Best Electric Lawn Mower for Every Size of Yard

Mowing a yard can be a hefty chore, and gas push mowers are heavy, loud, and not always that easy to use. When I rented a house with a quarter-acre yard, I bought an electric push mower instead. That mower was much easier to use. I loved that I could use its push button start instead of struggling with a pull cord, and there were no gasoline, emissions, or engine smells to deal with. The mower was corded, and while I’d opt for a battery powered mower if I bought a second electric one today, it really did a great job with the lawn and never felt underpowered.

Electric lawn mowers offer many advantages when you’re mowing a smaller lawn like mine. They’re convenient, quiet, and easy to use. But it’s also important to buy an electric mower that’s best suited to your yard and your preferences. I asked equipment and landscaping experts about what you need to know when buying an electric mower. Read on for their advice, and then review our picks for the best electric lawn mower to help guide you as you shop.

Our top picks for the best electric lawn mowers

Best electric lawn mower for most people: EGO Power+ 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower

EGO Power+ 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower

buy on ace

This mower features a lithium battery that provides up to 55 minutes of run time on a single charge. Its cutting height of 1.25 to four inches will work well for most lawns, and the brushless motor is designed to create low vibration. It also features other helpful design elements like its LED headlights and the ability to fold up for convenient storage.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 21 inches
• Weight: 60.26 pounds
• Cutting Options: Mulching, bagging, side discharge
• Adjustable Cutting Height: 1.25 to 4 inches
• Price on Publish: $449.00

Pros:

• Features seven position-cutting height adjustments
• Includes bright LED headlights 
• Runs up to 55 minutes on a battery charge

Cons:

With its 55-minute run time and features like LED headlights and low-vibration motor, this lawn mower is suitable for most lawns.

Best electric riding lawn mower: EGO Power+ ZT4205S

EGO Power+ ZT4205S

amazon

$5,999.00

This zero-turn mower gives you agility and plenty of power. The included four batteries are capable of mowing up to 2.5 acres before you have to recharge, plus you can add on more batteries to extend the range. Since the batteries are compatible with all EGO tools and chargers, you can easily swap them back and forth. The mower also includes 32 LED lights, an LCD interface with three driving modes, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth capability.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 42 inches
• Weight: 651 pounds
• Cutting Options: Side discharge, mulching, bagging
• Adjustable Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches
• Price on Publish: $5,499.00

Pros:

• Precision steering
• Capable of cutting up to 2.5 acres on a single charge
• Reaches speeds up to eight miles per hour
• Adjustable seat suspension for comfort

Cons:

• Expensive
• Battery recharge time isn’t specified

The bottom line:

This zero turn mower features three driving modes and batteries capable of mowing up to 2.5 acres before you need to stop to recharge, so it’s suitable for larger properties.

Best electric lawn mower for a small yard: Wild Badger Lawn Mower 40V Brushless 18” Cordless

Wild Badger Lawn Mower 40V Brushless 18” Cordless

Lowe's

$230.91

amazon

$272.00$230.91

This electric mower is battery-powered and features a brushless motor for increased power. The battery delivers up to a half-hour of runtime, though it can also be recharged in just 60 minutes if you have additional mowing to do. The mower features a foldable handle and design, so you can store the mower in five seconds.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 18 inches
• Weight: 37.5 pounds
• Cutting Options: Bagging, side discharge
• Adjustable Cutting Height: 0.98 to 3.14 inches
• Price on Publish: $230.91

Pros:

• Five cutting height adjustments
• Collapsible for space-saving storage
• 11-gallon collection bag for a cleaner lawn
• Backed by a three-year warranty

Cons:

• Only runs for up to 30 minutes on a single charge

The bottom line:

This battery-powered lawn mower operates for up to half an hour on a single battery charge, and it folds up for space-saving storage.

