Small electric push mower. 20 Best Lightweight and Electric Lawn Mowers (2023)

Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas mowers cause 5% of the nation’s air pollution. Trade in your old gas mower for a rechargeable cordless electric lawn mower. You’ll save time and money—and help the environment. Compared with cars, gasoline-powered lawn mowers produce a disproportionate amount of air pollution. Mowing your lawn for one hour with a conventional gas lawn mower can cause more air pollution than driving from Madison to Chicago and back in a new car.

Federal regulations aimed at reducing smog-producing mower emissions have made today’s gas-powered mowers cleaner than old onessomething to consider if you’re now using an older gas powered mower. However, the new cordless models only use as much electricity as an ordinary toaster. The only pollution generated is from that used to generate the electricity at the power plant which is supposedly better equipped to handle pollution issues that the average homeowner and the recycling problems associated with worn out batteries used in cordless mowers.

Clean and Quiet

Perhaps the best feature of these new cordless mowers is their minimal environmental impact during operation. Even after accounting for power-plant emissions, replacing gas mowers with electrics results in a 99% reduction in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and methane, and a 38% reduction in carbon dioxide.

Have you ever felt a twinge of guilt when your gasoline-powered mower first roars.- those of us with nearby neighbors have. Or have you waited until you knew your neighbors were up and about before mowing the lawn? Gas mowers run at some 90 decibels (ear-protectors are recommended for operators normal conversation about 75 decibels). Electric mowers, operating in the 65. 85 decibel range, make being a thoughtful neighbor a whole lot easier.

Although the typical lawn won’t pose any problems for these mowers, assess your situation before investing.

Cordless electric mowers are best for flat lawns smaller than 8,000 square feet and composed of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine and tall fescues, and perennial ryegrasses. Warm season grasses such as St. Augustine or Zoysiagrass may create too much resistance to make the cordless mower feasible or you may have to mow it at higher than normal and keep a spare battery charged up.

Because of their overall weight, including batteries, These mowers are often hard to push up sloping lawns. Although they’re not that heavy in comparison to standard mowers, cordless models are not usually self-propelled.

Electric Mower Maintenance

Electric mowers eliminate the cost of oil changes, spark plugs, air filters and annual tune-ups. Electric mowers use about 5 worth of electricity each year for an average size yard. Beyond replacing the battery every 5. 7 years, periodic cleaning, and blade sharpening, theres little maintenance.

Batteries and Power

Cordless mowers generally come with one to three 12-volt, lead-acid batteries (12-, 24-, and 36-volt models). The two Lawnboy cordless electric mowers have 6-volt batteries. But the actual voltage (or power) delivered to the motor depends on amperage. For example, a 12-volt mower with high amperage can mow longer than a 36-volt mower with low amps.

Power is a function of battery type, blade and deck design, and power transfer. All manufacturers exploit computer-aided design techniques to optimize blades’ weight and shape and decks’ contours. Toro and Black Decker claim that their cordless mowers have more torque than a 5-horsepower gas engine.

Batteries lose power when they’re stored for a long time. To store most models during winter where temperatures fall below 40 degrees., charge the battery overnight, then disconnect the mower from the charger until the next mowing season (up to 6 months). If temperatures generally stay above 40 degrees where you live, leave the battery connected or plugged in year-round. However, check the owner’s manual for specific storage directions.

Run Time

Manufacturers’ run time numbers are only estimates. How long a machine will run depends on height and grass texture, moisture, and terrain. Cutting relatively dry lawns takes a less energy than cutting lush, wet turf.

As a general rule, if amperage is equal, 12-volt batteries provide 30. 40 minutes of mowing time; 24-volt mowers last 40. 75 minutes; and 36-volt mowers run for up to 90 minutes.

The more power required, the less time batteries last. For example, if your lawn is lush and thick, or if you let it grow tall before mowing, assume batteries will last for 4,000. 5,000 square feet or so. If your lawn is easier to mow, many cordless electrics can handle up to 8,000 square feet of lawn.

Electric Corded Mowers

The obvious difference between batteries and corded electric mowers is the cord. While neither version are suitable for larger lawns, the corded model is limited to about 100′ from a receptacle outlet (beyond this distance and voltage drops may cause a problems). You also have to be careful about running over the extension cord. To be on the very safe side, electrical outlets that you hook an electric corded mower to should have a GFI receptacle in place. This will help prevent you from being electrocuted should you accidentally run over the cord.

As with cordless models, corded electric mowers are capable of effective mulching action. The prime advantages over the cordless models is that you don’t have a battery that needs charging or disposing of when they reach the end of their life cycle. You’re also not limited to the mowing time of your battery’s charge (about 60 minutes).

When you compare total costs. purchase and maintenance. the electric mowers are cheaper than the gas driven mowers of similar power, but the difference between corded and cordless is negligible.

Solar Powered Cordless Mowers

Today there are several companies producing cordless electric battery chargers. The solar panels recharge the batteries in 2. 3 sunny days or 4. 5 cloudy days. This solar panel option costs about 250.

EPA Report Activity and fuel consumption data for these sources are limited in comparison to transportation sources. There is no one datsource that currently has information on all the non-transportation mobile sources [which includes lawn mowers], and different publications report significantly different estimates, complicating the estimation process. For instance, estimates derived from a 2004 analysis of various datsources, including FHWA, EPA, and EIA by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), were considerably higher than estimates currently used in developing the U.S. GHG [Green House Gases] Inventory. over, it is likely that the transportation and mobile sources estimates of GHG emissions in the U.S. GHG Inventory are missing emissions associated with off-road use of trucks, and these emissions may be captured under other sectors, especially the industrial sector.

