have preferred temperature ranges they work best in. Store both kinds of batteries indoors during winter, in a climate-controlled area if you can.

Lithium-ion batteries are best stored from 50 up to 75 F, whereas lead-acid batteries need to be in a range of 40 up to 75 F. Each kind of battery should be stored fully charged and kept fully juiced all through their storage season.

Charging Your Batteries

The reason for full charges in the case of lead-acid batteries is that they have a sort of ‘memory.’ A depleted lead-acid battery is never going back to a 100-percent charge.

Lithium-ion batteries, fortunately, do not have this ‘memory’ so they can be totally drained before they need to get charged back up; having said that, it’s best to do full charges and full depletions on lithium-ion batteries so that you can minimize how many charging cycles you use, which extends the life of the lithium-ion battery.

Is Your Lawn Mower Battery Dead for Now or Dead for Good?

The battery in your lawnmower can lose the charge it had in storage or when unused in a long drought. The first thing you should do is to let it charge for several hours. Proper maintenance of a totally charged battery can add years to its life.

If you can’t crank your mower engine, it cranks slowly, or you get a clicking noise, then you might have a dead battery. Locate it; it’s typically just under the seat. Use a wrench to tighten any loose cables.

If you have a wet-cell model, you can use a flathead screwdriver to remove any caps. If your water level isn’t full, refill the battery cells. However, only use distilled water, as tap water and other kinds of bottled water might have mineral content that can result in corrosion and less efficiency.

If you have a multimeter handy, you can use it to check the voltage of a battery for hard numbers. You might also be able to get the battery tested by a professional technician at an automotive or home and garden equipment store. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific facts particular to your make and model of a lawnmower to know things that apply only to you.

How Long Does A Lawn Mower Battery Last

There are roughly fifty million acres of grass in the US, and 21 million of those are lawns people mow. In fact, homeowners average over two hundred hours of lawncare per year, which would be around eight days if it all happened consecutively. That’s a lot of grass getting a lot of work for people and lawnmowers. So, how long does a lawnmower battery last? The average lifespan of a lawn mower battery is 3 to 5 years. A lawn mower battery can accept around 500 charges, with each charge lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cold weather will affect the longevity of the battery life by increasing the internal resistance and lowering capacity causing more frequent charging and wear out the battery quicker.

How Long Does A Lawn Mower Battery Last

Lawnmower batteries are relatively durable. importantly, they should hold a charge for a long time and last you several years. It’s worth getting insurance on larger batteries, so you don’t have to pay out of if they suddenly and unexpectedly need replacing. A standing battery-powered push mower is ideal for small to mid-size yards. Though you can undoubtedly find gas mowers, they aren’t good options. According to OnlyNaturalEnergy and the EPA, “…hour-for-hour, gasoline-powered lawn mowers produce 11 times as much pollution as a new car.” Luckily, battery mowers don’t put off toxic fumes, and they can accept around five hundred charges. That’s three to five years for a dedicated lawn lover. Alternately, a ride-on mower produces even more pollution when run on gas. Yet, it may surprise you to learn the batteries last approximately the same amount of time. It would be best if you replaced ride-on mower batteries once every four years or so, depending on how often you use your mower.

How Long Does A Battery Powered Lawn Mower Last

The battery itself is only a component of the whole machine, but how long with battery-powered mowers last? It might surprise you to learn that mowers last two to three times as long as the batteries inside. You should get a decade of service out of a well-cared-for electric mower. Naturally, if you replace parts, it can last a lot longer. Can you get your whole yard done on one charge? How long can you mow before your battery needs to be re-plugged? The answer to this is simple. Although it varies slightly based on the model, how cold it is outside, and how many times your battery has been charged and discharged, you should expect about an hour. Typically, we worry more about the batteries than the machine. Lawnmowers are durable, and most are well made. However, a shocking number of people are misusing their batteries, which leads to batteries dying far too early. Then the batteries take the blame when it’s actually a user error issue.

How Long Does A Lithium-Ion Battery Last In A Lawn Mower

One of the secrets to lithium-ion battery care is that you should never run rechargeables until they are entirely dead. Instead, stop and recharge well before your machines die to help maintain battery life. As Plarad Torque and Tension Systems point out, when you ‘kill’ the battery, it can reduce the ability to hold a charge in the future or even cause the battery to refuse to charge.

