The 11 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2023

When researching the best electric lawn mowers, we evaluated products based on their motor type, power source, cutting width, special features, and overall performance. We also tested several in our own backyards. Here are the best electric lawn mowers to keep your yard looking neat and well-maintained.

Electric lawn mowers have many advantages over gas-powered models . For example, electric models don’t release exhaust fumes and can be significantly quieter and easier to operate, resulting in a much more pleasant mowing experience all around. “Electric lawn mowers come with many features to help owners stay safe, comfortable, and productive,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

If the mower encounters an obstacle, it will simply back away. For more precise detection, an additional collision is available at an additional cost. It can also be programmed to avoid certain areas of your yard. When the Landroid detects rain or the battery runs low, it will return to the docking to either recharge or wait until the lawn is dry. With all of these features, the Landroid Robotic Mower is certainly worthy of its steep price tag. One thing worth noting is that even though this robotic option gets fairly close to the edges of a yard, you’ll likely need a string trimmer for touch-ups every so often.

Tired of mowing the lawn? This fully automated, robotic lawn mower does all of the work for you. It can mow medium-sized lawns up to 1/4 acre in size. To set it up, you’ll need to put down a boundary wire around your yard and connect the mower to the app. You can start or stop the machine, set up a mowing schedule, and check the mowing progress via the app. The Landroid is equipped with an 8-inch cutting width, the height of which can be adjusted between 1.9 and 3.5 inches. Two brushless wheel motors give it enough traction to navigate 20-degree slopes.

The Makita Push Lawn Mower has an 18-inch commercial-grade steel deck for optimal durability. It features a wide range of cutting heights—10 settings ranging from 0.81 to 3 inches. Though it performs well on most turf types, this mower may struggle a bit in overgrown grass. It has the ability to bag, mulch, or rear-discharge clippings. There’s even a quiet mode so you can mow your lawn without disturbing your neighbors.

If you’re looking for a cordless, battery-powered option, this push mower from Makita won’t disappoint. The brushless motor is incredibly powerful, delivering up to 3,300 RPM. This tool is powered by two 18-volt batteries, but four batteries are included, so you can swap them out for extended run time. All together, the batteries deliver up to 43 minutes of runtime. The handlebar has a rubberized grip for user comfort, and the handles fold for compact storage.

Other convenient features include cruise control, LED headlights, and USB charging. Since it contains fewer moving parts than a traditional riding mower, this unit is easier to maintain. However, we have read some complaints that the seat becomes uncomfortable if you’re mowing for long stretches. This mower lacks a mulch setting, however, and a bagging attachment that side-discharges grass clippings is sold separately.

With three brushless motors, the RYOBI 38-inch Electric Riding Lawn Mower offers all of the power of a gas model without the harmful fumes and noise pollution. In fact, this unit is practically whisper-quiet when the blades aren’t engaged, and it can travel at up to 8 miles per hour. What’s more, it can run for up to two and half hours on a single charge, allowing you to mow up to 2.5 acres in one swoop. The 38-inch deck offers 12 different cutting heights for a perfectly manicured lawn, and it powers through thick grass with ease.

A nonslip grip handle makes the mower comfortable to push, and it collapses for convenient storage. At 30 pounds, it is lightweight and fairly easy to maneuver. However, we have read some complaints that its smaller-sized wheels hinder its maneuverability over rough ground and in narrow spaces. As with any corded model, you’ll have to be diligent about keeping the cord from tangling or unplugging–and avoid running it over. Note that this mower requires a 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord, which is not included.

Although it requires a bit more manpower than most other options, we think the Sun Joe is an excellent choice for a push mower. It boasts a powerful 13-amp motor that performs well on dense grass. Its durable steel blades cut a precise 14-inch path, and the cutting height is adjustable from 1 inch to 2.25 inches. This mower is equipped with a 10.6-gallon bag for grass clippings. You also have the option to side-discharge clippings from a rear-mounted chute.

This battery-operated mower can run for up to 42 minutes per charge, which is on the lower end of the spectrum. However, the Ryobi is equipped with an onboard battery storage compartment. If you purchase a second battery, you can swap it out mid-task to extend the runtime. You have the option to bag and mulch with this mower, but the side-discharge accessory is sold separately. We have read some reports that say the mower stopped working within a short period of time. Be sure to take advantage of the five-year warranty if you encounter any problems or defects.