Best cordless electric lawn mower: Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless Lawn Mower

Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless Lawn Mower

amazon

$299.00$249.99

Weighing less than 40 pounds, this cordless push mower is suitable for yards up to half an acre. It’s capable of mowing for up to 45 minutes at a time, and the five height adjustments let you choose the mowing height that’s right for your yard. The included 40V battery is compatible with more than 75 other Greenworks products, too, and holds a charge for up to a year.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 16 inches
• Weight: 37.5 pounds
• Cutting Options: Mulching, bagging
• Adjustable Cutting Height: 1 ¼  to 3 ⅜ inches
• Price on Publish: $299.00

Pros:

• Up to 45 minutes of runtime on a single battery charge
• Handles collapse for easy storage
• Three-year tool and battery warranty

Cons:

• Mower isn’t self-propelled
• Takes up to 120 minutes to recharge

The bottom line:

This cordless mower can handle yards of up to half an acre and features five height adjustments plus collapsible handles for convenient storage.

Best self-propelled electric lawn mower: Greenworks 48V 21” Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

Greenworks 48V 21” Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

amazon

$471.26

While Greenworks no longer makes the smaller mower that I owned, this mower appears to be a larger, cordless version of it. This self-propelled electric mower is equipped with two batteries, so you can use it for up to 45 minutes at a time. It features seven cutting height positions and has LED headlights for mowing in low light conditions. Its mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge functions make it versatile, and its turbo setting can also be used to pick up leaves from the lawn. While many electric mowers fold up for storage, this mower folds and can be stored vertically to save even more space.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 21 inches
• Weight: 77 pounds
• Cutting Options: Mulch, rear bagging, side discharge, turbo leaf pickup
• Adjustable Cutting Height: 1 ⅜ to 4 inches
• Price on Publish: $399.99

Pros:

• Self propulsion can navigate hills of up to 20 degrees
• Runs for up to 45 minutes
• Turbo button increases power by 20% for leaf pickup
• Folds up for storage

Cons:

• Expensive
• Battery recharge time isn’t specified

The bottom line:

This self-propelled mower includes two batteries for long-lasting power, plus it folds up and can be stored vertically if you have limited floor space in your shed or garage.

Best corded electric lawn mower: BLACK+DECKER 15 in. 10 AMP Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower

BLACK+DECKER 15 in. 10 AMP Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower

The Home Depot

$152.24

amazon

$200.43

This corded mower is suitable for smaller yards of a quarter acre or less. It’s affordably priced and features six grass height adjustments. Equipped with rugged wheel treads, the mower can navigate thick grass, and it features a winged blade for better grass collection as you mow. It can be paired with extension cords measuring up to 50 feet long.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 15 inches
• Weight: 40.4 pounds
• Cutting Options: Bagging
• Adjustable Cutting Height: One to three inches
• Price on Publish: $156.95

Pros:

• Winged blade helps maximize grass collection
• Comfort grip handles 
• Two-year limited warranty

Cons:

• Maximum extension cord length is 50 feet
• Suitable for yards a quarter acre or less

The bottom line:

This push mower is suitable for yards up to a quarter acre, and it features rugged wheel reads and six cutting height adjustments ranging from one to three inches.

Best value electric mower: BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Compact Lawn Mower

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Compact Lawn Mower

BLACK+DECKER

$167.99

amazon

$159.99$148.00

If you have a small property, this electric mower delivers excellent value. It converts from a mower to a trimmer and is ideal for spaces up to 750 square feet. Weighing just 9.9 pounds, it’s easy to push, and the pivoting handle enhances its maneuverability so you can navigate around grills, outdoor furniture, and other obstacles. The included two batteries extend its run time, and the power drive transmission provides the strength needed to cut most grass types.

Specifications

• Cutting Width: 12 inches
• Weight: 9.9 pounds
• Cutting Options: Mow, trim, edge
• Adjustable Cutting Height: 1.6 to 2.4 inches
• Price on Publish: $167.99

Pros:

• Converts to a mower, trimmer, and edger
• Very lightweight
• Includes two batteries
• Power drive transmission for extra strength

Cons:

• Small 12-inch cutting width

The bottom line:

This electric mower also converts to a trimmer or edger, making it ideal for smaller lawns where a versatile and powerful tool is needed.