How Long Does A Lead Acid Battery Last In A Lawn Mower

Unfortunately, it is a common misconception that some or all batteries ‘need’ to be fully discharged. Like their Li-ion counterparts, a lead-acid battery is not made to be completely emptied. According to Rebel Cell, it can take irreversible damage if you discharge it more than fifty percent.

How Long Does A 40 Volt Lawn Mower Battery Last

A 40-volt lawn mower battery should last forty minutes or more per charge. You can count on having the same battery for several years as they often accept as many as five hundred recharges. If you were to mow once a week all year, that would mean eight to ten years of life. Sadly, many batteries become less effective at holding a charge over time. Plus, many lawns are large enough to require two or three charges to finish. It’s worth it for that gorgeous sea of green around your home, but a three-charge-per-lawncare-day battery will not last as many years as a once-every-ten-days lawn that is only green six months out of the year.

How Long Does A 12 Volt Lawn Mower Battery Last

The 12-volt battery in your riding lawn mower should last you around four years. However, some people choose to replace them more often because as they age, this battery style tends to hold a smaller charge. There’s nothing quite as infuriating as finishing two-thirds of the yard and having the mower die on you. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to keep a pair of batteries around, especially if you have a large yard.

How Long Does A Lawn Mower Battery Usually Last

Typical lawn mower batteries last for years. If you treat yours right and recharge it before it dies, you can look forward to using it for three to five years before it needs to be replaced. In some cases, you may even be able to get the battery refurbished to get more service out of it.

How Long Does A Ryobi Lawn Mower Battery Last

The average lifespan of a forty-volt Ryobi rechargeable battery is around three years. Naturally, this will depend somewhat on how often you mow your lawn and how you store and charge the battery. Cold climates tend to be harder on battery life. I suggest you pick up a great rechargeable Ryobi 40V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery OP4040 from Amazon. The onboard battery life indicator will ensure that you aren’t in the dark about how long your battery should last. Plus, these Li-ion batteries offer fade-free performance, so your last charge is as good as your first when appropriately used.

• This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box

Last update on 2023-07-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Long Does A John Deere Lawn Mower Battery Last

The John Deere company doesn’t make batteries. Fortunately, several companies make batteries specific to the different models of John Deere riding mowers. Naturally, a rechargeable is the best option.

The Amazon Mighty Max Battery ML-U1-CCAHR 12V 320CCA Battery for JohnDeere X320 300CCA Lawn Mower Brand Product is a superb choice to run your mower.

You’ll appreciate the high quality, and these batteries ship fast so you can get your yard under control.

• ML-U1 is a 12V 320 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Battery.
• Dimensions: 7.75 inches x 5.11 inches x 6.25 inches. Polarity: Positive on Left, Negative on Right. Listing is for the Battery and Screws only. No wire harness or mounting accessories included.
• SLA / AGM spill proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life and deep discharge recover.
• Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration. Long lasting high performance in high and low temperatures.
• 1 year warranty.

Last update on 2023-07-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Helpful Tips To Know About The Length Of Time A Lawn Mower Battery Lasts

Just as every yard is unique, all batteries are different. However, unlike your yard, a battery is made in a factory, and the components are standardized. This means that, while there is some variance from brand to brand, most batteries have a similar lifespan.

Here are more helpful tips to know about the length of time a lawnmower battery lasts.

• If you expose a Li-ion battery to intense sunlight or concentrated summer heat, it can cause the vent in the cell to release its electrolyte and hydrogen gas. If this happens, you need to stay away from it until it cools down and promptly replace the battery.

• You should never throw a battery, especially a large battery like those in lawnmowers, into the trash. Instead, please take it to a household hazardous waste disposal facility or an authorized recycler. While you’re at it, you can take in your used motor oil and recycle that as well.

• Cold weather affects battery life. As Next GenBattery briefly explains, “Cold temperature increases the internal resistance and lowers the capacity. A battery that provides 100 percent capacity at 80°F will typically deliver only 50 percent at 0°F. ” Lower capacity means more frequent recharging, which wears your batteries out faster.

