Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2023
Electric lawn mowers are giving gas-powered mowers a run for their money. You no longer have to worry about running over extension cords, not having a long enough cord to reach the corners of your property, or worrying about whether your battery will have enough juice to make it through your cut without having to stop and recharge.
Battery technology has drastically improved over the last decade, and with advances in charging capacity and greater adoption, the choice between gas and electric is harder to distinguish when it comes to power and capability.
On this page I've used my decades of power equipment expertise to hand-pick the best electric mowers around, so continue reading below and see if any of these are right for you. Don't forget to click on the mower images to view the product page filled with more features, specs, reviews, and other great resources.
The Best Electric Lawn Mowers
| Best Electric Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | Best Robotic Lawn Mower | Best Electric Zero Turn Mower |
|---|---|---|
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How We Picked the Best Electric Mowers
When recommending electric lawn mowers, we take five features into account.
Power
Electric lawn mowers have to stack up to the performance of their gas-powered equivalent to score well for us. But instead of using CC ratings, we judge an electric mower's power by the voltage, amp hours (Ah), and total wattage (Wh) of the batteries available for the unit. We examine the type of DC motor a mower has that takes into account RPMs and torque (usually a brushless motor). We will also consider the type of transmission or drive system the electric mower may have if it supports variable speeds or self-propelled features. These factors all add up to the total power, efficiency, and effectiveness that the electric mower will have.
Durability
Durability impacts your electric mower's resistance to threats like rust, dents, rocks, and other damage from yard debris. One key factor is the type of material (like steel gauge) used for components that wear over time, such as the mower frame, deck, blades, wheels, handles, and more. We also consider the motor builds, transmissions, and the belt/chain drive system where applicable. The heavier-duty quality of the parts, the higher rating we give.
Usability
Great electric mowers are not only durable and powerful, but they also need to be easy to use and comfortable for anybody to operate for long periods of time. For great usability, we look at comfort features like adaptive self-propelled drive systems, push-to-start capability, comfortable handle grips, and how easy it is to maneuver based on overall weight and the size of the wheels. We also look at ergonomic features for things like adjusting the handlebars, setting the mowing height, and how simple it is to charge and swap the batteries. For riding mowers, we also consider seat comfort, suspension, and the adjustability of the lap bars.
Versatility
We use the term 'versatility' to measure characteristics like how well the mower can adapt to different terrain, and how many options there are for attaching to other accessories like a grass-catcher, bagger, or a new blade. We also look at terrain adjustment features like adjustments for blades, seats, wheels, and how long the batteries will last on more challenging terrain like hills or thicker grasses. We also consider features like interchangeable batteries for other types of equipment, and how well the unit can be stored (like folding handlebars or vertical storage).
Overall Value
We prioritize performance over price, so instead of evaluating an electric mower on just dollar value, the highest-rated mowers we select are packed with convenient features that reduce the effort it takes to mow while still giving you great results and minimal headaches.
Best Electric Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Toro Recycler SmartStow
The Toro Recycler model 21466 is a great option for any homeowner looking for a quiet, exhaust-free mower that is self-propelled and can not only mulch and bag grass clippings but also leaves a beautifully trimmed lawn. With a 60-volt 6-amp hour battery, it gives you an average of 40 minutes of run time and can cut up to 1/3 of an acre on a single charge. The recharge time is about 150 minutes. The Toro Recycler is designed to re-process clippings into a fine mulch under the 22-inch steel deck, which promotes a healthier, greener lawn and fewer grass clumps.
The Personal Pace drive system automatically adapts to your walking speed while the rear wheels propel the mower and give your more traction on slopes or unlevel lawns. When finished, the SmartStow feature allows the mower to be stored vertically until the next mowing, saving valuable garage space.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 60v, 6Ah, 324-watt battery with 'personal pace' variable-speed drive system. Premium brushless DC motor optimizes RPMs and torque in real time. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Stamped steel deck with a premium brushless motor. 10" rear wheels and aluminum spindles and high-quality attachment materials. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Self-propelled and push-to-start with a comfortable handlebar, quiet operation, and ergonomic controls for setting the mowing height. Vertical storage. Larger (7.5Ah) battery option. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 9 adjustable deck positions with 1-4" cutting height. Vertical storage. Self-propelled makes terrain easier to handle. Interchangeable batteries. Multiple attachments (bagger/mulch kit). | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Less expensive than some equivalent gas counterparts with interchangeable batteries and a 3-year battery warranty. Quality materials and has 'personal pace' for easy movement. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Small to medium lawns, most terrain (less than an acre)
- People who want an electric model with the power of a similar gas mower
- People who want the mower to propel itself forward for easier mowing
- People who want a quiet mower and has batteries that can be used in other types of equipment
Who It's Not For:
- Larger properties (more than 1 acre of grass)
- People who don't want to walk while mowing the lawn
- People who want to mow the lawn as quickly as possible
Best Robotic Lawn Mower: Husqvarna 430X
The Husqvarna 430X is top of its class and comes with quite a cutting appetite-able to mow up to 0.8 acres (~35,000 square feet) of grass per week. With a runtime of 145 minutes (about 2 and a half hours), it goes the distance before having to charge for 50 minutes. Of course, once you install it, the Husqvarna 430X automatically works day or night and can be scheduled and controlled via the Automower® Connect app.
