Toro brushless lawn mower. The 10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sage McHugh has written for Dotdash Meredith since 2019. With over a decade of experience in consumer-oriented content, Sage has a passion for products and how they enhance our everyday lives.

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness in the lifestyle space. In addition, she is a Developmental Editor for Dotdash Meredith where she reviews the work of other fact checkers.

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

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.

In our latest round of testing, we put six riding lawn mowers through their paces in our personal yards and selected the best electric ones based on its power, maneuverability, and noise level.

Best Overall

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

• Powerful and easy to use
• Lightweight and foldable for vertical storage
• 60-minute runtime and recharging
• Relatively affordable

After testing other 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.

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 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 three 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.

Price at time of publish: 549

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

Best Budget

Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower

• Affordable, powerful, and compact
• Unlimited run time
• Seven cutting positions
• Bag, mulch, and side-discharge settings

We’ve tested the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower several times over the last few years, and it continues to stand out as the best affordable choice for small yards and tight spaces, even those with somewhat challenging terrain. In fact, while testing this mower in our latest round of testing, we had no issues navigating over divots, clumps, bumps, and other parts of our lawn that were uneven—we found that this mower powered right through them. Plus, the 12-amp motor is powerful enough for tough cutting and mulching, including the tall, spindly weeds in our yard. We didn’t report any issues mowing over slightly wet grass either.

The 20-inch cutting deck is narrower than some other options, but we found that it helped us get through the tight areas of our yard easily. Adjusting the cutting height (seven different heights ranging from 1.5 to 3.75 inches) is simple as well, and really is the only setting you need to worry about. However, we did note that the mower didn’t go quite low enough to cut some patches of clover. Although it’s budget-friendly, we love that you have three options for your grass clippings—bag, mulch, or side discharge—and you don’t have to purchase any of these features separately (which would add to the cost). The grass collection bag was easy to clip on, although we did spill some grass clippings the first time we removed it and noted that the bag was not even full. However, we think this won’t be an issue once we get the hang of it.

Although this electric model is corded, we appreciated the unlimited runtime and didn’t find the cord to be cumbersome. We did find ourselves holding on to the cord even though there was a cord restraint system that kept it in place, but we were able to mow the lawn easily with our other hand. It’s important to note that this mower must be used with a 14-gauge 50-foot extension cord or a 12-gauge 100-foot extension cord (not included). Overall, we found this to be a really easy lawn mower to set up (just a few screws are needed for the handle), use, and store (just fold the handle), and it continues to impress us with its performance and price.

Price at time of publish: 230

Cutting Width: 20 inches | Weight: 56 pounds | Power Source: Corded | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Self-Propelled

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

• Powerful performance
• 70-minute runtime
• Fast, 60-minute charging
• Lightweight and folds for storage

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. Our lawn took only 45 minutes to an hour each time to mow, 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. 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 three 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.

Price at time of publish: 799

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

Best Push

Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 Electric Lawn Mower

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Budget-friendly
• Relatively quiet
• Folds for compact storage

While testing, we found that the Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 Electric Lawn Mower was as easy to use as a corded vacuum. At under 30 pounds, this mower is 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. We were also impressed by how quiet this mower was, especially compared to gas mowers we’ve used in the past. This mower was simple to set up—we just had to attach the bag and two parts for the handle.

Thanks to the 14-inch cutting deck, we found this to be a great push mower for navigating around tight corners and spaces. However, we do want to point out a few issues we came across while testing. We found that the grass collection bag filled up pretty quickly (after mowing about 20-30 feet). And when we mowed without the bag, we did notice that the grass would get stuck underneath the blades. As a great safety feature, the mower would immediately shut off. The grass was easy to remove though, and we were able to get back to mowing quickly. Also, it’s worth noting that this mower only has three settings for the cutting height, ranging from 1.12 to 2.52 inches. While you won’t get as a precise cut as other models, and you may have to stop to empty a bag or remove grass from underneath the mower when tackling long grass, we think this is a great budget-friendly push mower that is perfect for small lawns.

How It Performed Long-Term

We are still very satisfied with its performance, even after using it for three months. The grass has grown thicker and longer since we first tested the lawn mower, but we were able to adjust the height of the mower to handle it with ease. Even after it rained, we were able to cut through the grass without any problems. However, it should be noted that the grass catcher bag becomes heavier with damp clippings and more difficult to empty. Although we appreciate not having to refill the mower with gasoline constantly, we believe it would be more convenient if it ran on batteries rather than a cord. Having to connect the extension cord to different outlets in the yard can be a bit inconvenient. All in all, we believe it is a dependable mower for its price.