Final Thoughts

Many things affect your lawn mower’s battery life. The type of battery, climate, terrain, and machine it powers all have an impact.

However, there are ways to extend your battery life. Proper charging also goes a long way toward helping you get the most out of your mower.

Finally, how you maintain and store your machinery and its power source can make more of a difference than you expect.

Treat your batteries right, and you shouldn’t have to worry about a dead mower when the lawn is halfway done.

My name is Drew Thomas and I’m the creator of Fun In the Yard, your one stop site for all your outdoor games, sports, party activities, outdoor gear, and lawn gardening tips.

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How Long Will an Electric Mower Last? Surprisingly durable!

From small manual mowers to giant lawn tractors, there are countless lawn mowers to choose from, and with so many shapes and sizes available, choosing the right one can sometimes feel like a chore in itself. However, with the surging gas prices, more and more people are starting to wonder if they should go electric, but how long will an electric mower last?

If bought new and maintained, most lawn mowers will last between 8 and 10 years. However, homeowners should be prepared to replace the battery in an electric mower after about five years.

Continue reading to learn more about electric mowers, including the pros and cons of owning one and things you should know before you buy one.

Electric Mowers — What Are They?

Electric lawnmowers are mowers that run on electricity. There are two types of electric mowers—corded and cordless. The difference between the two is fairly obvious: one has a cord, and the other does not. Corded mowers draw power from the power source that they are plugged into, while cordless mowers have batteries that must be charged in order to run.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types. While a corded mower is not limited by a battery charge, having to deal with a lengthy cord can be a pain. On the other hand, while you do not have to mess with a cord with a cordless machine, its running time is limited to how long the battery will hold a charge.

Pros and Cons of an Electric Mower

Although there has been a noticeable shift away from gas-powered machines in recent years, you might be surprised to know that electric mowers have been around since the 1930s. So why aren’t these handy little machines more popular? Perhaps the answer to that question lies within the pros and cons listed below.

Advantages of an Electric Mower

• Quiet
• Less Maintenance
• Lighter
• Cheaper
• Efficient
• Eco-friendly

Quiet

Electric mowers are much quieter than gas-powered mowers because they do not have a noisy engine. While this is obviously more peaceful, it might be better for your health as well. Electric mowers emit sounds at around 75 decibels, while most gas mowers run at 95 decibels. Sounds below 75 decibels are not harmful to your ears, while anything above 75 decibels may damage your hearing after prolonged exposure.

Cheaper Maintenance Costs

Although some maintenance tasks are universal across all models, electric mowers typically require less maintenance than gas mowers. For example, gas mowers require a lot of engine maintenance that electric mowers do not need, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements.

Lighter

Most electric mowers are lighter than their gas-powered counterparts and because of this, they are easier to handle, move, and maneuver around your lawn.

Cheaper Price Tag

While both options can be found in a variety of price ranges, electric mowers tend to be less expensive than gas-powered mowers. For example, the average price of an electric mower is between 250 and 580, while gas-powered mowers cost around 1,000 mark.

Cheaper to Run

With gas soaring, it seems obvious that gas-powered mowers are more expensive to run, but with electricity costs rising around the country as well, are you saving that much?

Well, last season I bought my father a new electric Husqvarna mower, I’d tune up his old gas mower at the start of each season so she’d run with one pull and while it was reliable, it was just too much work for him.

The electric is a gift, he’s not buying gas, fuel stabilizer, oil, spark plugs, air filters, and associated labor to fit, and not paying the associated labor with fitting, cleaning, and tuning. Electric mowers are a ton cheaper to maintain.

Consider a gas mower that needs a service every season, that costs about 90 depending on the size and model. We’ll need a fuel stabilizer for the season, and oil for top-ups, let’s call that 20.

Now let’s estimate the cost of gas per cut. Mower engines, gas tank sizes, gas and electricity will all affect our figures. Bear in mind these are ballpark figures. Better to be roughly right than exactly wrong if you know what I mean)

let’s consider you have a 1/4 acre lawn, and you have an average size gas-powered walk-behind mower.

Most mowers will cut a half-acre to a tank of gas. And a tank of gas is somewhere around a half-gallon (usually a little more, but let’s keep this simple.) And so, let’s say our mower will cut our 1/4 acre on a half tank of gas. With gas at 4 plus currently that’s somewhere around a dollar a cut.