Black Decker Cordless 24V Mower

• 24 Volt Sealed Lead Acid Battery for Trouble-Free Cutting of Up to 1/3 Acre Homesites (grass conditions will effect run-time)
• Rechargeable Battery Recharges to 60-70% in 4 Hours and to 100% in 10 Hours
• LIFETIME 19 Mower Deck. Mulch Plate and Bag Included; Deck Has Lifetime Warranty
• Cutting Path. 19
• Height Adjustment. 1 Touch
• Weight. 76 lbs
• Cutting Heights. 1 1/2-3 1/2
• Ideal Property Size. up to 1/3 Acre
• Mulching Capability. YES
• Charge Time at 60%. 4 hrs
• Charge Time at 100%. 10 hrs

New Standards for Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers

EPA has finalized a new emission control program to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from small spark-ignition engines by about 35 percent. The new exhaust emissions standards take effect in 2011 or 2012, depending on the size of the engine.

Best Lightweight and Electric Lawn Mowers (2023)

Choosing the right home appliance can be tough. Power tools especially are items that take consideration before going through with a purchase, especially when it comes to looking for the best lightweight lawn mower.

When on the hunt for the best lightweight and electric lawn mowers, there are many places to shop.

This guide has a range of new lawn mowers that are available in store at your local Home Depot, Lowe’s, or there are great options online on Amazon.

Sometimes it is hard to know what you are looking for until you see it in front of you. Hopefully, this guide points out a few features you didn’t know you wanted in a lawn mower.

The lawn mower you need depends on the size of your yard or how much storage space you have in your home. Pick the type of mower that includes the special features you’re looking for with this list.

Here’s the scoop on the best lightweight lawn mowers!

Lawn Mower Guide

Greenworks G-Max 40V

This cordless mower is the best option if you want to get the job done fast and with minimal effort. The battery life of this mower allows for enough power to have a run time of 60 minutes on a fully charged AH battery.

One of the extra features of this push lawn mower includes the ability to adjust its single lever into seven positions that make it possible to cut in all environments.

The Greenworks G-Max 40V delivers performance levels that are similar to gas-powered lawn mowers all from the push-button start.

This mower is a great choice thanks to its essential maintenance free operation with no need for gas, oil, or emissions. The Greenworks G-Max 40V is a top pick if you are looking to purchase it for efficiency.

Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E Lawn Mower

The next lightweight mower that is the best choice for someone looking to purchase a powerful lawn mower is the Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E. Its blade hub spins up to 7,000 revolutions per minute.

This is the best electric lawn mower for sloped lawns and smaller yards. The product comes with 30 replacement blades for easy maintenance.

Sun Joe also includes a customer promise as an additional feature to purchasing their product. Their policy is a no questions asked warranty where they will send you a new product at any time within two years of the purchase.

There is no need to worry about whether you will like this purchase or not thanks to their customer service policy. A stress-free purchase is the best purchase.

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14

Push mowers from the American Lawn Mower Company are an excellent choice when looking for a lightweight mower that does a great job without causing damage to the grass blades. This lawn mower has a capable cutting height of successfully trimming grass up to four inches.

This manual grass cutter is environmentally friendly which is not the same as every other lawn mower on the market.

It is pollution-free, has no noise, has low maintenance, and is easy to use. If you have a small lawn at home this push mower is a good choice for you.

Craftsman M105

Gas mowers can be difficult to choose, but when the powerful engine doesn’t impact the weight of the machine, they are still products to consider.

The 3-in-1 capabilities of this gas lawn mower are ideal for larger lawns due to its inclusion of both side discharge and rear bag attachments.

over, the mower has six different height adjustments along with a 21-inch cutting deck.

The CC engine on this powerful mower will be sure to get the job done even if your yard has extremely thick grass. This Craftsman M 105 is accountable no matter what your grass looks like. It will get the job done with ease.

WORX WG743 Lawn Mower

This next option is a top pick when looking for one of the best battery-powered mowers. The battery charge indicator on this mower shows you what a single charge will give you when busy at work in the yard.

This mower allows you to get a sharp cut successfully in tight spaces creating less for you to go back and trim later. It has 2-in-1 bagging or mulching functionality.

Use the bag to catch your grass clippings to make your yard look clean and crisp, or you can use the bag to mulch your lawn when it needs to grow back healthier.

Thanks to the powerful motor in the WORX WG 743 this is an appliance you can trust.

SENIX Electric Lawn Mower

This next option is a good lawn mower when you don’t have access to a large amount of storage space. The quick release handles account for easy storage either horizontally or vertically.

It includes lithium-ion batteries and a 13-gallon grass collection bag. The SENIX lawn mower has a volt brushless motor gives off the performance of gas-powered mowers without the hassle of gas or cords.

Customers who purchased this product rave about the battery life of this mower and the benefits of its lightweight structure.

It has helped people get up the hills in their lawns and finish their lawn maintenance feeling confident in how it looks.

EGO Power LM2101 Lawn Mower

Another great option for battery-powered lawn mowers that includes optimal ease of use thanks to the easy push-button start feature is the EGO Power lawn mower.

The foldable handle creates a compact design feature for this mower which is ideal for people looking to find the right mower although they may not have a lot of space for one.

The electric motor of this product lasts up to 45 minutes off a single charge. The 3-in-1 bag functionality is beneficial.

