best battery powered lawn mower

Battery Powered Lawn Mowers ~ Pros & Cons

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Reviewed by Linda D. Jones

Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Alice Benny

The best battery powered lawn mower can help you transition to more efficient yard work. With a cordless mower, you have ease of use. Charge the battery, and your mower will be ready when you need it.

These lawn mowers are eco-friendly and practically maintenance free. They are ideal for small lawns. You can choose a lawn mower with a single battery or dual-battery source to double the charge.

There are many different types of battery lawn mowers to consider. Keep reading to learn what to consider along with some pros and cons that may apply to your situation and needs.

Pros to Using Battery Powered Lawn Mowers

Tired of your old noisy gas lawn mower? The advantages of using mowers that run on batteries:

  • Starts with the push of a button
  • Cordless
  • Eco-friendly
  • Adjustable power settings and cutting height settings
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Choice of single or a dual-battery to double the charge
  • Ready to use
  • Easy to maintain
  • Ideal for small lawns
  • Can have backup battery for larger lawn
  • No filters to replace
  • Cleaner fuel source
  • Lightweight

An average charge lasts between 30 – 60 minutes. Depending on the size of your lawn, this may or may not be enough. You can purchase a back-up battery to replace as needed. Alternatively, you can purchase a dual-battery lawn mower to have twice the battery life.

Cons

Disadvantages to using a battery-powered lawn mower:

  • Not practical to use on thick grass
  • Will use more power going up hills
  • Need to charge battery between uses

Buyer’s Guide

Looking at electric lawn mower reviews, you’ll notice that this machine can have a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to powerful models. You must know what to look for to ensure you’re buying the right model.

Here are features to consider such as motor power, battery life, and overall build quality.

Motor

The first thing to consider is the motor that is built into the lawn mower. The motor rating is classified in volts, and the higher the volts, the more powerful the motor is.

If you have a large piece of property, you’ll need to find a motor that is at least 70V. Smaller properties can get away with less powerful models, such as 40V motors.

You’ll also need to consider the power of the lawn mower, as it determines the type of batteries you need. More powerful motors will require batteries that hold a significant charge.

It’s also essential to make sure you opt for a brushless motor, as they’re easier to maintain. With brushless motors, you won’t have any pieces moving or grinding against each other and causing it to wear down.

Over time, you’ll find a brushless motor holds up better and is also substantially quieter. It’s also important to note you might be eligible for a rebate if you purchase an electric mower. Contact your local Air Quality Management District to learn more.

Battery

Most electric lawn mowers will come equipped with one to two batteries. It’s highly recommended you consider buying a second battery, as it can help you to have more available power.

Similar to choosing a motor, your battery rating is vital to determine the runtime of your lawn equipment, including mowers and lawn edgers.

If you’re going to need over 60 minutes of continuous mowing, you’ll need at least 4Ah of power. Some of the more impressive electric lawn mowers have batteries that are up to 5Ah or 6Ah.

With that said, bigger batteries will also require more time to get a full charge, which is something to prepare for.

Charger

The charger that comes with your mower has the sole responsibility of keeping your batteries full. More modern chargers allow you to plug your batteries in and leave them until they’ve finished charging.

The device will then automatically shut down and offer trickle charging to ensure they’re always at their maximum. Older chargers, on the other hand, are less expensive but need to be monitored.

In the owner’s manual, you’ll learn how long to leave the batteries charging before they need to be removed. Otherwise, you’ll risk overcharging the batteries, which can significantly reduce the amount of power they hold.

Another important feature of chargers is whether they’re fast-charging or not. Fast chargers allow you to save time by ensuring your batteries are ready in under an hour. If you only have one battery, this could be an essential feature to keep in mind.

Adjustments

Adjustable features are essential for these tools, as every lawn is different. Whether you prefer short, medium, or tall grass, you’ll need to adjust the cutting blades. With the use of a single-lever adjustment, you can customize the height of your mower with ease.

Most models will give you between four and five different adjustments, which should be more than enough. However, if you want to get more precise, you can find models with up to seven adjustable levels.

Another important adjustment relates to storing the mower in your shed or garage. You’ll want to make sure you choose a model with foldable handles so that it takes up less space.

Electric models can also be stored vertically, which is ideal for maximizing floor space in your garage.

Cordless Electric Lawn Mower vs Corded

Opting for a cordless electric lawn mower instead of a corded one can be beneficial. You won’t have to worry about being limited to how far you can travel on your property. Also, with improved batteries, you can have extended cutting times with your replaceable batteries.