Not bad, you might say, now lest consider what an electric mower might cost to cut the same lawn.

Most walk-behind electric mowers will run a 40v 5ah battery which is capable of cutting a 1/4 acre on one charge. To recharge said battery requires about 2 Kwh, and with electricity currently charged at 14 c per Kwh, that’s 28c.

Now let’s take a look at the running cost of both gas and electric mowers side by side:

Eco-Friendly

Besides being in many ways the cheaper choice, electric lawnmowers are also more eco-friendly than their gas-powered cousins. In fact, according to the California Air Resource Board, running a gas mower for one hour is equivalent to driving around 300 miles in a car!

Disadvantages of an Electric Mower

Battery Charge Time

Utilizing a battery instead of gasoline is one of the biggest advantages of these machines, but it is also a giant disadvantage as well. Most electric mowers have batteries that will last anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes before needing to be recharged, which can be a pain if it takes longer than that to mow your lawn.

Mobility

You can avoid recharging by opting for a corded mower but having a cord can significantly reduce your mobility. You must be aware of where the cord is always, and most cords span less than 1 acre.

Yard Limitations

The type of lawn that you have may or may not be suitable for an electric mower. Hills will drain the battery much quicker than flat terrain and electric mowers do not work well on long or coarse grasses. Additionally, if your lawn is over an acre, you may have to stop and recharge multiple times.

Less Powerful

Although many manufacturers will boast that their electric product is comparable to a gas-powered counterpart, this is simply not true. While there are many things to love about electric mowers, gas mowers are still king when it comes to sheer grunt.

Danger

This is an unfair disadvantage because all lawnmowers pose a certain level of danger to their riders/pushers. However, electric corded mowers have the added electrical element to worry about. Operators must be aware of their cord to ensure they do not run it over, and wet grass should be avoided all the time. Admittedly, battery-powered mowers don’t pose an electric shock risk.

Narrow Deck

The average deck size for an electric mower is between 19 and 21 inches. This is much smaller than the average gas-powered deck, which can range anywhere from 30 plus inches. So, not only are you limited by a battery, but you are cutting less grass on each pass as well.

Corded or Cordless — Which Electric Mower Is Better?

How Long Will a Cordless Mowers Battery Last?

For the most part, the life of your electric mower will depend on the life of its battery, and how long the battery will last will depend on several factors, such as:

• what type of battery it is,
• how the battery is cared for and maintained,
• how often you charge the battery,
• your charging habits,
• your lawn size and terrain,
• and how often you run your mower.

However, the average lifespan of a cordless mower’s battery is around 3 to 5 years.

How Long Will a Cordless Mowers Battery Stay Charged?

Again, this depends on several factors, such as the type of battery you are using and how you are using your machine. For example, lawns that have a lot of hilly areas may drain a battery faster than a level lawn would.

That being said, most batteries will last anywhere from forty-five minutes to upwards of two hours (for a top Lithium-ion battery).

Ways To Extend the Life of Your Electric Mower

Now that you have a basic idea of how long an electric mower will last you, let’s talk about ways that you can extend the life of your machine.

Charge the battery appropriately and make sure to follow the directions that come with your mower. There is a lot of science behind how and when a battery should be charged, including at what amperage is best to charge it, but what is best for your battery will depend on the type of battery you have. Make sure to research the battery and find out the best way to charge it.

Keep it dry. Nothing will kill an electric mower faster than water, especially if it gets into the electrical components of the machine. Do not mow after a rainstorm and watch out for dew and boggy areas. You should also keep the machine covered when it is not being used.

Keep it clean. Although water is a fear for electric machines, it is important to keep your mower clean and battery-free from corrosion. You can do this with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap, just make sure to use the least amount of water possible.

Do not push it. It is easy to lose track of time and forget to mow, but if you allow the grass to grow too long, you might strain your electric mower. Additionally, try not to mow on steep inclines as this will drain the battery much quicker.

Use a trickle charger. Trickle charges will not charge your battery as quickly, but you can place it on the charger and keep it warm and protect it against sulfation while it is not being used.