You can decide if you want the bag to serve as a grass catcher on the back or side of your mower. It also holds mulch for when you need to go through your lawn and help with its growth.

Customers who use this mower talk nonstop about its ease of use. Nothing is too heavy or hard to handle when young adults are mowing the lawn for their parents, and it mows through high levels of grass without needing an extra push from the person walking behind it.

With all of the great features including the electric motors, this can make mowing your lawn a breeze!

Craftsman All-Wheel Drive

This powerful engine contributes to why this appliance is a reliable and dependable lawn mower. Some of the additional features include a rear-wheel drive and a bushel dust blocker bag that intakes grass clippings to prevent in-air debris.

These contribute to why the Craftsman All-Wheel Drive is one of the best walk-behind mowers available. The four-wheel drive feature is one of the most beneficial additions that you don’t see on every other mower on the market.

It matches your needs wherever you go. This mower swiftly moves around obstacles, up hills, and down into ditches when you need it to. Invest in a mower you can count on to get the job done successfully.

Litheli Cordless Mower

The next great option for the best cordless lawn mower is this easy to start electric mower. The design includes a grass bag that takes zero hassle to clean.

The 35-minute battery charge is ideal for a small yard, but there is a convenient compartment for AH batteries to be stored right next to the battery port for quick changing if you do run out mid-mow.

It includes five cutting heights which make it reliable for keeping your yard at a healthy height.

Troy-Bilt Riding Mower

Another lightweight mower that is best purchased when you need to mow large lawns is this Troy-Bilt riding mower. It is space-saving with the storage size of a wide-cut walk behind mower. If you feel like yard work is a chore, investing in a riding mower is a great idea.

This mower includes a speed that can be easily adjusted and controlled during your mowing. It is also very simple to switch from side discharging clippings to mulching mode, which helps avoid build up and keeps your lawn healthier.

You will maintain control with easier navigation around landscaped borders and obstacles with 18 inch turn radius.

It will also mow in reverse so the rear wheel drive will allow you to work efficiently. This mower is the one for you if you no longer want mowing to be at the bottom of your to do list.

Makita XML03CM1 36V

The next electric lawn mower has controlled noise levels to ensure you won’t wake up your family members in the house if you are a person that likes knocking out the yard work in the morning.

This mower is made from steel which makes it both durable and reliable. A customer raved about this product’s durability by saying they have owned Makita cordless tools for a decade.

Purchasing an appliance for your home is something you don’t want to do every couple years, it should be an investment. Makita is a product you can count on.

Black Decker Electric Lawn Mower

Another lightweight mower best for smaller lawns is the Black Decker electric lawn mower. One of the additional features you don’t see on every mower is the comfort grip bike handlebar design.

It reduces friction and enhances maneuverability across all of the square feet you need to cover during your mow. This mower includes enhanced clipping collection winged blade yields that account for 30% better clipping collection.

The no-hassle startup is thanks to the easy-to-use push button start. This electric lawn mower also has an adjustable cutting height ranging from 1 to 3 inches which allows you to get the trim you desire.

Customers who have purchased this mower were pleasantly surprised with how well it does cutting lawns that have become out of control for weather reasons. Customers rave about the lightweight functionality and talk about how they’ve owned their Black Decker electric lawn mower for years.

RYOBI Riding Mower

This next mower is clean, quiet, and powerful. The RYOBI riding mower is fully electric and has three high powered brushless motors to provide up to a full hour of runtime off a single charge.

The onboard control panel is a feature that lets you engage the blades, operate the headlights, check your battery level, and turn on cruise control.

The seven-position manual deck adjustment allows you to pick heights between 1.5” and 4.5” to get a clean and level cut on any lawn.

It features two steel blades and a durable 30” cutting deck that fits in fenced areas with ease.

A minor feature that was added to this mower is the rear access charging port that makes charging your ride easy when the job is complete. This mower is a recommended investment with its three-year warranty.

Honda HRN Lawn Mower

Another mower that is lightweight and user-friendly is this self-propelled mower designed by Honda. It includes variable speed control while mowing with five adjustable positions for user comfort.

The helpful front and rear levers conveniently adjust to seven cutting heights. This is the best self-propelled lawn mower and is integrated with a speed control feature that efficiently adapts the mowing speed to match your stride.

A self-propelled model is a lawn mower that will save you time and energy. If you always have things to do but don’t want your lawn to suffer from your busy schedule, this mower is right for you.

Kobalt Lawn Mower

This battery-powered mower provides up to 80 minutes of run time and includes a high efficiency brushless motor that starts with the push of a button.

Without the hassle of pulling cords or fueling the self-propelled rear-wheel drive system, the variable speed control takes the hard work out of mowing the lawn. This mower can handle both flat and sloped yards with ease.

The easy to fold aluminum handles work quickly to save space wherever you need to store your mower. Its auto-sensing technology automatically adjusts performance for greater power based on changing grass conditions.

The Kobalt lawn mower is the best lightweight appliance that has you covered in all areas. This is your mower if you want an appliance you can count on.

LawnMaster MED 114K

Another great electric lawn mower that includes six different cutting positions is the LawnMaster MED 114K. The wheels are 5.5” and 7.75” and only 28 lbs, which makes them easy to rotate and simple to maneuver.

This electric lawn mower includes three different adjustments for handle lengths and has a seven-gallon grass collection bag. The purchase guarantee comes with a priority shipping service to ensure you are receiving your mower efficiently.

Customers who own this mower love it and want to share how well it has done in their yard. People talk about this mower cutting through tall grass or wet grass with ease.

