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The 8 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Fume-free and easy lawn maintenance

Person pushing a Greenworks 25022 Lawn Mower

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Electric lawn mowers have many advantages over gas-powered models. For one, electric models don't release exhaust fumes, making them an eco-friendly alternative. They are also significantly quieter and easier to operate than gas lawn mowers, which makes your mowing experience more pleasant.

“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).

When choosing an electric lawn mower, you will have two main options to consider: battery-powered (cordless) or corded models. Compared to their battery-operated counterparts, corded electric mowers offer limitless power and are usually more affordable. However, you'll need to use a long outdoor-rated extension cord if you want to reach more ground, and the connection limits your distance. A corded model will work well if your lawn is smaller than half an acre.

Cordless electric lawn mowers are a better option for lawns larger than half an acre, as they use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide greater flexibility and reach. While a cord's length won't be an issue, you'll still need to take battery life into account, which typically runs down between 30 and 60 minutes.

We researched many different types of electric lawn mowers and tested several in our own backyards across the country. We then evaluated products based on their setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value and selected our favorites in a range of categories for this list.

During our first run with the mower, we timed the assembly process and made careful notes about how clear and simple the included directions were. Following this, we utilized the mowers on three separate occasions, taking note of the grass length cut, the total area of the yard mowed, and the time it took to complete the task. Based on our findings, these are the best electric lawn mowers on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower

EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Usability
    4/5
  • Safety
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Powerful and easy to use

  • Lightweight and foldable for vertical storage

  • 60-minute runtime and recharging

  • Relatively affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Self-propelled feature takes time getting used to

After testing electric mowers across the country, the EGO LM2102SP POWER+ 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is our best overall pick because it is very easy to use, lightweight and compact, and offers additional power when you need it, all at a relatively affordable price. Self-propelled mowers make mowing—especially over hills and rugged terrain—much easier because the mower moves for you at your pace while you simply guide it around your yard. This option is no exception.

While we tested this mower, we almost found it too powerful at first, especially because it was our first time using a self-propelled mower. But once we got the hang of it, we turned it off and on easily and adjusted the speeds when needed by using the levers on the handle. We found the self-propulsion helpful for going up small hills (the lowest speed was all we needed) and turned it off when navigating around obstacles.

We also appreciated the battery life and fast recharging this mower offers. Although it comes with just one EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery, it has a 60-minute runtime and only takes about the same time to recharge using the included rapid charger. And while it only took 50 minutes to mow our lawn, we are happy to report that the battery did not run out. If you have other EGO products at home with the same battery, you could always swap in that battery if you have a larger lawn and want to continue mowing without much of a break.

EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower displayed in a yard

The Spruce / Megan Wood

Other user-friendly features we love include the easily adjustable handle: You have two options for the height and three options for the angle, so you can pick the one that is most comfortable for you. We also found adjusting the cutting height to be a simple task, with six settings to choose from ranging in height from 1.5 to 4 inches. And when you are done, the handle is just as easy to fold, so you can store your mower vertically in your garage or outdoor shed.

We do want to note that while we think this mower did a great job mowing in dry and damp conditions, once, when mowing over a particularly wet area, an orange light came on, and the mower stopped. However, once we moved the mower to a more drier area, we were able to start it again easily. The only other minor issue we reported is putting on the grass collection bag. We found it would be much easier with two people since it clips on tightly, and it's a bit hard to get around the support bar (it popped off a few times during this process). But other than those small issues, we think this is an excellent electric mower for navigating different types of terrain with ease.

How It Performed Long-Term

We’ve been testing this lawn mower for six months and are impressed with its long-lasting battery life. With the ability to mow the lawn three times before requiring a recharge, which only takes around 20 minutes, it is a reliable and efficient machine.

This mower can effortlessly handle thick, tall grass and can even manage up to 10 days of uncut grass without any issues. While we initially experienced some issues with the mower stopping and a light running orange while mowing grass, we have since been able to handle damp grass with ease. Overall, this mower is ideal for individuals who may not have the hand or upper body strength to adjust tires or use a pull cord.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 62.61 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Person pulling the EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower in a yard

The Spruce / Megan Wood

An Easy Way to Save Money

If you don’t want to worry about running out of juice mid-task, consider buying a cordless lawn mover like our best overall mower, the EGO LM2102SP POWER+ 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, whose battery is compatible with other cordless systems like leaf blowers and hedge trimmers from the same brand. This means that the battery can be interchangeable between devices to increase your run time and eliminate the need to purchase an additional one.