Price at time of publish: 108

Cutting Width: 14 inches | Weight: 29 pounds | Power Source: Corded electric | Cutting Options: Bag, side-discharge

Best Riding

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

• Powerful Performance
• LCD Screen and app for tracking battery life
• 13 cutting heights
• Many extra features

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. 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 mower has an accelerator pedal that allows for slow and precise maneuvering around obstacles while providing instant speed when necessary. 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.

Price at time of publish: 4,999

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

Best Zero-Turn

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

• 12 height settings
• Powerful performance
• LCD screen and app to monitor battery life
• Joystick steering

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. 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 also is 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.

And while it has many of the same features as the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. 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.

Price at time of publish: 6,999

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

Best Heavy-Duty

Toro 22 60V MAX Electric Battery SMARTSTOW Personal Pace High Wheel Mower

• Automatically adjusts to walking pace
• Nine cutting positions
• Vortex Technology results in finer grass clippings
• Quick-connect bagging and mulching

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.

Price at time of publish: 729

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

Best for Small Yards

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

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Dual charging port for batteries
• Battery charge indicator
• Batteries compatible with other Worx tools

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

This mower 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.

Price at time of publish: 300

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

Best Cordless

Makita 36-Volt Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower

• Powerful motor
• Durable construction
• 10 cutting heights
• Optional quiet mode
• Includes extra set of batteries

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

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

Price at time of publish: 599

Cutting Width: 18 inches | Weight: 60.46 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, rear-discharge

Best Robot

Worx Landroid Robotic Mower

• Fully automated
• Customize mowing schedules via app
• Navigates 20-degree slopes
• Detects rain and avoids obstacles

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

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.

Price at time of publish: 2,000

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

Compare

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 a more affordable option for your small yard, we found the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower to be compact and lightweight enough to navigate around obstacles with ease, and offers unlimited runtime, as long as you don’t mind a cord.

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 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. We like the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower because it is very easy to navigate around your yard and comes at a very budget-friendly price. 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. An electric riding mower is the most powerful option—and likewise the most expensive. Users must either sit or stand on the machine in order to operate it. With an ultra-wide cutting swath and the ability to navigate difficult terrain, a riding mower is well-suited for large yards with steeper slopes. We love the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor 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 run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. A cordless model gives you more flexibility and portability because it doesn’t restrict your movement. However, you will have to be mindful of the battery life, which typically runs down between 30 and 60 minutes. Some cordless electric mowers come with extra batteries that can be swapped out to extend their runtime. You could also purchase a second battery to increase the operating time. That way, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-task. Our top choice for a cordless model, Makita 18-Volt X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower, includes an extra set of batteries so users can mow longer without having to recharge. The biggest advantage to a corded electric lawn mower is that it provides unlimited power. Corded models typically cost less than their battery-operated counterparts. However, your movement is restricted to the cord’s length. A corded mower must be used with a heavy-duty extension cord, which is often sold separately. Most manufacturers recommend a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord, but you should always refer to the owner’s manual to ensure safe operation.

Deck Size

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

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.

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.

“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.”

• 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.

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. 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.

Why Trust The Spruce?

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

Jenica Currie, Commerce Editor for The Spruce updated this list with insights gathered from testing various electric lawn mowers in our own backyards across the country. She also added additional picks and reporting.

What Is The Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.

Make the switch to a greener yard with a high-performance battery-powered lawn mower.

By Tony Carrick and Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 12, 2023 8:21 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Whether you’re switching from gas-powered to green or buying your first cordless electric mower, battery-powered lawn mowers offer many advantages. In addition to being kinder to the environment, they’re also quieter and easier to start than gas-powered mowers.

These innovative machines use powerful batteries that provide enough juice to mow lawns up to a half acre or larger. They also produce enough torque to cut through tall grass and many are self-propelled, making them easier to operate.

We tested the following battery-powered lawn mowers in different grass-growing environments to find out more about their capability, reliability, and overall user comfort. Read on to learn about the important features to consider, how to select the best battery-powered lawn mower for areas ranging from just a few square feet to a couple of acres, and how each mower performed in our hands-on tests.