ApolloSmart

The ApolloSmart electric mower is eco-friendly and doesn’t produce smog, fumes, or emissions. The lightweight balanced design will help you move freely with professional quality and maximum control.

This appliance is designed with an adjustable deck for tailored raking depth with the five-position depth control mechanism.

Customers that own the ApolloSmart feel confident their lawn will be healthier within a year. They say it is easy to use and switching out the rear bag takes no time at all.

PowerSmart Lawn Mower

This next electric lawn mower has a low noise level with minimum assembly acquired. The brushless motor is built to last for a long time.

The foldable handle collapses to assist with easy storage. The five different available positions for cutting height assures to account for tall grass or short grass.

Its 40-minute run time works well when cutting grass in large yards. The functionality of this mower is one of its best features. It includes a bag design that works for mulching, side-discharge, and rear bag discharge.

Customers who have purchased this mower discuss how it gets the job done without a doubt.

Goplus Lawn Mower

Another great choice when looking at walk-behind lawn mowers is this lightweight electric mower. This is the mower you want to go with if your yard or garden has different needs for each portion.

Keep your flower beds tidy thanks to this mower’s three position depth control feature. The large front wheels can turn at will and the lightweight rear wheels are flexible and labor-saving.

Trim your grass exactly how you want it with the Goplus electric lawn mower.

MYTOL 40V

The last option that is a great choice for a battery-powered lawn mower is the MYTOL 40V mower. It includes a brushless mower that cuts smoothly and efficiently.

Its high-performance batteries last a long time. The electric mower eliminates the hassle of dealing with a pull cord or extension cord.

You never have to stress about running out of power mid mow because this power runs for a consistent amount of time.

The cutting width of 16” allows for a crisp wide path. This mower is the one for you if you have any fear about mowing thanks to its triple safety protection features.

Final Thoughts

The best lightweight lawn mowers share a large number of the same features. Electric mowers that don’t require the hassle of dealing with fuel to run the engine work efficiently.

If you are set on buying lawn mowers that include engine power derived from gas, then make sure you are purchasing one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

This list includes the best lawn mowers of every style to ensure every customer looking to purchase can feel confident that they’ll find what they’re looking for.

Hopefully, this guide helped point out the features you want to keep an eye out for when shopping for the best lightweight lawn mower.

So find your favorite option and grab yourself a new lawn mower today!

For more scoop, visit these:

Best electric lawn mowers in 2023

Light, quiet and easy to use, we review budget electric lawn mowers to help you find one for your lawn.

A well kept, manicured lawn is a point of pride for gardeners and maintaining it should be one of the easiest tasks in the garden. There’s a huge choice of different mowers on the market but electric corded mowers are the most common and one of the easiest to use. They’re quiet, light and easy to manoeuvre plus they’re clean with no fuel fumes or regular servicing needed. They’re also the cheapest, but do you get what you pay for? To find out if paying less means you lose out on features or performance our gardening experts tested a range of corded electric lawn mowers that won’t break the bank.

Want to compare these to others or shopping for a different mower? See our reviews of the best cordless lawn mowers, best robotic mowers, and best hand-push lawn mowers.For other help with lawn care, take a look at our reviews of the best strimmers and the best aerators, or check out our guide to the best lawn edging.

Planning a DIY project in the garden, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best electric mowers to buy at a glance

Jump to

All the lawn mowers in our review are rotary mowers with an electric motor that spins a blade to cut the grass. This blade is angled upwards to create lift, which pulls cut grass away and into the grass collector. We tested a range of electric mowers, putting them through their paces across different lawns and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best electric lawn mowers, below:

RRP: £157

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Long cable
• Good choice of cutting heights
• Choice of handle heights
• Wide cutting width

This sturdy electric mower feels robust and has a wide cutting width of 38cm, helping you mow the grass quickly, with fewer passes up and down the lawn. It’s simple to put together, offering the choice of three handle heights to suit different users and has a useful six heights of cut, from 25-75mm, which are easy to change with a single lever. It manoeuvres well around the lawn despite its weight and is simple to use producing a neat cut. It comes with a large grass collection box of 40L too so you’re not constantly emptying clippings on the compost heap. When you’ve finished mowing it’s easy to store, with a handle that folds flat over the body of the mower, so it takes up very little room and a detachable cable that can be hung up or stored in a drawer. It has a long 15m cable, which should reduce the need for an extension lead, and only its black colour and lack of cable safety clip let it down. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best budget mower in 2023.

• Cutting width: 38cm
• Power: 1400W
• Weight: 11kg
• Noise: 95dB
• Warranty: 5 years

Webb Weer 33

Our rating: 4.8/5

• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Cuts to the edge
• Height of cut simplest to change
• Orange cable easy to see

This mower is well thought out with excellent features. It’s easy to assemble and folds for storage with a comfortable, foam handle which can be adjusted to a variety of heights. There are five cutting heights to choose from and these are easily changed by a single lever. The grass collection bag has a generous 35L capacity and a full indicator that lets you know when it needs emptying. The mower is relatively quiet and it cuts well, right up to the edge. It’s lightweight and comfortable to manoeuvre and our only quibble is the black mower cable, which could be a brighter colour so it’s easier to see. For just £99.99, this is a a great value mower and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best electric mower all round in 2021.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1300W
• Weight: 8.8KG
• Noise: 89dB
• Warranty: 2 years

Gardena PowerMax 1200/32

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Cuts to the edge
• Height of cut simplest to change
• Orange cable easy to see

This mower offers incredibly precise cutting. it cuts between 20-60mm in 5mm increments and this height of cut is very easy to control with a simple twist of a dial making it great for gardeners who lack strength or dexterity. It’s light and easy to manoeuvre, with a tight turning circle and we love the bright orange power cable, which is easy to spot in the grass. The grass box is easy to empty and indicates when it’s full, however, we found it a little tricky to assemble. The handle which folds for easy storage is a little short for taller users. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for ease of use in 2021.