Best Self-Propelled

Ryobi 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

Ryobi RY401150 40-Volt HP 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.3/5
  • Usability
    4.8/5
  • Safety
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Powerful performance

  • 70-minute runtime

  • Fast, 60-minute charging

  • Lightweight and folds for storage

What We Don't Like
  • Bag can fill quickly

Although it is a little more of a splurge compared to other options we tested, The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower stands out for its powerful performance (comparable to some gas models), and long, 70-minute runtime. We tested this mower on the first grass of the season and were quickly impressed by its ease of use and quiet performance (we thought it almost sounded like white noise), especially compared to gas models we've used in the past.

Thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was a breeze to mow over uneven terrain, even over hills, with little effort on our part. It did take a little bit of time to select the right cutting height for our uneven lawn (the blade did get stuck a few times), but once we adjusted the height, we were impressed by the cutting performance.

Luckily, this mower offers seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches), so you can easily pick the one you need. We also want to mention that like our best overall mower, the EGO LM2102SP POWER+ 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, the self-propelled feature does take some time to get used to, and you may feel like the mower will run away on you at first until you figure out which setting you need for each part of your yard.

This model comes with two 40-volt batteries and a rapid charger. Since only one battery is needed at a time, you will always have one ready to go should you need it. It only took 45 minutes to an hour each time to mow our half-acre lawn, and we never had to stop and recharge it to finish the job. However, we did have to stop the first time we mowed to empty the grass collection bag, which we found to be surprisingly small. It filled up after mowing about 25-30 feet of tall grass.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower displayed on a wooden deck

The Spruce / Jennifer May

The next two times weren't as much of an issue because the grass wasn't as overgrown. It was very simple to remove the full bag, but we found that it spilled easily, and a few blades even spilled when the mower was in use (whether or not it was filled.) These few issues aside, we appreciated the bag, mulching, and side-discharge options for the grass clippings overall, although it is worth noting that it did not break up older leaves very well.

Like most of the mowers on this list, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is easy to fold and store vertically to save space. We were equally impressed with all of the safety features. Although it has a simple push-button start, the mower has a key that you can store separately so no one can accidentally start the mower.

When ready to use, the key has to be inserted behind a flap. Plus, the mower only works while you are gripping a lever. The LED headlights provide extra light that might be helpful when mowing around dusk or dawn. Although this mower is a bit more pricey than our best overall (which is also a battery-powered self-propel model), we think it's worth the extra cost for the power, long runtime, and extra battery.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of use, we can report that this lawn mower has continued to impress us with its ease of use and quiet operation. The self-propelled feature makes navigating hills and uneven terrain a breeze, and we were able to get up to 4 uses out of a single charge.

The mower excels at cutting grass and collecting clippings, and while it may struggle with heavier weeds, we had no issues with damp grass. It's worth noting that the grass bag became heavy with clippings, but overall, we are confident in recommending this lawn mower to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient cutting tool.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Corded

Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower

Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight and easy to handle

  • Budget-friendly

  • Relatively quiet

  • Folds for compact storage

What We Don’t Like
  • Requires an extension cord

  • Bag fills up quickly

Although we did not test the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower, we did test the Sun Joe MJ401E-P2, which was as simple to use as a corded vacuum, thus we can confidently recommend the pro model. At under 30 pounds, this mower's light weight makes it very easy to push, even though it's not a self-propelled model. It is corded, so you will most likely have to use an extension cord. However, you won't have to worry about the battery running out, stopping to recharge a battery, or fumes from a gas model.

Thanks to the 14-inch cutting deck, this is a great push mower for navigating around tight corners and spaces. It's worth noting that this mower only has three settings for the cutting height, ranging from 1.12 to 2.52 inches. Keep in mind that the lawn mower only comes with a 10.6-gallon bag, so you'll need to empty it more frequently than with other lawn mowers on our list. While you won't get as precise a cut as other models, and it does require more frequent dumping, we think this is a great budget-friendly push mower that is perfect for small lawns.