What to look for when buying an electric lawn mower

Cutting width and height

Jason Farrell, an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified master technician at Mechanic’s Diary, notes that there are several important factors to consider when choosing an electric lawn mower. “The cutting width and height should match the size of your lawn,” Farrell says. “Adjustable height is convenient for maintaining different lengths of grass.”

Optional cutting features

Farrell notes that optional cutting features, including mulching, bagging, and side discharge features, allow you to customize the clipping based on your yard. Such features can potentially save you time and result in a neater yard.

Mower weight

While it might be tempting to choose a lighter weight mower for its ease of handling, Farrell explains that heavy-duty models are better able to tackle larger yards. “Consider both your mower strength and property size,” he recommends.

Battery voltage

Additionally, evaluate your yard size and how you’ll be using your lawn mower when deciding on the best voltage. “Higher power ensures you finish without interruptions,” Farewell says. “I advise measuring square footage to estimate runtime needs.”

Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping Inc., states that 40v mowers are usually capable of handling lawns up to ¼ acre in size. For larger yards, an 80v mower offers the extra power necessary.

Choosing a mower capable of handling your whole lawn in one go is convenient. If you anticipate needing to recharge your mower, then pay careful attention to its recharge time, too.

Self-propelled or push

Push mowers tend to be lightweight, but they also require you to physically push them as you mow. This may be fine for smaller yards, but if you have a larger mowing job, a self-propelled mower can help to make mowing easier and save you some energy.

Maintenance

Consider the ease of maintenance, too. Look for a mower with components such as blades and batteries that can be easily removed and replaced. You’ll also want to make sure that you can easily buy replacement parts as needed.

Electric lawn mower maintenance for longevity

“While electric mowers need less scheduled service than gas, regular upkeep keeps them running smoothly season after season,” explains Farrell. “Check that blades spin freely and housing internals stay clear of debris.”

McLeod recommends regularly cleaning the mower underside to help prevent grass buildup, as well as checking for firmware updates for mowers that support them. “Ensuring that the blades are sharp and the battery is properly charged and stored can greatly extend the life of the mower,” he says.

How I selected the best electric lawn mowers

In choosing the best electric lawn mowers, I considered the features that the experts highlighted as well as my own experience with electric mowers, including factors like:

Type and size of yard

I looked for a variety of machines, including self-propelled and push mowers. I also evaluated factors like each mower’s battery size and capacity, as well as the battery recharge time to cover different yard sizes.

Quality brands

Additionally, I tried to include products from reputable manufacturers and checked to see if replacement parts, including batteries and blades, were available.

Features

I also looked for features like different blade adjustment heights, bagging and mulching capabilities, and foldable storage designs that would make the mowers suitable for many different yards.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does an electric lawn mower work well?

“In my portfolio, I’ve worked with various electric mowers across different properties, and I’ve seen a substantial improvement in their performance over the years,” says McLeod. “Modern electric mowers can indeed handle long grass and other challenging tasks, but select a model that matches the demands of your yard.”

How big of a yard can an electric mower handle?

Farrell recommends using electric mowers for lawns up to half an acre. If your yard is larger, you may need to plan to buy an 80v mower and schedule to recharge it before completing the whole mowing job.

How long do electric mowers last?

The exact lifespan of your mower will depend on the model you choose, how frequently and heavily you use it, and how well you maintain it. “With basic cleaning and lubrication following manufacturers’ recommendations, [electric mowers will] provide several years of reliable trimming,” says Farrell.

Will an electric mower cut long grass?

Yes, electric mowers can cut long grass. Farrell recommends cutting longer grass down frequently and steadily in sections. Longer grass is more challenging, so it will drain your mower battery faster than cutting shorter grass.

Is a 40v or 80v lawn mower better?

“From my experience running a landscaping business, I’ve observed that a 40v mower is generally sufficient for small to medium-sized lawns (up to a quarter acre), offering a lightweight option with good maneuverability,” explains McLeod. He recommends an 80v mower for larger yards or tougher conditions since it provides the extra power that you’ll need for uneven or difficult terrain.