On the other hand, corded models can be slightly more reliable. As you’ll be plugged into a source of continuous power, you won’t have to worry about recharging batteries. Although, if you prefer optimal flexibility, a cordless unit is your best option.

Battery Powered Lawn Mowers

1. Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Lawn Mower

In many electric lawn mower reviews, you will often come across the Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Lawn Mower among the top picks. While this battery-powered lawn mower weighs only 37.5 pounds, it doesn’t compromise on power. What’s more, in this package, you’ll receive everything necessary to operate several Greenworks tools.

Product Highlights

The Greenworks Ecosystem is particularly beneficial, as it’s a single battery for all your tools. This means you can use the same 4Ah battery for your mower, edger, and other equipment. With this model, you’ll receive not only the battery but also a charger.

The Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Lawn Mower is also multi-versatile, offering a two-in-one design. Users will be able to either mulch or rear bag. You’ll be able to seamlessly switch between either option based on the quality of your lawn.

Adjusting the height of your mower has never been easier than with this mode’s five-position lever. You’ll be able to transition from 1-1/4 to 3-3/8 to cut your yard perfectly.

On average, you should be able to cut up to 400 square meters on a single charge. Even on the thickest grass varieties, the mower will power through to finish the job quickly.

You’ll also love the cutting deck, which provides 16 inches of cutting space. Whether you own a small or large chunk of property, this mower can tackle every inch.

You’ll find six-inch wheels in the front and seven-inch wheels in the rear for easy maneuverability. Another notable feature is that this tool operates at 50% less noise than most gas mowers.

At the end of the season, be sure to take advantage of the handles that fold down. You’ll find that it helps make it much simpler to store in smaller spaces. The folding handles also make the mower more comfortable to bring if you have to cut a family member’s lawn.

What to Like About It 

When using this battery powered mower, you’ll find the blade is easy to clear if you pick up twine or other objects. It’s a highly useful tool for small properties, especially as it’s lightweight and easy to push around your lawn.

This model is much quieter than gas-powered motors, so it’s ideal for neighborhood use. Also, the durable build is worth noting because all the critical parts are made of metal.

What Not to Like About It

The most massive issue with this mower is its battery, which might not hold a charge enough for you to mow your lawn. You’ll also have to keep an eye on it while charging; otherwise, it can overcharge and kill the battery. Another complaint involves the bag that catches clippings. Unfortunately, the seal is of low-quality and causes debris to fly out.

Pros:

  • The blade is easy to clean
  • Perfect for small properties
  • Lightweight and easy to push
  • All essential parts are metal
  • Doesn’t require ear protection

Cons:

  • Batteries must be watched
  • Doesn’t retain charge well
  • Poor bag seal

2. Sun Joe MJ401C-XR 28V Cordless Lawn Mower

The Sun Joe MJ401C-XR 28V Cordless Lawn Mower is another good option for small to medium-size properties. With an impressive battery, it’s likely to last longer than some of the other electric options. Also, you’ll have access to a useful adjustable feature to get a more professional finish.

Product Highlights

The most significant feature of this mower is that it offers cordless performance when mowing. This machine runs on a lithium-ion battery designed to hold a better charge. What’s more, it charges faster than traditional batteries, ensuring your mower is always ready to go.

Most users will be able to cut up to a quarter acre of grass before needing to recharge the battery.

With 28V of power, this unit can tackle most ordinary residential yards. The 14-inch cutting path should allow you to cut a big chunk in a single pass. You’ll also like the adjustable height, allowing you to choose from three different positions.

Using the key start is easy, too; all you need to do is insert the key and squeeze the trigger. For safety, there’s also a built-in safety switch that needs to be engaged before mowing. The motor is a significant improvement. Its brushless design ensures it lasts longer than other models and offers more runtime on average.

Because it’s an electric mower, it produces far less noise, making it an excellent option for use in residential properties. With the help of the grass catcher, you can ensure all of your clippings are kept off your lawn. The 40-liter container gives you more than enough storage for mid-size lawns.

To empty the catcher, all you have to do is disconnect it from the rear of the mower. This unit features all-terrain wheels, which makes it easy to transport throughout your property.

The collapsible handle is another user-friendly feature, allowing you to take the machine with you in your car if you need to. During the off-season, you can quickly reduce the mower’s size by collapsing the handle.

What to Like About It

If you need a lightweight mower that is soft on your ears, this is one of the best battery powered mowers to consider. It also features the generous Sun Joe warranty that ensures your unit meets your expectations.

With up to 30 minutes of continuous cutting, maintaining yards becomes effortless. Compared to other electric lawn mowers, this model’s battery holds a substantial charge. Even if you leave the battery to sit for a month, it is still likely to contain plenty of power.