Cutting Width: 14 inches | Weight: 30 pounds | Power Source: Corded electric | Cutting Options: Bag, side-discharge

Best Riding

Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Usability
    4.3/5
  • Safety
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Powerful Performance

  • LCD Screen and app for tracking battery life

  • 13 cutting heights

  • Many extra features

What We Don't Like
  • Bag and mulching kit sold separately

If you have a larger yard to mow, a riding lawn mower can save you time and energy with its speed and efficiency. While testing the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor, we were impressed with its exceptional cutting performance, long battery runtime, and maneuverability. The electric mower has four steel blades that provide 13 different cutting height positions, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, for a very precise cut.

We found that the mower was able to handle a variety of debris with ease, effectively chopping up sticks, leaves, grass clippings, and even short dandelions that normally would be difficult to cut. The cutting height can be adjusted using a manual lever on the mower's right side. However, we did find that the lever was surprisingly close to your leg, which can result in unintentionally changing the cutting height, although we did not experience this issue ourselves.

While putting this battery-powered mower to the test after a rainy morning, we found that it had no trouble dealing with wet grass and cutting it evenly. Even when the grass was damp, the lawn mower effectively discharged the grass clippings. While we love that this mower gives you three options for grass clippings—bag, side-discharge, or mulch—note that you will have to purchase the bagger and mulching kit separately.

We were also impressed with the riding mower's quietness despite its size. When the cutting blades were not moving, the riding mower sound resembled that of a battery-powered ride-on car for kids. And, when the blades were spinning, the noise level was super low compared to traditional gas mowers. 

The mower has an onboard LCD screen that lets you check the runtime and charging status and control the LED headlights, drive, and blade speeds. The battery percentage also appears on the digital display menu. You can even monitor the charging status while you are taking a break, using the Ryobi Riding Mower app. We found charging the mower to be a simple process. The battery arrived with just 23 percent charge, and it only took us about an hour to fully recharge.

Hyper charger plugged into the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

The Spruce / Joseph Wanek

For each mowing session we did, only about 10 percent of the battery was utilized. While we would have preferred a physical speed control lever, we found it manageable to switch while driving. The lawn mower comes equipped with an accelerator pedal for smooth and precise movements around obstacles. It also offers the ability to increase speed instantly when needed, though it can feel a bit jarring at times. The steering wheel is ideal for driving at high speeds without any problems, but it requires significant effort to turn the wheel when you need to take a slow turn. The mower is also equipped with a backup beeping noise, which is intended as a safety feature, but we found it annoying over time.

All in all, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor is a great riding mower that offers a quiet and efficient mowing experience that eliminates the hassle of gas and oil. While this isn't the best choice for small yards, if you want to keep your large yard looking great without a lot of effort, this is an excellent choice with lots of extras.

How It Performed Long-Term

During the past three months, we have thoroughly tested this lawn mower, and it has proven to be exceptional in trimming even the thickest grass. As we were tending to our garden, we decided to test its ability to chop up weeds instead of manually removing them. To our surprise, it was able to do so effortlessly. Occasionally, we have noticed clumps of grass on the lawn despite having already mowed over the area. Luckily, it gets resolved by running the mower over the spot again.

While we appreciate the convenience of not having to deal with gas, we have observed a few minor quirks. It should be noted that the steering wheel can be slightly difficult to turn at slower speeds. Additionally, the accelerator can still be a bit jerky, as we discovered during our original testing. Even with these factors, mowing the lawn is no longer an intimidating chore, thanks to this mower. 

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 557 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, or side-discharge

Best Zero-Turn

Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Usability
    4.8/5
  • Safety
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • 12 height settings

  • Powerful performance

  • LCD screen and app to monitor battery life

  • Joystick steering

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Zero-turn mowers are built to be fast and easily navigate obstacles, and the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower does just that. We put the riding mower through its paces and found it to be a highly intuitive and easy-to-operate machine. Instead of a steering wheel, this riding mower has a joystick that can be operated with just one hand, for better maneuverability while turning.

The joystick gave us complete control over the mower’s direction and speed, from a complete stop to top speed. With its impressive turning abilities, we were effortlessly able to mow around trees in a single pass, a task that would have previously required about four passes with a different mower.

Setting the cutting height was equally simple, thanks to the conveniently located lever that offered twelve height settings ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The mower even comes with a height-stopping key, that allowed us to adjust the mowing deck to our desired cutting height quickly. Overall, the mower did a phenomenal job of cutting the grass evenly.