• BEST OVERALL:Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
• BEST SELF-PROPELLED:Toro Flex Force 60V 21-Inch Super Recycler Mower
• BEST RIDING:Ego Power Z6 42-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower
• BEST FAST-CHARGING:Ego Power 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Greenworks 40V 21-Inch Smart Pace Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS:Worx Nitro 80V Power Share 21-Inch Self Propelled Mower

How We Tested the Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

Battery-powered lawn mowers generally offer a quiet, exhaust-free mowing experience. They remove the hassle of buying and hauling gasoline, changing oil, and other maintenance aspects of gas engines. With the notable exceptions of sharpening/replacing blades and charging/replacing batteries, they are virtually maintenance-free. While shoppers are motivated to buy battery-powered lawn mowers for a multitude of reasons, the expectation remains that they will be able to mow their grass whenever they want, without hassle or frustration. To us, as testers, that meant we needed to closely scrutinize runtime, recharge time, and overall mowing capability.

We tested all mowers the same way and captured the results on a testing rubric for comparison. After fully charging the batteries, we used them to mow two different areas, one that had been consistently maintained at the normal mowing height, and one that had been neglected and allowed to grow about 10 inches high. Both areas included a mix of flat and moderately sloped ground. As we mowed, we assessed general operator comfort, self-propelled capabilities, mowing power, and finished mowing quality. We mowed until the batteries ran out, recorded the runtime, and measured the area mowed. Finally, we recorded the time required to recharge the depleted batteries.

Because riding mowers offer many more features and control options, we tested the Ego Power Z6 over several days with multiple battery configurations. Battery life plays such an outsized role in overall performance and customer satisfaction that we wanted to collect results on maintained and overgrown grass for groupings of two, four, and six batteries. The testing criteria and observation points for each test run were virtually the same as those for the other mowers. The great news is that all of these mowers delivered excellent mowing power, good-to-excellent cut quality, and plenty of runtime for real-world applications as shown in the individual reviews.

Our Top Picks

We tested the following mowers taking into account the above considerations for large and small yards. Read on to learn how each model performed in testing and why we consider them among the best battery-powered lawn mowers.

Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mo

The Snapper XD features a variable-speed transmission and design features that allow for adjustments to meet different grass-cutting demands. The StepSense feature automatically adjusts the speed to match the user’s walking pace. Load-sensing technology in this model automatically adjusts power output based on the thickness of the grass to provide a clean cut while maximizing energy efficiency.

The mower’s impressive 21-inch steel cutting deck is versatile. It boasts seven height adjustments that are easily changed from behind the mower with a single lever. The deck can mulch, side discharge, or bag with a capacity of up to 2.1 cubic feet of grass clippings.

When the yard work is done, this mower folds up conveniently for vertical storage in the garage. The kit includes two 2.0-Ah (amp hour) batteries, which together provide about 60 minutes of runtime and recharge in about 60 minutes.

In our tests, the Snapper XD traversed all types of terrain and left behind a smooth, even cut on a single pass. It easily powered through overgrown grass and weeds up to 10 inches tall, although extended use in tall weeds increased the needed power output and reduced runtime by about half.

We were more impressed by the blade motor’s load responsiveness than by the automated pace-adjustment system. The StepSense feature worked well on relatively flat ground, but on inclines it felt somewhat sticky or uneven. In overall performance for the price, this mower offers excellent power and runtime to mow about ⅓ of an acre, or 15,000 square feet, per charge.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/60 minutes
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
• Automatically adjusts to any individual user’s pace
• Powerful motor doesn’t bog down in dense grass
• Single lever cutting-height adjustment for user-friendliness
• Folds into a compact unit for ease of storage
• Less runtime per charge than some competitors
• StepSense feature feels somewhat “sticky”

Get the Snapper battery-powered lawn mower at Appliances Connection, Amazon, or Mowers Direct.

Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower

Greenworks is known for its advancements in battery technology, and this model has two 2.0-Ah batteries that allow for up to 70 minutes of runtime from a full charge, with a combined recharge time of just 60 minutes. This push mower features a 21-inch-wide mowing deck. Technology that adjusts the motor speed based on load helps to maximize battery life and maintain excellent cut quality.

Adding to this impressive mowing coverage is a steel deck with seven positions that are easy to adjust with a large handle near the right rear wheel. Its sturdy steel deck gives it the tough feel of gas-powered models.