• Cutting width 32cm
• Power 1200W
• Weight 8.3kg
• Noise 94dB
• Warranty 2 years

Ryobi RLM13E 33S

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Comfortable foam handle
• Light and easy to move
• Cuts to the edge
• Best cable relief clip
• Orange cable easy to see

This mower is simple to assemble and simple to use. Its handle folds for storage and can be adjusted to a choice of heights and it’s light and comfortable to use. There are five cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 20-60mm, and these are easy to change with a simple lever. Its best feature however is a convenient and effective cable relief clip, which keeps the cable tucked safely out of the way while you mow and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best for cable safety in 2021. Though one of the quietest machines on test, the motor on this model is very high-pitched.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1300W
• Weight: 9.9kg
• Noise: 89 dB
• Warranty: 3 years

Cobra GTRM34

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Simple to assemble
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Cuts efficiently
• Cable relief clip for safety
• Rear roller
• Folds for easy storage

Easy to put together, this mower has a 34 cm cutting width and a rear roller for those ever desirable stripes. Although it’s reasonably heavy and may be harder to lift and carry than some of the mowers in our test it feels well balanced and cuts and collects even long grass very well. There’s a choice of seven cutting heights and this is easy to change with a single lever located on the deck. The fabric grass bag has a 35L capacity and it compacts down flat for easy storage, as does the mower, which has easy-clip levers on the handle and double folds down over the body of the mower. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for features in 2021.

• Cutting width: 34cm
• Power: 1300W
• Weight: 13 kg
• Noise: 96dB
• Warranty: 2 years

The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

STIHL RME235

Our rating: 4/5

This mower does the basics very well. It’s well thought out with an adjustable, folding handle for storage and a handy cable relief clip and it has five cutting heights from 25-65mm, which are simple to change with a single lever. The grass box opens right up for easy emptying and has indicator that lets you know when it’s full. It feels sturdy and moves smoothly but we found the drive lever a little uncomfortable and stiff. It was also the longest mower to assemble in our test.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1200W
• Weight: 13kg
• Noise: 93dB
• Warranty: 5 years

Einhell GE-EM 1233

Our rating: 4/5

• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Cable relief clip for safety

This mower is easy to manoeuvre and easy to store. It mows right up to the edge of a lawn and its 30L capacity is good for a mower of this size. There’s a choice of five cutting heights and a mulching option if you prefer to leave the clippings to break down on the lawn. However, the black cable is hard to spot against the grass and the one-handed drive lever is uncomfortable, particularly for left-handers.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1250W
• Weight: 11.5kg
• Noise: 96dB
• Warranty: 3 years

How to choose an electric lawn mower

Not all budget mowers are basic machines. Consider the following points to help you choose the right electric mower for you:

• Where are you mowing? A convenient power socket is essential for an electric mower but you may need an extension lead too. Check that the length of the cable is long enough to reach all parts of your lawn. If your lawn runs right up to walls, fences or raised beds look for a model that cuts to the edge or you’ll need to invest in a grass trimmer to neaten them up afterwards.
• What size mower do you need? The wider the cutting width, the quicker the mower will cut your lawn. However, there is a trade-off. Mowers with a wider width have a bigger deck and are heavier and less easy to manoeuvre around trees or furniture. A wider cutting width is therefore best for large expanses of grass while smaller models are ideal for nipping up and down little lawns and negotiating beds and borders.
• Is it safe? An electric cable is an obvious safety hazard and if you’re concerned about tripping over the cable or cutting it accidentally when you’re mowing, look for a model with a brightly coloured lead that’s easy to spot. A cable relief clip will help to keep it tucked out of the way of the blade and will also prevent it being snagged and ripped out. For safety always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) plugged into the electric socket before plugging in your mower.
• Where will you store it? No matter the model, these are fairly bulky machine. However, the handles of most mowers can be partly unscrewed to fold over the body of the mower; others are designed to unclip and double fold completely flat. If you need to lift the mower up steps into storage or onto a shelf, make a note of its weight and whether there are carry handles to make this easier.

Find out how to maintain your mower, in our easy to follow, step-by-step guide, and for more advice, check out our budget lawn mowers Buyers’ Guide.

How we tested electric lawn mowers

When we test lawn mowers, each one is unpacked, assembled, and then used to cut grass over a wide area, and wheeled up slopes and in and out of storage to see how they fared. They are assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

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• Setup and storage. Looked at the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions and how easy the mower is to store.
• Handling. Focused on comfort and ease of use, handle-height adjustment and how to change the height of cut, weight and noise levels.
• Mowing. Assessed cutting width, the range of cutting heights, collection-bag capacity and features such as cutting to the edge or mulching.
• Value for money. Considered all of the above as well as quality, design, warranty and price.

For more information on our testing process see How we Review

This review was last updated in April 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Push Lawn Mowers (89 items found)

Professional-grade lawn mowers make lawn maintenance quick and easy. We have a variety of self-propelled, gas and electric push lawn mowers to get the job done.

What is a Push Mower?