This electric lawn mower from Ryobi features a self-propelled design that makes it easy for homeowners to navigate larger yards and hilly terrain. For added convenience, the self-propulsion can be adjusted to match the user’s pace. It has a 20-inch deck with seven cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 in. to 4 inches, allowing you to cut most turf with ease. Other convenient features include LED headlights for nighttime mowing and collapsible telescoping handles for compact storage.

This electric lawn mower is able to bag, mulch, or side-discharge clippings, but you will have to purchase the bagging unit separately. The extra-wide cutting deck offers 12 cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, for a clean, even cut on almost any lawn. Other convenient features include a battery-level indicator, unit-hour meter, USB charging port, LED lights, and cruise control. The mower comes with a towing hitch and tow assembly hardware. It also has a rear charging port that’s easily accessible, and despite its size, it can be charged via a standard 120-volt outlet.

If you’re looking to splurge on a battery-powered riding mower, the RYOBI 42-Inch Electric Zero-Turn Mower is a solid choice—especially if you have a large yard. This mower can tackle more than two acres on a single charge, and it can run for two and a half hours without compromising power. Four brushless motors provide incredible power, yet this mower is very quiet and only emits 70 dB of sound. Its zero-turn radius makes it incredibly easy to maneuver around obstacles, and it has a padded seat that is comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time.

This mower has six height adjustments, and you can easily add more torque with the turn of a knob. It also has the ability to mulch or bag grass clippings , and you can easily gauge when the bag is full, thanks to its transparent plastic top. Keep in mind that this compact model is best-suited for smaller jobs, so you will need to limit your expectations when it comes to performance. According to some reports that we read, it has difficulty powering through tough grass, and it sometimes stalls on lips and edges.

The Worx Power Share Battery Walk-Behind Mower has a 14-inch cutting deck that can cut up to 0.12 acres per charge, making it an ideal choice for smaller yards. At 29 pounds, it’s light enough for almost any user to handle. This unit is equipped with two batteries and a dual charging port to maximize the recharging time. For added convenience, there’s an on-board battery charge indicator that lets you know when you’re running out of juice. Another great thing about these batteries is that they’re compatible with a variety of other Worx tools.

This mower includes one battery that can run up to 40 minutes, allowing you to cut up to 0.33 of an acre on a single charge. (However, we have read some complaints of it running out of juice in half that time). Its 10-inch rear wheels provide excellent traction on tough terrain without tearing up your lawn. Other impressive features include a self-propelled transmission that automatically adjusts to your walking pace. Thanks to a quick-connect bagging system, you can easily switch from mulching to bagging. Despite its heavy weight, the Toro Recycler Walk Behind Mower is easy to maneuver, and it folds up compactly to minimize its storage footprint.

With a 22-inch deck and a three-phase brushless motor that optimizes RPM and torque, this cordless, walk-behind mower from Toro delivers a powerful performance. It offers an array of advanced features for hassle-free mowing, which certainly justify its fairly steep price tag. Nine cutting positions, ranging in height from 1 to 4 inches, ensure a precise cut, even in tight spaces. Plus, Toro’s patented Vortex Technology allows more air into the cutting chamber, resulting in finer grass clippings and a healthier lawn.

The Snapper XD 82V MAX features seven cutting heights, from 1.38 inches to 3.75 inches, allowing you to mow most turf with ease. Large, 10-inch wheels provide stability and improve traction. Thanks to a convenient three-in-one design, it can mulch, bag, or discharge grass clippings on either side. Though a stellar performer when it comes to power and user comfort, it’s worth noting that we have read a few complaints that the sliding handle mechanism is a bit sticky, which can make it feel jerky while changing the pace.

This cordless electric lawn mower from Snapper is incredibly powerful, putting it on par with some heftier gas-powered models. It’s equipped with advanced technology that makes it worthy of its steep price tag. A step-sense system adjusts the mower’s self-propelled speed to match your mowing pace. The mower also increases its pace, the harder you push for maximum efficiency. With an impressive 21-inch swath, the Snapper XD covers a wide area in one pass, making short work of a large yard. Two batteries give it up to 60 minutes of runtime. At 72 pounds, this mower is quite heavy, but the self-propelled feature makes it easy to maneuver, once you get the hang of it.

Greenworks’ budget-friendly electric lawn mower also earns top marks for its ease of use and maneuverability. While testing, we found that this easy-to-push powerhouse maneuvered across the yard with no difficulty, and were able to reach the edges and corners of the yard with the 20-inch deck. It’s important to note that this mower must be used with a 14-gauge 50-foot extension cord or a 12-gauge 100-foot extension cord (not included). Being tethered to a cord may feel cumbersome, especially if you’re accustomed to cordless mowers. However, the cord-restraint system helps keep the plug connected and free from hang-ups.