A large start button and easy-to-maneuver speed control mean it can be manipulated with gloved hands. This push mower does not have motorized wheels, which keeps the price low and maximizes battery life for cutting grass. The 3-in-1 grass clipping capability allows for bagging, mulching, or side discharging, and a foldable handle design facilitates compact storage.

Although this Greenworks push mower required a bit more effort to move around the yard than the self-propelled mowers, its simplified design made it an extremely capable mower. The powerful motor offered the most “gas-like” performance of the group. It had no trouble cutting dense, weedy grass up to 10 inches tall and left possibly the best finish of all the mowers we tested. In all three modes, bagging, mulching, and side discharging, it left the grass perfectly smooth, with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. It had plenty of power to mulch thick grass into virtually invisible clippings.

The only downside of this mower was that hilly ground reduced the amount of area mowed per charge, not because of demand on the mower, but because the operator’s pace slowed. Everything else considered, we felt that this push mower delivered the strongest mowing capability, even though we had to push it. And the price was significantly less than the others.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 70 minutes/60 minutes
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Mobility: Push
• Dual 2-Ah batteries offer up to 70 minutes of runtime; ideal for both small and large yards
• Strong motor delivers powerful cutting performance; ideal for thin and thick grass varieties
• Easy to use controls integrated into the handle
• Included charger only charges one battery at a time
• Not self-propelled; may cause some strain on the user

Get the Greenworks 80V battery-powered lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Toro Flex Force 60V 21-Inch Super Recycler Mower

The Toro Flex Force Super Recycler lawn mower is built for powerful mowing performance with superior operator comfort. The three-phase motor automatically increases power output when it detects tougher mowing conditions, then eases off to conserve battery life when the mowing gets easier again.

The 21-inch military-grade cast aluminum deck features a powerful vortex air-intake system that stands the grass blades up straight for a smoother, cleaner cut. The shock-absorbing Personal Pace self-adjusting, self-propelled system operates smoothly regardless of the terrain. Bright LED headlights make it easier to mow later into the evening. It comes with a powerful 60V 7.5-Ah battery that delivers up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge and recharges in 3 hours.

The Toro Super Recycler was the most comfortable battery-powered mower we tested, primarily because of its robust self-propulsion system. Although it was not the only mower with a pressure-sensitive handle, this one functioned the best. It paired the slightly more resistant, but buttery smooth, handle movement with a higher top-end speed for self movement that felt almost effortless on most terrain. Only slight pressure was required to climb the uphill areas, and it didn’t try to run away on the downhills.

Toro’s excellent cut quality was second only to the Greenworks 80V (mainly because the Greenworks mower performed exceptionally well in overgrown areas and Toro needed a second pass for best results there). However, we were underwhelmed by its battery performance at only 45 to 50 minutes of runtime in average conditions and 3 hours to recharge. Still, anyone with less than a half acre who is shopping for smooth operation and a top-quality cut may want to consider the Super Recycler.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 50 minutes/180 minutes
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
• Mows up to 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet) per charge
• Self-propelled rear wheels
• Motor automatically adjusts output to match mowing conditions
• Lightweight, rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck
• LED headlights allow for ample visibility or nighttime mowing
• Longer recharge time than the competition
• Top mowing speed is too fast for imperfect conditions

Get the Toro battery-powered lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Ego Power Z6 42-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower

Those with larger acreage can now have a battery-powered mower that can actually cut all of their grass on a single charge. The Ego Power riding mower is capable of mowing up to 2 acres per charge, with easy upgrades that can increase runtime to cut more than 3 acres per charge. Plus, it offers many of the same features found on gas-powered zero-turn mowers, such as adjustable lap bars to independently control the rear drive wheels; heavy-duty front swivel casters; a comfortable high back seat with adjustable suspension; a 42-inch deck with 10 height settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches; and side discharging, mulching, and bagging capabilities.

The electric motor delivers power equivalent to a 22-horsepower (HP) gasoline engine. The Z6 also boasts high-power LED headlights, a battery level indicator, and independently adjustable modes and blade speeds. This mower comes with four 56V 10-Ah lithium batteries, with six available battery slots onboard, and is compatible with any of Ego Power’s other 56V batteries. It also comes with the fastest battery charger in the industry.

With so many features to test, we spent more time with the Z6 than with any of the other battery-powered mowers in this roundup. For our first run, we charged the four 56V 10-Ah batteries that came with the mower and cut as much grass as possible until the batteries ran out. Then we repeated the process with only two batteries, and again with a full “tank” of six batteries.