What Not to Like About It

The charger that comes with this unit doesn’t work as well as it should, which is a significant issue. You must also watch the battery, as charging it for over three hours can damage its integrity. Another concern is that the battery is built into the unit, so you can’t swap it for a fresh one when it runs out of power.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Easily cuts through grass
  • The battery lasts up to 30 minutes
  • Generous warranty
  • Quiet motor
  • The battery holds a strong charge

Cons:

  • Battery can overcharge
  • Not recommended for large properties
  • Built-in battery

3. Greenworks GLM801601 80V Cordless Lawn Mower

Having access to an all-in-one kit is essential for the majority of homeowners. The Greenworks GLM801601 80V Cordless Lawn Mower is quite impressive, as it has plenty to offer. Not only does it have one of the most powerful motors, but it also comes with everything you need.

Product Highlights

The engine power of this electric lawn mower is awe-inspiring, especially for its price. You’ll have an 80V battery, which will let you power through most types of vegetation. With the addition of the 2Ah battery, you’ll have plenty of battery life to take advantage of, as well.

Another essential feature of the motor is that it has a brushless design, improving its longevity. You’ll love its sheer level of performance comparable to a 160cc gas engine.

Long run time

If you’re looking to transition from gas to electric, this is one of the top-tier options to consider. On average, homeowners will get up to 60 minutes of continuous run time.

Your order also comes with a second battery and a charger. Hence, you can easily have a fully charged backup battery ready and waiting if you need to swap mid-project.

The charger helps to charge your batteries quickly. Its quick charging feature ensures that your batteries are full within 30 minutes, making it ideal for large properties.

One of this mower’s unique features is that it uses the same battery as many other Greenworks tools. In fact, as a part of the diverse Greenworks ecosystem, your 2Ah battery can be used in over 25 different Greenworks Pro tools.

You’ll no longer have to worry about keeping a collection of gas and oil to mow your lawn.

The batteries included with this mower are compatible with GBA80400, GBA80200, and GCH8040 chargers.

If you’re not satisfied with dual 2Ah batteries, you can also opt for 4Ah batteries. However, the rapid charging times will differ, as the larger batteries will require more charging time.

Fortunately, the larger batteries will have a full charge within 60 minutes. The Greenworks GLM801601 80V Cordless Lawn Mower boasts a three-in-one design that will prove quite useful.

Homeowners will have a mulching feature, a rear bag, and a side discharge feature. As you work through your property, you can decide which option is best and switch mid-project.

To make using your lawn mower even simpler, you’ll have access to a push start. Compared to other Greenworks lawn mowers, you’ll appreciate not having to worry about a key.

Once you start the engine, you should be able to mow up to one acre of your property in a single charge.

Store the lawn mower vertically

Another unique feature of this mower is that it’s compatible with vertical storage. You won’t have to worry about the unit taking up too large of a footprint in your shed or garage.

However, it is significantly heavier than some of the other electric lawn mowers on the market. Weighing 79.5 pounds, you’ll be glad that the big all-terrain wheels are easy to maneuver across your property.

Also, the cutting path is significantly larger, measuring in at 21 inches to help you get through a large chunk of your lawn effortlessly.

If you like innovative features built into your yard tools, you’ll love the patented Smartcut Technology.

With this, your lawn mower will automatically adjust its power based on the height of your grass. You’ll find that the unit will get more potent for taller grass, allowing you to capitalize on its impressive performance.

It’s one of the top recommended electric options for heavy-duty jobs, especially if you want a like-gas option.

What to Like About It 

There’s plenty to like with this cordless lawn mower, especially as it is quite powerful compared to other electric models.

It can mow up to two acres, as long as you’re grass isn’t tall and thick. Keeping up with mowing regularly makes this a nonissue. It also operates at a much lower noise than gas-powered mowers, which is convenient for neighborhoods.

Over time, you’ll find the battery won’t overheat, and bagging is more accessible than with top-tier mowers. You can easily switch between bagging, mulching, and using the side chute with the three modes. Also, the vertical storage makes it easy to put away during the off-season.

What Not to Like About It

Unfortunately, the side-discharge chute will need to be affixed better with additional screws, as it can fall off. Also, adjusting the height of the mower will take a little more effort than you originally anticipated. Another concern is mulching with tall grass, as it may cause the chute to get clogged.