A push lawn mower, or walk-behind mower, relies on the person operating it to push it forward and the sharpness of its blades to cut grass. Manual push mowers require more effort than self-propelled gas or electric options, as the operators must exert force to cut the grass since the motor only spins the mower blades. This means that a push mower only moves as fast as you push it and is more physically demanding.

Self-propelled push mowers move on their own using a gearbox connected to the front or rear wheels, but the operator still guides the equipment to where it needs to go. While manual push lawn mowers are harder work, they are roughly half the price of self-propelled mowers. They also weigh less than self-propelled mowers because they don’t have a gearbox, making manual push mowers easier to move around.

Electric vs. Gas Push Mowers

Gas mowers are available in both push and self-propelled models, requiring gas to run, unlike electric mowers which rely on a cord plugged into an outlet or a battery to keep the motor going.

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a gas or electric push mower. Gas push lawn mowers are less eco-friendly since they produce more emissions than battery-operated mowers and have ongoing maintenance costs.

A huge benefit of buying a gas push mower is they don’t require a battery charge, so you’ll never get stuck halfway through lawn mowing with a dead battery. They can run for hours, operating in all types of weather, while battery-operated mowers’ average runtime is 30 to 60 minutes, and dependent on the battery’s AH rating.

A push-style mower with a cord is cheaper than a cordless option, but the limitation is that only runs while plugged in – just be mindful to avoid the cord when mowing and be aware that using electric mowers can be dangerous in wet weather. If you want to eliminate the cord, look for a cordless battery push mower, remembering that you’ll need to charge the battery between uses.

What to Look for in a Push Mower

Look for the following tools and features in our selection of push lawn mowers:

• Engine size: Our mowers range from 125cc to 163cc.
• Weight: The weight of the mower will determine its maneuverability – which is especially important for push mowers requiring more physical exertion.
• Variable speed and torque control: Adjustable speeds help modify settings for optimal operation.
• Drive control: Some mowers have a bail (metal rod) that you squeeze against the handle or a lever you push with your thumb. Others have a handle you squeeze like a brake on a bike.
• Grass collection: Mowers can mulch, collect grass in a bag, or discharge clipping out the deck. Most mowers usually have two of these features.
• Rear bag size: In mowers that include one, the size of the rear bag may vary between models.
• Cord length: Consider how long you need the cord to extend for electric mowers.
• Gas tank and oil fill locations: Caps and oil-fill spouts should be conveniently located for easy access.
• Tall rear wheels: These wheels help the mower maneuver easily over rough surfaces.
• Storage convenience: Look for a foldable handle for upright, efficient storage.
• Push-button start: Push-start buttons help limit the start-up hassle of pull-start mowers or keyed-start mowers to get you on the job faster.
• Additional items: Mowers may include parts like an oil container, rear bag and/or side discharge chute.

Consider your lawn size, surface level, budget, and physical strength when determining which mower works best for you.

Push Lawn Mowers from Name Brands at Ace

Our selection features top brands, including industry favorites like EGO, Craftsman, Toro and STIHL. And, since we understand how important lawn maintenance is, so we also stock lawn mower parts, grass catchers and tries to keep your equipment working efficiently.

If you need assistance picking out the right push-style mower for your lawn care needs, stop by an Ace store near you, and we’ll be happy to help!

The best electric lawn mowers to keep your yard under control

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Although gas-powered lawn mowers have their place on large lawns that require maximum power and runtime, their messy fuel mixes, harmful fumes, and environmental effects have many seeking another option. Luckily, electric lawn mowers don’t have these issues.

Advancements in battery design and capacity have made electric mowers a practical alternative to gas-powered machines, with long running times, quiet operation, and lightweight design. Perhaps most convenient of all, electric mowers feature push-button start mechanisms, which means no more frustrating pull cords.

All the mowers in this guide are either battery-powered or corded models that can be plugged into a standard home power outlet. These corded options are perfect for small yards that don’t require the portability of cordless options. Battery-powered models are a bit more versatile, though you’ll find that battery life varies. If you have a large yard or an incline, keeping two sets of batteries charged and ready may be necessary if you want to mow the entire space in one session. Just keep in mind that electric mowers won’t be as powerful as gas versions and aren’t ideal for extremely thick grass or brush.

We included the electric lawn mowers below based on several factors, including versatility, power, battery life, features, and overall performance. They’re available at various price points, so you should be able to find something that works for your budget and needs.

Our top picks for electric lawn mowers

Best electric lawn mower overall: Ego LM2102SP 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. See at Lowe’sThe Ego Power LM2102SP 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower produces plenty of power, has a push-button start, and self-propels for nearly effortless operation.

Best electric mulching lawn mower: Toro 21356 Recycler SmartStow Cordless Lawn Mower. See at The Home DepotThe Toro 21356 Recycler SmartStow Cordless Lawn Mower offers mulching, bagging, and nine cutting positions, making it versatile and efficient.

Best budget electric lawn mower: Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower. See at AmazonThe Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower cuts the cost compared to other electric ones without cutting down its versatile trimmer options.

Best electric riding lawn mower: Ryobi RY48111 38-Inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower. See at The Home DepotThe Ryobi RY48111 38-Inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower is a hands-on option that still reaps the benefits of a traditional gas-powered ride-on.

Best lawn mower for small yards: Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower. See at AmazonA narrow 14-inch cutting width makes the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower ideal for maneuvering around small yards, and its affordable price is perfect for those on a tight budget.