The mower requires a minimum of 15-Ah to operate, and the charger plugs into the mower to recharge all six batteries at once. Runtime and charge time were as follows: two batteries charged in 1¼ hours and mowed 3/4 acre, four batteries charged in 2 hours and mowed 1¾ acres, and six batteries charged in 3 hours and mowed almost 3 acres (we mowed the entire available area with about 12 percent charge left in the batteries).

We should also mention that the acreage we were mowing included a 1-acre rectangular field and two 1-acre home lots that, in addition to the homes, are approximately 50 percent and 75 percent lawn. The total grass acreage is more like 2¼, with some significant slopes and obstacles to navigate. Since Ego offers an even bigger battery size at 56V and 12-Ah, we estimate that runtime could possibly be stretched to mow up to 4 acres, depending on the condition of the grass and the lay of the land.

The Ego Power Z6’s operation was mostly excellent. Startup was easy, and maneuvering was intuitive. The apparent noise level was extremely quiet and limited to operating the mower deck. The machine travels almost silently when the blades are not running. The lap bars and drive wheels felt somewhat imprecise compared to other zero-turn mowers we’ve used. The machine pulled slightly to the left at full speed on flat ground under an average mowing load. The suspension seat was comfortable, but the relatively small rear tires and light weight of the machine made for a bouncy ride at times. It climbed and maneuvered fairly well on slopes, which is not a strength for most zero-turn mowers.

For most mowing, we kept the machine in “standard” mode and the blades on half power with excellent results. We tested the top blade speed on an area of about 2,000 square feet of overgrown crabgrass that was about 12 inches high, and we had to slow the travel pace significantly to get an acceptable cut in that situation. The Ego Power battery-powered zero-turn mower would make a great choice for any large-acreage owner with lots of grass to maintain.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 30 minutes/120 minutes (4 batteries)
• Deck size: 42 inches
• Mobility: Zero-turn riding mower
• Four 56V 10-Ah batteries included, with room for 2 additional batteries
• Onboard Rapid battery-charging system
• 10-position, 42-inch deck allows for ample cutting per pass
• Mows at speeds up to 7 mph/2.6 acres per hour
• Bright LED headlights for low-light mowing

Get the Ego Power Z6 riding lawn mower at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.

The Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 is a powerful battery mower that will make short work of self-driving up hills.

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The Toro 60V Max 22 is a solid and powerful battery mower that offers up to half an acre of cutting on a battery while pulling itself along using an intuitive self-propulsion system. Cleaning, maintenance and adjustments are easy plus you’re backed by up to three years of warranty cover. A superb mower backed by a history of experience combined with a modern way to keep your yard maintained.

Cons

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews

Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 is a powerful and large decked battery mower from one of the biggest names in garden maintenance. As such you get a wealth of experience backing this modern style of battery mower.

This model is able to mow up to half an acre with the larger of the two battery options, making it one of the longest life models out there. This is especially impressive when you consider this is also self-propelled.

This is a comparably light mower, making it easy to use and ideal for zipping about small to medium sized yards, especially if there are lots of intricate turns to be made.

Easy to use features like a quick adjust mulch mode lever and a wash out port offer unique user friendly appeal. The longevity of battery life, combined with a decent three year limited warranty, and the support of over 4,000 service centres in the US, make this a very Smart choice of mower for the longer term.

Is this the best battery lawn mower for you? Read on to find out all you need to know.

Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 review: Design and build

The Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 uses the now famous Recycler steel deck. This is one of the best out there for any mower, gas or electric. That means superb performance and particularly good mulching if that’s a feature you need.

The deck itself is a 22-inch unit meaning you get a very wide coverage area (more than the likes of the EGO Power 21-inch LM2100 and Greenworks 21-inch 60V MO60L410, for fewer runs up and down your lawn required. The deck can be adjusted, with a quick adjust handle, through seven heights from as low as one inch and right up to four inches.

The handle section can be folded over to save what the company says is an impressive 70 percent on storage space. This is also achieved thanks to the ability to store the mower in an upright position.

This model features a wash-out port which allows you to attach your hose pipe to shoot water into the rear, cleaning out the deck of the mower. When some electric mowers specifically advise you not to use your hose, this is a very appealing feature here.

The 11-inch rear wheels are a nice addition that makes this great for all yards even those with more uneven levels, or rough parts that need to be bumped over to get to the grass.

Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 review: Features

The Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 uses a DC brushless motor which means it’s able to offer plenty of power without using too much of the battery’s charge. It should also mean that the life of the motor is far greater than a brushed alternative.

The Personal Pace self-propulsion system from Toro is made to ensure your experience is as natural as possible. As such this intelligently detects your forward pressure, from leaning into the handle, and adds drive power through the rear wheels to pull the mower along. That should mean the ideal traction and power combination to keep you moving regardless of hills or flats.

The power of the motor is intelligently applied by the mower. That means that if you hit a tough bit of grass there will be more power applied so you can keep cutting through. But on the flip of that it means when more power isn’t needed the mower can revert to a more steady pace and save on battery life.

You have the option to bag your cuttings, mulch or to use the side discharge to send all the waste back onto the lawn.

Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 review: Performance

The Toro Recycler 60V Max 22 has lots of power when it’s needed with that Smart adaptive delivery working well. Hit a rough patch and you have the power to keep going without slowing, but when you get to easy maintenance cut sections you’ll keep cruising without using as much power. This applies to the Smart self drive too, which adapts naturally when you go up or down slopes. It’s not something you have to think about, making the job easier.

The battery life is really great with a third of an acre on the 6Ah battery or a good half acre of cutting when using the 7.5Ah battery. So which one you go for depends on your yard size since you’ll get the same powerful performance regardless. That continues right up until the battery dies, there’s not a weakening towards the end.

The hose pipe port is a nice addition but in reality it’s still more effective to just stand the mower vertically and blast off the underside of the deck that way. Since you can store this vertically you’ll probably be getting it into that position anyway so you might as well blast it that way, meaning the hose port likely won’t get used much.

Height adjustment and bag removal and replacement are easy with simple to use and well made fittings. The ability to switch into mulching mode with a simple lever flip was a nice touch that makes other mowers, that use a plug you have to store, seem really old fashioned.

Despite the large 22-inch deck, those 11-inch wheels really make this easy to maneuver and the overall weight is nice and light at 83 pounds, without feeling flimsy. Light enough for easy storage vertically, but heavy enough for a solid and steady performance even over bumps.

Should I buy the Toro Recycler 60V Max 22?

If you want a reliable brand that gives you a large and solid deck, long battery life and Smart self-propulsion. all backed by a decent warranty. then this is for you. The lightweight and easy storage are nice additions for anyone that doesn’t have a lot of storage space but still wants a full sized mower.

If you want to cover a larger yard space you might consider a model with dual battery ports, or invest in a second battery to keep you going.

If you’re still set on a gas mower, then check out our round up of the best gas lawn mowers, while those with big lawns will want to take a look at our guide to the best ride on lawn mowers.

Toro Revolution Electric Battery-Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

The Toro Revolution Battery-Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mowers include three primary models. They include the Toro Grandstand Revolution stand-on mower, the Z Master Revolution zero-turn, and the 60V Toro HD 21 Revolution push mower. These mowers fall squarely on the commercial business side of the industry with performance, run-time, and pricing to match.

What Toro Revolution Electric Mowers Offer

Increasingly, local municipalities continue to pass laws mandating OPE equipment perform with lower noise emissions. These municipal noise restrictions have forced many commercial landscapers and lawn care professionals to consider battery-powered products for their business—if not in whole, then in part.

Toro Revolution Series electric mowers deliver on the all-day runtime needed in order to achieve commercial-level operation and expectations. Their extra-large batteries and commercial-level decks ensure that professionals have another option when looking to supplement or switch over to electric.

Toro Revolution Mower Technology

We think Toro did a few really great things with the Revolution Series electric mowers. For one, they minimized components through the use of brushless motors and removing the need for hydrostatic wheel controls. That should translate into less maintenance compared to a gasoline engine and standard transmission. Next, they mounted the battery packs as low as possible on these mowers to drop the center of gravity and help them perform more confidently on all manner of lawns—including hilly terrain.

The battery packs of the HyperCell Power System used in the Grandstand mower, for example, feature 135 cells per pack (they appear to be 21700 cells). Each pack stores and delivers roughly 2337.5Wh of energy. Multiply that by the 8 battery packs that fit within the Toro Grandstand zero-turn mower, and you have somewhere around 18.7 kilowatt-hours of available power! That’s roughly the equivalent of 18 STIHL AR 3000 backpack batteries and should give you all-day mowing capability unless you only mow uphill.