Pros:

  • Can mow up to two acres
  • Very quiet
  • Impressively powerful
  • Three convenient modes
  • Bagging is seamless
  • The battery doesn’t get hot easily
  • Convenient vertical storage

Cons:

  • Discharge chute falls off easily
  • Challenging height adjustment
  • Tall grass mulching needs improvement

4. EGO Power+ LM2142SP 56V Electric Lawn Mower 

The EGO Power+ LM2142SP 56V Electric Lawn Mower is another excellent option for an all-in-one package. Upon its arrival, all you have to do is charge your batteries, and the mower is ready to be used.

From one of the top-tier lawn equipment manufacturers, this option is a hefty choice for your property.

Product Highlights

We would rate the EGO Power+ LM2142SP 56V Electric Lawn Mower as an excellent option for medium to large properties. You’ll receive two batteries and a charger along with the mower, which allows you to have plenty of power. Each of the batteries is the patented EGO ARC lithium-ion batteries that hold the perfect amount of charge.

A single battery should give you up to 80 minutes of continuous runtime, especially with short and thin grass. With that said, as long as you keep the second battery charged, you won’t have to worry about starting and stopping.

The 56V motor is also exceptional, as it helps you to deal with most types of vegetation on your property. The motor is brushless, like the other models we’ve explored this far.

Brushless motors are known to last much longer than their counterparts and require far less maintenance.

Another advantage is that they are much quieter, which means you won’t have to worry about wearing ear protection or disturbing neighbors.

Self-propelling

The self-propelling design helps to push the mower, making it a great option for elderly homeowners. The variable speed self-propel option allows you to get up to three miles per hour. You’ll also appreciate the push start feature, eliminating the need for keys to start the motor.

If you’re making the transition from gas to electric tools, this is another excellent option to consider. You’ll have a reasonable amount of power compared to gas, and you can use renewable energy.

Homeowners won’t ever have to worry about excessive noise or fumes while working on maintaining their lawns.

EGO has a unique ecosystem of tools like the other brands we’ve discussed in this guide. The batteries included with your order is compatible with over 40 power tools.

As long as they have the EGO POWER+ logo, the batteries easily click in and begin working.

Another unique feature of the batteries is their peak power technology. Using this tech, you’ll find they draw more power and allow your lawn mower to propel effortlessly through your property. They also offer a significantly longer runtime compared to other universal battery options.

With your new lawn mower, you can choose between six different height settings, so getting a professional and customized look to your lawn has never been simpler.

Users can choose between one and a half inches and four inches worth of height with the six options.

If you prefer to mow at dusk or night, you’ll appreciate the built-in LED lights. At the front of the mower, the bright lights help to illuminate your path in low lighting.

Also, with its weather-resistant construction, your mower can stay safe if you encounter unexpected weather.

When it comes to storage, the EGO Power+ LM2142SP 56V Electric Lawn Mower is exceptional. It folds down into a compact size, taking up less space in your garage or shed. Also, because it’s weather-resistant, you won’t have to worry about it being exposed to the elements.

What to Like About It 

The cutting blade in the EGO Power+ is very impressive. It will work through thin and thick grass with ease, making it great for transitioning to electric.

Also, adjusting the height is effortless with the single-point height adjustment system. Its overall build is quite sturdy and durable, especially over several months of use.

Another huge advantage is that it’s whisper-quiet and makes minimal vibrations. You can mow your lawn early in the morning without disturbing neighbors.

What Not to Like About It

It’s important to inspect the batteries that arrive with your unit, as they could be old. The older your batteries are, the worse they’ll be at holding a consistent charge for a long time. Also, if you have any concerns with the mower, you’d be frustrated that the warranty claims process is incredibly long.

In terms of performance, this mower has a long machine deck nose, which prevents cutting up-close. Gas mowers get closer to the ground.

Pros:

  • Very sharp cutting blade
  • Barely noticeable sound
  • Great for transitioning from gas
  • Single-point height adjustment
  • Impressive power
  • Sturdy construction

Cons:

  • May arrive with old batteries
  • Extensive warranty claims
  • Long machine deck nose

5. Briggs & Stratton Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Lawn Mower 

The Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Lawn Mower has a couple of unique features to make mowing simpler. With its impressive motor, it’s an exceptional option for larger properties. Also, it’s one of the highest-powered electric motors in this guide.

Product Highlights

There are a couple of unique features in this mower that you aren’t likely to get elsewhere. The first is the patented StepSense Automatic Drive System.

Have you ever used a lawn mower and found it too challenging to push on your own? With the StepSense Automatic Drive System, it will automatically sense your walking speed.

The mower then adjusts its speed to ensure it has the most convenient self-propelling to match your pace. This feature makes the machine exceptionally easy to maneuver, especially for elderly homeowners.