Make sure you store the battery away from harsh weather and bring it indoors during the colder seasons.

Keep up on the maintenance of your machine.

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Why You Shouldn’t Buy an Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Josh Hendrickson

@canterrain

Riding lawn mowers are great for making quick work of lawn care. But they’re loud, jerky, and chug through oil and gas. An electric riding lawn mower promises to solve all of that. But after two years of owning one, I’m here to say don’t make the mistake of buying one. At least not yet.

I’ve owned a variety of lawn mowers, both of the push and riding variety, and have tried both gas and electric options. I switched over to electric mowers years ago, first with my push mowers and then my rider. And while I absolutely loved my electric riding lawn mower in the beginning, now I’m sorry I bought it. The purchase feels like a mistake, and it’s all down to using old technology.

The Benefits of an Electric Mower

Although it’s easy to think an electric mower sounds like a dumb idea, that’s not true. Range really isn’t as much of an issue as you might assume. While corded electric mowers were once a thing, battery tech has come a long way. If you have an electric push mower, chances are a single battery can get through the average 1/4th acre yard found in the U.S., and if not, you can swap it out with another battery on the fly.

It helps that companies selling electric push mowers also typically sell other yard tools, like weed whips, that use the same batteries. It’s a lot like power tools at this point—stick with a brand, buy more batteries, and you’ll have plenty of juice for the job. And you get other benefits along the way.

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For one, whether we’re talking push or riding, electric mowers are much quieter thanks to skipping the traditional engine. Depending on your machine, the loudest part will be the blades themselves; you may not even need hearing protection as you do with conventional mowers. In the case of my riding lawn mower, I once helped out a neighbor who ran out of gas partway through a mowing job. When I started mowing, she grabbed my attention as though something was wrong. It turned out she thought I hadn’t started the blades on the machine because it was so quiet.

An electric mower is easier to use, too. No seriously. Think about all the times you’ve pulled the chain of a gas mower only to have to pull it again and then a third time. If you’re lucky, that’s all it took. Even with a riding lawn mower, you’ve probably dealt with getting everything set just right, so it starts when you turn the key. Electric mowers are nothing that. You push a button, and it just goes. Every single time, assuming you remembered to charge the battery.

On top of all that, while an electric mower is typically more expensive to purchase than a gas mower, it’s also less costly to use. Electricity is cheaper than gas, especially right now, and you won’t have to deal with oil. Depending on where you live, it’ll cost you pennies to mow your lawn with an electric mower.

When I first purchased my electric riding lawn mower, I loved it for all these reasons. It starts quickly, it’s quiet, it doesn’t cost much to run, and it felt like I finished mowing the lawn faster than with my old gas-riding lawn mower.

But two years later, I’m not so in love with it anymore.

The Problem With Most Electric Riding Lawn Mowers

The first year and a half I owned my riding lawn mower, I loved the thing. But starting this summer, I changed my mind. In fact, I can’t in good conscience advise anyone to buy an electric riding mower right now. You should not buy one at all. You’re better off with a gas mower, at least for the next few years.

Why did I change my mind so much? The batteries. When you buy an electric push mower, you get a nice set of easy-to-change long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. But that’s not the case with an electric riding mower. Instead, most currently use a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery. You’re probably already familiar with SLA batteries—there’s one in your car. Yes, it’s the same kind of battery your car uses. And chances are, if you have a gas riding mower, it also uses one as well!

But there’s a big difference between how your gas riding mower, your car, and an electric riding mower use that battery. In very basic terms with the former two, the battery starts the engine before the gas components take over to keep things going. After that, the battery powers other electrical functions, like those useless headlights on your mower.

Electric riding mowers are entirely reliant on SLA batteries. In the case of my machine, it houses four SLA batteries under the seat, and they all work together to provide 48 volts or about an “hour of run time.” My mower promises to get through an acre before needing a recharge, but I can tell you from my experience that’s inaccurate. It’s probably something closer to 3/4ths of an acre.

So what’s bad about that? Well, SLA batteries are, frankly, terrible. They don’t last long at all and are easy to damage. They work well enough in a car (though some people might disagree) because most people drive their vehicles daily. But you probably don’t mow your lawn every day, and you definitely don’t during the winter.