It goes without saying that the Toro Revolution Series mowers have incredibly robust battery systems. In fact, here’s how some of the key features compare:

The controls on the Z Master Revolution include hard buttons—eliminating issues with trying to use touch controls while wearing gloves. We love this and think all mowers should get away from touchscreen interfaces. They have no place on mowers. Using the Horizon interface, you can control blade tip speed and maximum drive speed. Toro also lets you see the remaining battery charge and other helpful info.

An adjustable deck rake gives you a pro feature that also helps increase runtime by letting more grass clippings exit the rear of the deck while mulching. You can also adjust the rake to optimize cutting performance.

Between the battery and brushless motors on this electric mower, Toro claims you get the equivalent of a 38hp engine. That should be enough to tackle even overgrown grass, though regular maintenance cuts will yield you the longest overall run times.

With three available models, expect to pay 35,000 for the 48-inch model and even more for the 52-inch, 60-inch, and premium 60-inch model with MyRide suspension.

Specifications

• Models (48/52/60/60 MyRide): 18748/18752/18760/18765
• Battery: 10x HyperCell 23.4 kWh
• Charge Time: 6 hours
• Runtime: 4-7 hours
• Charge type: 3.3kW 240V (standard), 1.2kW/120V (optional)
• Transmission: Planetary gearset
• Deck size: 48/52/60 in. and 60 in. MyRide
• Deck material: 7-gauge steel
• Optional electric deck lift
• Seat: Deluxe Suspension Comfort w/Armrests, MyRIDE suspension (18765)
• Max Speed: 11 mph (7 speed settings)
• Drive tires (48/52/60/60 MyRide): Super Turf 24 x 9.5/10.5/12/12 x 12 in.
• Front casters: 13 x 6.5 x 6 in. flat-free semi-pneumatic
• Weight (48/52/60/60 MyRide): 1354/1367/1381/1461 lbs.
• Warranty (residential): 5-year, 1500-hour
• Warranty (commercial): 2-year (no hour limit)

Toro Grandstand Revolution Stand-on Mower

The Toro Grandstand Revolution Stand-on Mower isn’t the first battery-powered stand-on in the market. It does, however, offer some unique features worth looking into. Toro built this electric stand-on mower on the same commercial platform as their gas-powered GrandStand series.

The mowers feature the same strong I-beam front end and 7-gauge steel deck with bullnose bumper.

Like the Z Master, the GrandStand Revolution lets you adjust the deck rake to compensate for various mowing conditions. Instead of the 10 batteries of the Z Master, this machine uses 8 Toro HyperCell batteries totaling 18.7 kWh of power. It delivers up to 7 hours or more of runtime with a maximum speed of 10 mph.

Specifications

• Model: 18560
• Battery: 8x HyperCell 18.4 kWh
• Charge Time: 12 hours
• Runtime: 4-7 hours
• Charge type: 1.2kW/120V (optional)
• Transmission: Planetary gearset
• Deck size: 52 in.
• Deck material: 7-gauge steel
• Max Speed: 10 mph (7 speed settings)
• Drive tires: Super Turf 20 x 10 x 10 in.
• Front casters: 11 x 4 x 5 in. flat-free semi-pneumatic
• Weight: 1109 lbs.
• Warranty (residential): 5-year, 1200-hour
• Warranty (commercial): 2-year (no hour limit)

Final Thoughts

Clearly, these electric mowers from Toro offer professional quality. They also, however, offer themselves at a professional-level price. Starting around 35,000, the Toro Z Master and Grandstand Revolution mowers aren’t for the faint of wallet. While you can certainly make the case for an eventual ROI, our calculations put that around 4-5 years. That corresponds to the time when you may need a replacement battery. Unfortunately, the battery can make up half the price of the original mower.

We can’t help but think the future of commercial battery-powered lawn mowers will fall to the leasing market. It makes too much sense and eliminates the issue of long-term ROI based on uncertainties like ongoing run-time and battery replacement.

Clint DeBoer

When he’s not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.

Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years. Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film video editing, color correction, and digital video MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified. After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades. Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.

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Toro Smartstow Recycler 22-Inch 60V MAX Electric Lawn Mower Review

In the summer of 2020 I reviewed the Toro 22 (56cm) 60V MAX Electric Battery Smartstow Personal Pace High Wheel Mower (20363) over the course of a couple of months. That’s an extremely long name for such a simple piece of machinery, but absolutely necessary when it comes to the testing of a tool that can take considerable wear and tear damage over time. With the Flex-Force Power System (plug-and-play rechargeable batteries and charger), 22-inch blade for mowing, and a tenacious yard of summertime grass, I ran this mower through the paces more than a few times.