Dual-battery mower

Another unique feature is the dual-battery powerhead. With most electric mowers, you’ll be responsible for switching the batteries once the first one dies out.

However, this unit allows you to plug in both batteries simultaneously, so you have twice as much power. With two batteries, you’ll be able to double your runtime, making it a phenomenal option for large properties.

You’ll receive dual 2Ah batteries that offer up to 60 minutes of continuous runtime in the kit. Also, because it’s cordless, you can expect the batteries to be lithium-ion.

Lithium-ion batteries hold a substantially larger charge for an extended period. If you decide that you want to upgrade your batteries’ power, this unit is compatible with many options.

You’ll be able to use any Snapper XD batteries, which are available in 2Ah, 4Ah, and 5Ah. As with most models, you’ll be able to adjust the height with seven different settings easily.

For tailored cutting, the single-lever adjustment makes it quite easy to manage, even while you’re on the go.

You’ll love the cutting deck, too, which tackles a large chunk of the lawn with minimal effort. It has a 21-inch cutting deck featuring three different modes for different mowing styles.

You can choose to mulch your clippings, bag them, or use the side-discharge nozzle, enhancing its versatility.

Overall, you’ll receive plenty of great features for you to put to good use. It’s also important to note that this lawn mower model offers vertical storage at the end of the season.

By storing the mower vertically, you save a significant chunk of space in your garage.

What to Like About It 

The Briggs & Stratton Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Lawn Mower works near-perfectly. It’s comfortable to use, especially with the addition of the self-propelling feature. When you’re finished, the blades are easy to clean, and the unit is easily stored.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to use, even for beginners. It also cuts through thicker and taller grass with less effort than other electric mowers.

What Not to Like About It

The most considerable disadvantage is the batteries that come with the lawn mower. The 2Ah batteries offer limited runtime, especially if you have thick grass. Also, the mulching feature performs below average, barely mulching the grass well enough. Compared to other electric mowers, this model is slightly louder than you would expect.

Pros:

  • Comfortable to use
  • Convenient self-propelling feature
  • Easy to clean and store
  • Simple operation
  • Cuts through tall grass effortlessly

Cons:

  • Limited runtime
  • Louder than expected
  • Poor mulching

FAQs

Are electric lawn mowers any good?

If you are wondering are electric lawn mowers any good, the answer is yes. Electric lawn mowers seem to be improving annually by offering near gas-like performance.

Many motors are as powerful as 160cc gas mowers and have many other benefits. You won’t have to worry about using gasoline, maintaining the motor, or finding special storage. It’s easy to start by pressing a button or flipping a switch. 

How long do electric lawn mowers last?

With proper care and storage, the best electric mowers can last up to 10 years, if not longer. You will likely have to replace the batteries well before that, though. Most batteries will work at peak performance for up to five years with regular use. Read instructions to ensure you don’t over-charge them.

Electric lawn mowers will last for years but much depends on how well you maintain it and how often you use it.

How do you mow with an electric lawn mower?

Using electric lawn mowers is more straightforward than gas-powered models. So how do you mow with an electric lawn mower?

To start, you’ll only have to connect your fully charged battery and then disengage a safety switch, depending on the model. Most electric lawn mowers have a trigger or handle that you pull to start the unit, and then you can begin mowing.

If you invest in a higher-quality model, it might also be equipped with self-propelling technology. This helps the unit push itself with your mowing pace to reduce any strain.

Can you mow wet grass with an battery-powered mower?

It’s a general rule of thumb that you shouldn’t mow wet grass with electric or gas-powered mowers. This is true for battery powered lawn mowers as well. The thick and heavy nature of the grass can cause it to get clogged in the sensitive components of your mower.

Also, the quality of your cutting will be far below your standards if the grass is wet. Therefore, you shouldn’t use any lawn mower on wet grass.

Can you leave an electric lawn mower outside?

Perhaps you don’t have enough space in your garage or shed anymore, which is why you may be asking whether or not can you leave an electric lawn mower outside. It’s not ideal to leave an electric lawn mower outside, especially without weather resistance.

Rain and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the batteries and cutting blades. Over time, you’re bound to notice a significant reduction in its performance. Lastly, leaving your lawn mower outside could void your warranty.

My Favorite Electric Mower

My pick for the best battery powered lawn mower is the Greenworks GLM801601 80V Cordless Lawn Mower.

It’s lightweight, relatively easy to use and offers similar performance to some gas-powered mowers. Once you understand the height adjustment features, you can tackle small and large lawns quickly. 

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