Person mowing around a tree with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Spruce / Patrick McGowan

We did encounter some thicker grass areas in the yard, but we found that slowing down the mower's speed allowed it to power through without any issues. We were able to mow our half-acre yard much faster with this mower compared to the Troy-Built Pony 17 HP 42-inch Deck Rider we previously used. In fact, it took us 40 percent less time to complete the task. It is also much quieter than the gas riding mower, and you don't have to deal with flammable gas or oil changes.

The RYOBI 80V HP Brushless Riding Mower is equipped with two 80-volt, 10-amp hour batteries and two 40-volt, 12-amp hour batteries, providing ample power for extended mowing sessions. During our testing, we appreciated the ability to install up to three 80-volt and four 40-volt batteries, allowing us to extend the mower's runtime even further.

Charging the batteries was a breeze. We simply had to plug the charging cord into the rear of the mower to simultaneously charge all the onboard batteries. We were also delighted to find out that the 40-volt batteries can be used with different cordless Ryobi tools like trimmers and blowers, expanding the range of our outdoor power equipment collection.

While it has many of the same features as the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42, Battery Riding Lawn Tractor, this option has the power equivalent of a 31-horsepower gas engine and the ability to cut up to three acres on a single charge, according to the manufacturer. It also offers an app to monitor the battery status and has an LCD screen onboard so you can control the LED headlights, blade, and drive speed, as well as monitor the battery, runtime, and charging status. This is an expensive mower, but we think it is an excellent zero-turn option that will make your lawn look great quickly and efficiently.

How It Performed Long-Term

We have been using our riding lawn mower twice a week for the past three months on a property that spans a total of .473 acres. Our experience with the mower has been positive, and we can confidently say that it is a reliable piece of equipment. The mower performs consistently well whether we are mowing in hot and dry weather or damp and dewy conditions. Previously, we used a 42-inch tractor-style mower, but we have found that the zero-turn mower is far more effective and significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to cut the entire yard.

We haven't encountered any issues with the battery running out while cutting our almost half-acre yard, which has been a major convenience factor for us. Its quiet operation continues to impress us, and we appreciate not having to deal with the hassle of gas and oil. All in all, the zero-turn mower continues to prove to be an excellent investment for us, and we would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient lawn mower. 

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 700 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Heavy-Duty

Toro 60V MAX* Electric Battery High Wheel Mower

What We Like
  • Automatically adjusts to walking pace

  • Nine cutting positions

  • Vortex Technology results in finer grass clippings

  • Quick-connect bagging and mulching

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

  • Expensive

  • Mixed reviews on battery life

Toro's cordless, walk-behind mower is a powerful and precise piece of machinery. It has a three-phase brushless motor that maximizes RPM and torque, and a 22-inch deck. While it may come with a fairly steep price tag, its advanced features make mowing hassle-free. There are nine different cutting positions available, ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches, so you can make a clean cut even in tight spaces. Toro's patented Vortex Technology also ensures finer grass clippings and a healthier lawn. 

The mower comes with one battery that can run for up to 40 minutes, allowing you to cut up to 0.33 of an acre on a single charge. However, some users have reported the battery running out of juice in half that time. The mower's 10-inch rear wheels provide excellent traction on tough terrain without damaging your lawn. It also features a self-propelled transmission that adjusts to your walking pace, making it easy to maneuver. Thanks to its quick-connect bagging system, you can easily switch from mulching to bagging. Despite its heavy weight, the Toro Recycler Walk Behind Mower folds up compactly for easy storage.

Cutting Width: 22 inches | Weight: 95 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, or side-discharge

Best for Small Yards

Worx Power Share Cordless Mower

Worx WG779 Power Share 40-Volt 14-Inch Cordless Walk Behind Mower

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver

  • Dual charging port for batteries

  • Battery charge indicator

  • Batteries compatible with other Worx tools

What We Don't Like
  • Not as powerful as other options

  • May struggle on tougher terrain

Looking for a mower that's perfect for smaller yards? The Worx Power Share Battery Walk-Behind Mower might just be what you need. With a 14-inch cutting deck, it can easily cut up to 0.12 acres per charge. Even better, it's lightweight at just 29 pounds, so almost anyone can use it with ease. This mower comes with two batteries and a dual charging port, which helps to maximize recharging time. Plus, there's an on-board battery charge indicator that lets you know when you're running low on power. And if you have other Worx tools, you'll be happy to know that these batteries are compatible with them too.