This mower has a three-in-one system that allows you to remove grass clippings via a mulch plug, side discharge, or rear-mounted bag. We tested this mower in a real-world setting and were particularly impressed with the grass catcher bag: We found it simple to detach and reattach and were able to accommodate all the yard waste from a full mowing session. We also appreciated the height-adjustable handlebar, which folds down for compact storage when not in use.

The Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower is affordably priced and comes with a nice selection of convenient features. The 20-inch cutting deck offers seven different position adjustments, from 1.5 to 3.75 inches, allowing you to mow edges and tighter spaces. Plus, the 12-amp motor is powerful enough for tough cutting and mulching. Since this model is corded, you also have the benefit of unlimited runtime, so you don’t have to stop mid-mowing to wait for a battery to charge.

This mower’s advanced battery technology is on par with some gas-powered models, and it eliminates fumes and reduces noise. However, we have read some reports that say the drive motor is noisier than expected. Also, keep in mind that this unit is made of plastic, which is not quite as sturdy as metal (however, the lightweight construction doesn’t negatively impact its performance).

We appreciate that the handle folds up compactly for easy storage. Other convenient features include a push-button start, LED headlights, user-friendly controls, and a generously sized grass-collection bag. As opposed to manual mode, it’s worth noting that the self-propelled feature cuts the battery life in half. You might want to purchase an additional battery to avoid running out of juice in the middle of a job.

The EGO POWER+ 21″ Self-Propelled Mower earns our top spot due to its powerful yet quiet operation and ease of use. This battery-powered model can run for up to an hour on a full charge, and the battery recharges rapidly within 60 minutes. It maneuvers easily thanks to a self-propelled design, and the cutting power automatically increases on tougher terrain. The self-propel feature can be adjusted between 0.9 and 3.1 miles per hour to match the user’s pace. With six cutting heights, the adjustable blades deliver a precise cut that leaves your lawn looking flawless .

Final Verdict

The EGO POWER+ 21″ Self-Propelled Mower earns our top spot, because it offers up to an hour of uninterrupted runtime, and it’s easy to maneuver around your lawn. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower, is extremely powerful and has the advantage of unlimited runtime, though you’ll have to navigate around an extension cord.

The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers

What to Look for in an Electric Lawn Mower

Mower Type

Electric mowers fall into four main categories: push, self-propelled, riding, and robot mowers. Choosing the right model depends on the size of your lawn, budget, and how much labor you’re willing to put in. 

Push mowers require that you walk behind them and manually propel them. Since they lack many of the features that you’ll find on more advanced electric lawn mowers, push mowers tend to cost significantly less. Push mowers also require the most amount of labor, making them an ideal choice for small to medium-sized yards with relatively flat terrain. 

Self-propelled mowers are equipped with technology that propels the wheels as you mow. These mowers are often significantly pricier than push mowers, but they require a lot less effort on the user’s part. A self-propelled mower is a great choice for medium-sized to large lawns with sloped or uneven terrain. 

An electric riding mower is the most powerful option—and likewise the most expensive. Users must either sit or stand on the machine in order to operate it. With an ultra-wide cutting swath and the ability to navigate difficult terrain, a riding mower is well-suited for large yards with steeper slopes. 

Robot lawn mowers are typically programmed through an app, allowing them to operate autonomously with little to no effort. Some initial setup is required, but a robot mower can be programmed to mow your lawn automatically, avoid collisions and inclement weather, and more. Although they’re incredibly convenient, robotic models also have a shorter runtime and a smaller cutting width swath, limiting their use to smaller yards. Our top choice in this category, the Worx WR147 Landroid Robotic Mower, is almost 100 percent autonomous once it’s been set up.

Power Source

Cordless electric lawn mowers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. A cordless model gives you more flexibility and portability because it doesn’t restrict your movement. However, you will have to be mindful of the battery life, which typically runs down between 30 and 60 minutes. Some cordless electric mowers come with extra batteries that can be swapped out to extend their runtime. You could also purchase a second battery to increase the operating time. That way, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-task. Our top choice for a cordless model, Makita 18-Volt X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower, includes an extra set of batteries so users can mow longer without having to recharge. 