Lawnmower on Batteries

Before I got this lawn mower in from Toro, they sent over a leaf blower that uses the same battery system. Both devices have the same connection points for the battery system, and both come with the same battery charger. The battery for the mower is quite a bit larger than that of the blower, but both batteries work interchangeably between machines.

I have approximately 0.17 acres of grass to cut every week – sometimes I can stretch it to a week and a half. With this mower’s 60V battery, I can cut this area of land without a recharge – just so long as the battery is fully charged before I begin. Toro suggested that I should be able to mow a full 1/3 acre with a full battery charge – and that seems about accurate, based on my couple of months of tests.

This lawn mower’s wheels can adjust to several different cut levels, as all good personal lawn mowers should. The system with which each wheel is adjusted is rather rudimentary. If this mower were as heavy as your average gas mower, adjusting the wheels might be a bit more of a chore. Since this mower is surprisingly light, adjusting each of the wheels is easy enough for any adult to handle.

While the mower feels light, it’s largely made of steel and tough plastic. The entirety of the deck is steel, each of the wheels is plastic. Every part of this mower feels like Toro hit a sweet spot: not too light as to feel cheap, rugged enough to stand the test of time.

Fold up and clean cut

This mower can fold up and sit upright. With Toro’s SmartStow Technology, the company’s engineered the mower so the handle folds down and the entire machine can sit upright, like a dog begging for a treat. This mower requires a LOT less space in the garage than any other mower I’ve ever worked with before.

The bagging system with this mower works great – but it’s the bagless mowing setup that makes me feel like this mower is a true winner. Toro’s got a special feature brand for this, too: Toro Recycler Cutting Technology. Whatever it’s doing, it’s doing right.

Recycler in effect

With the back door closed, I’ve mowed my lawn for weeks without needing any substantial mower cleaning. I grew up using a Toro cutter released in the early 1980s, and even when bagging, grass buildup was an occasional issue. Toro seems to have worked out all the kinks in the past several decades – this mower cuts both cleanly and efficiently.

The mower works with a Personal Pace Self-Propel System, which means it’s able to travel at several speeds. Pushing the mower feels natural to the point that it almost feels like the machine is weightless.

This, too, is a major improvement over early self-propelled mower madness. Back when I was a kid, a self-propelled mower meant you’d start the mower, pull up the bar, and hold on for dear life. The mower I used as a kid went ONE speed: Too fast. Here in modernity, Toro’s self-propelled mower system adjusts based on how hard you’re pushing the handle, so it all goes according to your own pace.

Enjoyment Factor

Perhaps the most important part of this entire situation is the mower’s entertainment value. This is of the utmost importance if you’re considering buying a lawn mower that you’ll be convincing your kids to use. Imagine their surprise when they find themselves enjoying the experience, from pushing the big blue start button to replacing the beastly battery to folding the machine up to sleep in the shed.

Battery Life for Larger Yards

If you have a yard larger than 1/3 acre, you might want to consider buying a second battery. OR, if you’re in the market for any other yard equipment, there’s a bunch of other Toro machines in the same Flex-Force Power System. Charge one battery while you’re mowing with the other and you’ll never run out of battery.

If only the battery charged up a bit faster. That’s probably my only major issue with the mower: The speed of the battery charger. It’s not particularly fast. It’s likely my perception of a fast battery charge is largely skewed thanks to smartphone companies pushing speeds for their tiny mobile batteries to the limit – but a faster charge would be nice, nonetheless.

The Flex-Force Power System battery charger included with this mower has light indicators and its own built-in fan to keep the system from overheating. A combination of this charger, plugging in batteries with the mower, and the blower, the entire Flex-Force Power System made me feel like a Ghostbuster.

Wrap-up

If you’re considering spending up to and including the price this lawn mower costs in stores today, you’ll get your money’s worth. At the point at which this review was first published, the Toro 22 (56cm) 60V MAX Electric Battery SMARTSTOW Personal Pace High Wheel Mower (20363) had a price of MSRP 570 USD. Assuming this mower will last you a half-decade at least, that price is right on the money.

With a brushless motor under the hood and no indication that any of the parts are anything but rugged enough to last for years, this mower is easily one of the best pieces of outdoor power / lawn equipment I’ve ever used.