And therein lies the problem. Buy any electric mower with an SLA battery, and you’ll find heavy warnings:

Always connect the mower to the charger when the unit is not in use. If it is not possible to leave the mower charger connected, make sure to charge the batteries fully at least once a month.

Unlike other battery tech, SLA batteries need to remain charged, and letting them drop below 50% can damage them. They don’t do well with cold either. Ignore those warnings, and you can kill batteries. Or the batteries may not hold a charge anymore. We tried our best to keep to those rules, but our batteries aren’t working correctly two years later.

I think range issues ended up killing the batteries. Our mower is rated for a full acre before needing a recharge, but it’s realistically closer to 3/4ths an acre. We have a half acre of land, so just mowing the lawn regularly drained the battery below 50%. Again, going below 50% can deplete an SLA battery’s recharge life.

From the information I’m now getting from the battery indicator display, I can tell two of the four batteries are dead. That tracks, as when I get the mower to start (it now takes several tries), I only get half the range I had when I first bought the mower. Two years in, and my electric mower needs two new SLA batteries—that’ll cost around 480 to swap out. And doing so requires a tricky procedure that entails taking apart the mower, dragging a heavy tray back, avoiding toppling the mower over in the process, then avoiding shorting out the system since the four batteries are tied together. It’s not pretty.

I spent over 2,000 on a mower that’s now half as useful as it once was, and I’ll spend hundreds more getting it back into shape. Only to have to repeat the process two years from now. That same mower now costs even more than when I first purchased it. A gas mower would be better. You might be wondering if better electric riding mowers are on the way, and the answer is yes. But it’s not all good news.

The Future of Electric Riding Lawn Mowers

Obviously, the biggest complaint and downfall of most current electric riding lawnmowers is the reliance on SLA batteries. And if that’s the case, the solution is, in theory, pretty easy—switch to Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. You probably own devices that already use Li-ion batteries. Do you have a smartphone, cordless drill, true wireless earbuds, or an electric vehicle? All of those use Li-ion batteries.

It’s not surprising that so many gadgets made that choice either because Li-ion solves many of the problems plaguing SLA batteries. It doesn’t damage them to drain the battery to zero (at least not as much), you can keep them charged all the time (modern tech prevents “overcharging”), it doesn’t suffer from “memory issues,” and as much it’s generally longer lasting. With a Li-ion battery-powered electric mower, you won’t have to worry about maintaining charge as much or plugging in over the winter.

So what’s the catch? Price. Electric riding mowers are already expensive. You’ll pay over 2,000 for a model that promises to mow just one acre on a charge, more if you need something that can handle a bigger yard. Compared to other similar riding mowers, that’s a 20% premium. But if you want to buy a Li-ion electric riding mower, the price goes way up.

Ryobi only recently started selling its first Li-ion options, and the starting price is a wallet-busting 6,000. That giant price gets you a mower that only promises to mow around an acre of land on a single charge. And remember, companies tend to overpromise and underdeliver on charge claims. When it comes time to recharge, you’ll need to wait an hour and a half to get back to a full charge. You can buy a model with more range, but each step up adds another 1,000 to the price.

Other mowers either go for a similar price or come from lesser-known manufacturers. The most affordable entry I can find is a Craftsman, tipping the scales at 3,000. But scroll through the reviews, and any Комментарии и мнения владельцев not tagged as a promotion are pretty negative.

For that kind of money, you can buy professional-grade gear that’ll cut your lawn in a fraction of the time.

The bottom line is until come down and enough time has passed to prove reliability; you probably shouldn’t drop a ton of cash on a Li-ion electric riding mower. Push mowers, on the other hand, are a solid bet. Those work well and won’t break the bank. For now, electric riding mowers just aren’t worth the money, despite their benefits. They’ll either cost way too much up front, or cost too much down the road as you replace batteries again and again.

Josh Hendrickson Josh Hendrickson is the Editor in Chief of Review Geek and is responsible for the site’s content direction. He has worked in IT for nearly a decade, including four years spent repairing and servicing computers for Microsoft. He’s also a Smart home enthusiast who built his own Smart mirror with just a frame, some electronics, a Raspberry Pi, and open-source code. Read Full Bio »