The biggest advantage to a corded electric lawn mower is that it provides unlimited power. Corded models typically cost less than their battery-operated counterparts. However, your movement is restricted to the cord’s length. A corded mower must be used with a heavy-duty extension cord, which is often sold separately. Most manufacturers recommend a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord, but you should always refer to the owner’s manual to ensure safe operation.

Deck Size

Deck size refers to the width of the mower, and determines how wide a path it can cut. A wider deck size results in a wider cutting swath, allowing you to cover a larger area in one pass. The standard deck size on both push and self-propelled mowers typically ranges from 13 to 22 inches. Robotic mowers usually have a much smaller cutting deck between 5 and 10 inches. Riding mowers, on the other hand, can have a deck size as wide as 54 inches. A riding mower is best-suited for large lawns that normally take a good deal of time to mow. Our top pick for a riding mower, the RYOBI 100 AH 38″ Electric Riding Mower at Amazon, has a 38-inch deck and 12 cutting heights to make short work of a big job.

Motor Power and Type

Cordless electric mowers that run on batteries produce anywhere from 18 to 20 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the motor will run on a single charge. Likewise, a mower with a higher voltage will allow you to cover more ground in one pass. Higher voltage is usually necessary to mow large lawns and generate enough torque to cut through tall, dense grass. 

The amp rating is also important in determining how powerful an electric lawn mower is. For example, a 12-amp electric mower can power through tough grass, while a 6-amp model would struggle. A corded electric lawn mower typically draws between 6 and 13 amps from a standard outlet. The battery on most cordless models delivers about 18 amps per hour. Our top choice for a push model, the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower, has a 13-amp motor that performs well in dense grass.

Brushless vs. Brushed Motor

Brushless motors are more efficient, because they don’t lose much energy through friction and heat, both of which could potentially damage the motor. Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing brushes when they wear out. All of these factors contribute to a more reliable performance and less maintenance. 

Brushed motors, on the other hand, generate more heat, which explains their tendency to stall and overheat. Although brushed motors are more affordable upfront, you may pay more for maintenance in the long run. You’ll also need to replace worn-out brushes as needed, which is an additional expense.

The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau

Standout Features

Grass Bag Catcher

A grass bag catcher attaches to the side or rear of a lawn mower and collects grass clippings. While the grass is being cut, clippings are automatically transferred into the bag. This is a convenient feature because it saves you from having to bag or clean up the clippings yourself. With a grass-catching bag, your lawn will look neat and well-maintained after mowing.  

Mulcher

An electric lawn mower with mulching capabilities will chop grass up finely and drop the clippings back onto the lawn. As the clippings decompose, they release nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, into the soil. Since mulching naturally improves the health of your lawn, it may need fewer fertilizer treatments. 

Adjustable Cutting Height

Most electric lawn mowers have an adjustable cutting height, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, which allows users to cut a variety of grasses and tackle tall, overgrown lawns. As a general rule of thumb, the ideal height for cool-season grass is about 2 1/2 inches. When mowing, you should only remove about the top third of the grass blades.

FAQ

• What is the life expectancy of an electric lawn mower?

  “The lifespan of an electric lawn mower varies, based on make, model and consumer care practices,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Just like other outdoor equipment, with proper maintenance, charging, and battery storage practices, then the electric lawn mower can easily meet the user’s expectations.”

• Do electric lawn mowers require maintenance?

  All lawn mowers should be properly maintained according to manufacturer guidelines. “Read the owner’s manual and on-product messages for specific instructions on care and maintenance—and follow it,” Kiser says. 

  To keep your electric mower in tiptop shape, Kiser suggests the following maintenance tips: 

  • Regularly inspect the cords for nicks and frays, as well as the batteries for any damage or deformities.   
  • Confirm that all of the vents are free from debris.
  • Be sure to only use batteries and chargers in conjunction with manufacturer recommendations.

• How much do electric lawn mowers cost?

  In the case of electric lawn mowers, convenience comes with a cost. Push mowers are on the lower end of the price scale, but they also require the most amount of manual labor. Self-propelled mowers typically cost several hundred dollars more than push mowers, but they reduce the amount of manual labor that’s needed. More advanced models, such as robotic and riding mowers, can be quite expensive, but they essentially do all the work for you. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to put in the labor or pay more to make your life easier.

The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. To select the best electric lawn mowers for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their motor type, power source, cutting width, special features, and overall performance. McHugh consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For additional insight, she interviewed Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).