Best electric lawn mower overall: Ego LM2102SP 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Pros: Powerful motor, quiet operation, Rapid-charging battery, foldable upright storage, headlights, good warranty

Cons: Batteries are expensive to replace (or stock spares)

Featuring a powerful 7.5 Ah battery, the 56-Volt Ego LM2102SP 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower offers the performance of gas in a convenient, cordless electric design. Its functionality and ease of use made it an easy choice for our top pick.

A three-in-one design allows you to choose between mulching, bagging, and side discharge of your grass cuttings, and the battery provides 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge. The push-button start makes it easy to start mowing right away, and thanks to a pair of LED headlights, you can safely mow at dusk or on overcast days.

The self-propelling feature of this mower also offers variable speed control, so you can customize it to whatever pace you prefer. A large, easy-to-use lever by the handle makes it simple to adjust these speeds. If you feel like getting some exercise, you can disengage this feature and push the mower manually.

We’re also big fans of the six cutting heights offered by the Ego LM2102SP allowing you to precisely set your preferred height from 1.5 to 4 inches. Although the 165-pound weight is heavier than similar models, the fold-up design is extremely convenient, especially if your garage or tool shed is tight on space. This mower comes with great warranty options that are slightly on the generous side compared with others.

Best electric mulching lawn mower: Toro 21356 Recycler SmartStow Cordless Lawn Mower

Pros: Fast to charge, wide range of blade position options

Cons: Expensive

Mulching your grass while you mow allows you to reuse those valuable clippings instead of throwing them away with the rest of your yard waste. These mulched clippings break down and release nutrients back into your lawn, which both benefits your grass and makes less work for you after you’re finished. If you’d prefer not to mulch, you can also use the Toro Recycler as a bagging mower.

The mower uses a single 60V battery to power its 21-inch blade, and the brushless motor help it to operate as efficiently as possible. This should help increase the lifespan of the mower motor itself. The Toro Recycler’s runtime is about 45 minutes, which should be sufficient for medium-sized yards up to 1/3 acre. It can fully recharge in 2.5 hours.

You can adjust the handle of the Toro Recycler to two different positions, making it convenient for those who want to customize their mower to their specific height. This handle also completely folds down when the mower is not in use, so you’ll be able to store it vertically or potentially under a worktable.

Nine height settings allow for a wide range of positions. With a minimum cutting height of 1.25 inches, you can get very low. The steel deck of this mower is also more durable than other plastic or composite models and should hold up well under regular wear and tear.

Best budget electric lawn mower: Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower

Pros: Seven-position height adjustment, foldable handles, four-year warranty

Cons: Corded design limits reach

Electric mowers don’t have to be costly, and the Greenworks 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower is proof. This mower, offered at a budget-friendly price, still has plenty of bells and whistles and impressive performance. Its 20-inch steel deck offers durability, and the 12-amp, 120-volt motor (effectively 1440 watts) is powerful enough for easy mowing.

The mower includes three-in-one mulching, side discharge, and rear bag functions. It also offers a seven-position height adjustment, allowing you to choose cutting heights between 1.5 and 3.75 inches. The push-button start makes for easy operation, and the foldable handles allow for convenient storage or transportation.

This mower weighs just 56 pounds, so it’s relatively easy to push. While it’s a fairly basic design, this mower is suitable for homeowners or renters with smaller lawns, provided there’s access to a power outlet.

Best electric riding lawn mower: Ryobi RY48111 38-Inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower

Pros: Excellent battery power, full of features, capable of large jobs

Cons: Requires more storage space than push mowers, higher price point

The Ryobi RY48111 38-Inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower is a quality piece of equipment that pairs durable construction with the benefits of electric power. The steel frame houses a generous 38-inch blade deck, and three high-torque brushless motors provide maximized cutting power.

Assessing power is trickier because Ryobi doesn’t offer the same information as the other brands featured within this guide. Still, the 48-volt battery can last for about two hours or 2 acres of mowing time on a single charge so you can get plenty of work done quickly.

This mower is full of features. The seat is adjustable for your comfort, and the control panel is conveniently located for accessibility. The 12-point deck height adjustment gives you nuanced control over your mowing height, and its LED headlights allow for evening work. There’s also cruise control and USB charging. A cup holder and cell phone holder round out this machine’s excellent design.

This mower offers plenty of advantages over traditional gas-powered variants. With no belts, spark plugs, or filters, it’s a low-maintenance option. If you’re looking for an alternative to gas-powered riding mowers, the Ryobi is reliable, powerful, and quiet.

Best electric mower for small yards: Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower

Pros: Lightweight, 10.6-gallon collection bag, low price

Cons: Too small for larger yards, only three height settings

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO electric lawn mower may not have the portability or width to be a practical option for larger yards, but its compact design and easy-to-use operation make it ideal for small or medium-sized ones. The relatively narrow width also makes it convenient to maneuver around tight landscaping elements like rocks or other obstacles that require more precision than a larger mower offers.

One reason I chose the Sun Joe for this list is that I appreciate anything that improves operation safety, especially involving lawn mowers. This model requires you to press the safety lock button and simultaneously pull the on trigger to power it up. It reduces the chance of you starting the mower unintentionally.

Because of the 14-inch cutting width, this compact mower is also well-suited for those who have limited storage space. It’s also incredibly lightweight. At just 29 pounds, it’s comfortable to use and makes its lack of self-propelling mechanism less of an issue.

I’ve used Sun Joe products in the past and have found them to be straightforward to operate. The user manual provides a clear diagram of how to effectively mow with a corded model and prevent running over your extension cord.

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO features three height settings, which is less than our other options. But if you are just looking for a hassle-free mower, this mower could be the perfect fit.