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.

Cutting Width: 14 inches | Weight: 29.1 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch

Best Robot

Worx Landroid Robotic Mower

Worx Landroid Robotic Mower

Amazon

What We Like
  • Fully automated

  • Customize mowing schedules via app

  • Navigates 20-degree slopes

  • Detects rain and avoids obstacles

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

  • Not as precise as manual mowers

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 most narrow on our list), 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. 

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.

Cutting Width: 8 inches | Weight: 48.5 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: None

Compare

Design Performance Usability Safety Value
EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
Best Overall:
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
4.8 4.5 4 5 5
Ryobi RY401150 40-Volt HP 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower
Best Self-Propelled:
Ryobi 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower
5 4.3 4.8 5 4
Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower
Best Corded:
Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
Best Riding:
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
4 5 4.3 4.8 4
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower
Best Zero-Turn:
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower
5 5 4.8 4.8 5
Best Heavy-Duty:
Toro 60V MAX* Electric Battery High Wheel Mower
Worx WG779 Power Share 40-Volt 14-Inch Cordless Walk Behind Mower
Best for Small Yards:
Worx Power Share Cordless Mower
Worx Landroid Robotic Mower
Best Robot:
Worx Landroid Robotic Mower
Final Verdict

After testing this mower in our own backyard, the EGO LM2102SP POWER+ 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower earns our top spot. This powerful mower offers up to an hour of uninterrupted runtime and is easy to use, thanks to self-propelled technology. We also love the adjustable and foldable handle for compact storage. If you're looking for an option that works in a small yard and can navigate around obstacles with ease, consider the Worx WG779 40V Power Share Cordless Lawn Mower.

Person pushing the EGO 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Mower on grass
The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers

How We Tested the Electric Lawn Mowers

We tested eight walk-behind lawn mowers including gas, electric corded, and cordless, battery-powered models in our own yards across the country. After putting them to the test on our own lawns—ranging from small to large—we evaluated them on setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value. For the first use, we timed setting up the lawn mower and noted what assembly, if any, was required, and if the instructions were detailed and easy to follow. We also recorded the battery charging time if it was a cordless model. We then used the mowers on three separate occasions when the weather and growing conditions allowed and recorded the length of grass cut, the surface area of the yard mowed, and the time it took to accomplish the task. We noted how easy (or not) it was to start the mower, adjust the handle, adjust the speed (if self-propelled), and change the cutting heights. We also evaluated the different features including bagging, mulching, and side-discharge options (if included) for the grass clippings.

Aside from evaluating each mower's set up and features, after use, we noted how easy it was to navigate around obstacles, up slopes, and other challenging areas including uneven or tall grass. We then looked at the appearance of the lawn and noted if it looked evenly cut. We also noted all of the safety features as well as any extra features such as LED headlights, foldable handles for storage, cord management systems, and more. After testing, the top electric mowers were added to this list.

In our latest round of testing, we tested six riding lawn mowers in our yards and evaluated them on the same criteria explained above. We conducted thorough testing and compared the results with our previous product recommendations in order to provide the best suggestions possible. We made adjustments to the categories based on standout performance, either by swapping out or adding new options.

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, like the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower, 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 like the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is a great choice for medium-sized to large lawns with sloped or uneven terrain. 
  • 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. We love the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor (our best riding option) because it can cut up to two acres on a single charge and offers plenty of great features.
  • 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, like our best overall pick, the EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, 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

The biggest advantage to a corded electric lawn mower is that it provides unlimited power. Corded models, like our top option in this category, the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower, 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 zero-turn, the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower has a 42-inch deck and 12 cutting heights to make short work of a big job, navigating around obstacles with ease.

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.

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.

Person adjusting the seat on the RYOBI RM480e Electric Riding Mower

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. Grass cuttings are collected in a bag at the same time as they are cut. 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. For a lawn mower that you can switch from bagging to mulching, consider the Toro Recycler Walk Behind Mower.

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.

Person riding the RYOBI RM480e Electric Riding Mower on a lawn
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.

Our Experts:

  • Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
  • Jenica Currie, commerce editor for The Spruce