How we rate electric lawn mowers

After extensive online research from expert sources like Thriving Yard, we assembled this list of the best electric mowers you can buy. We also used our experience with large power tools to help evaluate battery life, runtimes, and power output.

Although we did not test all the options we chose, we reviewed owner and operation manuals, watched online tutorials, and consulted with lawn care equipment experts. We then used this information to create our five categories and choose the best option for each one.

We also used a set of specific criteria to help us evaluate and compare potential options.

• Battery Capacity: For cordless options, we paid close attention to the Ah (amp hour) of the included battery. In short, the higher the Ah, the more energy the battery can store, the higher power output, and the longer it will last.
• Charging Time: The time it takes to recharge a depleted battery can seriously affect the convenience of a cordless mower. If your battery can be recharged quickly, you’ll be able to get back to work soon, and there’s less of a chance that you’ll need to purchase a second battery.
• Runtime: Overall runtime per battery charge is probably the most important metric to consider when evaluating cordless mowers — obviously corded models will provide the longest. The longer the runtime, the better, especially for larger mowers that will be purchased to use on larger lawns.
• Weight: The lighter the mower weighs, the less effort it will place on the battery and the longer the overall runtime. We did our best to always choose lighter options whenever possible while still taking overall power into consideration.

What else we considered

Ego Power LM2101 56-V 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower: This was our previous top pick. Although it is a great option, we ultimately decided that its replacement, the EGO LM2102SP 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower and its self-propelled design, was a better fit. If a self-propelled option isn’t important to you, this Ego mower would be a great choice for anyone with a relatively high budget who is looking for a high-quality battery-powered mower.

Worx WR165 Landroid: The high price of this robotic lawnmower kept it off our list. But if the 950 price tag isn’t an issue, it could be a good fit for anyone looking to explore a unique mower option. Similar to a Roomba, this mower navigates entirely on its own and automatically adjusts the height of the blade to account for uneven terrain. It wouldn’t be practical for anything larger than 1/8-acre, though, so keep that in mind.

Electric lawn mower FAQs

How long do electric lawn mowers last?

Battery-powered mowers themselves can last up to 10 years, but their batteries will only last about 4 years before they’re unable to hold an effective charge. To ensure your batteries will last as long as possible, try to completely deplete the battery before recharging it. This will reduce the overall number of charging cycles placed on the battery, increasing its lifespan. You should also do your best to remove the battery from the charger once it’s fully charged.

Corded mowers have a similar lifespan as long as they’re cared for properly. There are no batteries to worry about, but their extension cords are just as important to pay attention to. This means using the correct gauge for the job, which indicates how thick the cord is. The thicker the cord, the more voltage will reach the mower and the less unnecessary work the motor has to do. Your mower’s operating manual should tell you the best gauge for the job.

How expensive are electric lawn mowers?

Electric lawn mowers are available at a wide range of prices, although corded models tend to be cheaper than battery-powered options. Corded mowers also won’t require any additional battery purchases over time. Size also plays a part. Large riding mowers can cost thousands of dollars, while smaller, compact machines, like the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO, our recommendation for small yards, can be found for about 140.

Neither requires the fuel or oil that gas-powered models do, which should cut down on the overall expense of the mower. However, the long-term cost of replacement batteries — which can cost hundreds of dollars — should be considered as well.

Is it safe to cut wet grass with an electric mower?

According to the Ego mower manual, you should avoid cutting wet grass with your electric mower for two reasons. First, the moisture can affect the electrical components of the mower and cause serious damage not covered by the warranty. Secondly, using your mower on wet grass is a potential safety hazard and can cause you to slip or fall and potentially injure yourself.

Wet grass can also present maintenance and cleaning challenges. It can become stuck on the deck and other components, and unlike gas-powered mowers, you can’t just spray it off with a hose. As long as you stick to cutting dry grass, you’ll have a much easier time cleaning up.

Can you leave an electric lawn mower outside?

Due to the electrical components and vulnerable batteries, we don’t recommend leaving your mower outdoors when it’s not in use. Both Ego and Greenworks recommend keeping their electric mowers indoors in a cool, dry space. They also state that you should never cover them with a plastic tarp, which can trap moisture that can damage the internal components. If you need to keep your mower outside, keep it elevated and off the ground. This will allow air to flow around it and prevent unnecessary moisture damage.

Check out more of our lawn care buying guides

• The best lawn mowers
• The best riding lawn mowers
• The best gardening and landscaping tools
• The best gardening tools for beginners
• The best garden hoses
• The best leaf blowers
• The best snow blowers
• The best snow shovels
• The best rakes
• The best sprinklers

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the home improvement, DIY, and appliance space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter for four years, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. Before Insider, Alex was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. His expertise also extends to the landscaping and gardening space, supported by experience as a landscaping professional. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.

Former senior reporter Owen Burke covered on espresso and espresso-adjacent products, grills, meat, seafood, and a few other kitchen-related odds and ends for Insider Reviews. He also contributes an array of menswear and outdoor-gear guides, from winter parkas to fishing rods and reels. He is a founding member of Wirecutter and has contributed to publications online and in print, including Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, The Atlantic, Gizmodo, Surfer Magazine, and Power Motoryacht, among others. He’s also worked in raw bars, restaurants, classrooms, and on fishing boats, holding a USCG Master Captain’s license, and is co-author of The Ocean Handbook: The Ultimate Handbook of Nautical Knowledge (Chronicle Books, 2021). Say hello at oburke@insider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider. Learn more about how we test kitchen products.

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