Water resistance means it can cut in light rain, while a replaceable rubber front bumper and top cover help increase resilience and mower life. If you have a patch of longer grass, no worries! The mower will "spot cut" limited areas of longer grass down to size. It can also tackle hills up to a 24-degree slope. Finally, anti-theft features like an alarm that can only be deactivated with a unique pin and GPS tracking make stealing the 430X a pointless enterprise for would-be thieves. I highly recommend it for larger suburban yards that can take full advantage of its cutting speed and premium features.
Note: For northern grasses, choose the Husqvarna 430XH, which is designed to cut longer grass, with a maximum cutting height setting of 3.6 inches. All other features remain the same. Southern grasses, which can be kept shorter, can be cut with the 430X.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 18-Volt Li-Ion Battery; 50-minute charging time; Mows up to 0.8 acres for 145 minutes between charges | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Water resistant and can mow during rain; Automatically redirects itself from lawn obstacles; Includes Rubber front bumper for collision resistance | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Complete control and scheduling through the app; Only cuts within a boundary; Automatically senses and follows through narrow passages; Spot cutting for longer grass patches | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Security | GPS, Theft Tracking & Anti-Theft Alarm that can only be deactivated with a unique PIN code if stolen | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | This is a premium product with a hefty price tag, but you are getting what you pay for in terms of battery life and extra features. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Properties with 0.5 - 0.8 acres of grass
- Homeowners with strong security concerns
- Homeowners with limited time to maintain their lawns
- Homeowners seeking fast battery charging times
Who It's Not For:
- Price-conscious homeowners
- Properties with less than 1/2 acre of grass
Best Electric Zero Turn Mower: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
If you are thinking about taking the next step into the future of lawn care or just want a mower that is efficient, quiet, and eco-friendly, consider the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E 56-volt Lithium-Ion electric zero-turn mower. Being fully electric, it is 64% quieter than a gas mower, requires much less maintenance, and produces zero carbon monoxide exhaust emissions.
With its 60-amp hour battery and 42-inch, 13-gauge stamped cutting deck, the ZT1 will cut up to 2 acres of grass on a single charge and can move up to 7 mph. Recharging takes about 4 hours. It's not a pushover either, with a tubular steel frame and premium tires that provide excellent traction on uneven ground. The offset front axle lets the mower get close to fences, minimizing necessary trimming.
The Cub Cadet ZT1 is also comfortable for riders of all shapes and sizes with its 20-inch high back seat and adjustable 3-position lap bars. Headlights, dual USB charging ports, and cup holders make it as convenient to use as it is fun. Be the first on your block to embrace this promising electric zero-turn mower by getting the ZT1.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 56-Volt Max, 60Ah, 3000Wh Lithium-Ion Battery; 2 brushless electric motors; 4-hour recharge time | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Tubular steel frame with anti-corrosive properties | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Adjustable lap bars accommodate different users; Can mow close to fences | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 15 adjustable cutting heights; Mows up to 7 mph; Handles towing attachments | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Perfect for those wanting to stay on the cutting edge of mowing technology. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Eco-conscious homeowners
- Small yards (less than 1 acre of grass)
- Narrow yard entrances or corridors
Who It's Not For:
- Large yards (more than 1 acre of grass)
- Those who prefer the power of gas
- Steep slopes or inclines
Electric Lawn Mower FAQs
Is an Electric Lawn Mower Right for Me?
Today, electric mowers have similar power and capabilities to mow your lawn as gas-powered lawnmowers, so it mostly boils down to personal preference. However, electric mowers offer some unique advantages: they are much quieter, you don't need to deal with typical engine maintenance like oil changes or adding gasoline, and electric mowers offer the ability to swap out batteries as you charge-and often times you can use those batteries in other types of lawn equipment from the same brands.
At the end of the day, the differences between gas and electric mowers are much smaller than they were a decade ago, as manufacturers have improved battery technology and used similar quality designs to suit the growing demand for electric-powered equipment. If you choose one of these electric mowers over the gas mower equivalent, you may sacrifice the ability to maintain the engine yourself and perhaps some overall torque power, but overall, your experience will be very similar or just as good as had you chosen a gas mower. For a more comprehensive look at those differences, check out our electric mower buyer's guide.
Do Electric Lawn Mowers Need Maintenance?
Electric mowers need very little maintenance apart from sharpening the blades ahead of each season for the best cutting results. In addition to that, you'll want to keep the mower clean and take care of the battery and charger, which will diminish charging quality after several hundred charges, like any lithium battery. Either way, if you take care of your machine, there's no reason it shouldn't last many mowing seasons with minimal upkeep.
Do Electric Mowers Work on Tall or Wet Grass?
Electric mowers are mostly battery-powered today. If you use a corded electric lawn mower, however, you need to be especially careful and never mow in wet conditions to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Battery-powered electric mowers can be more challenging to work with on overgrown grass and results will not be ideal for thicker weeds and shrubbery, so to ensure you have an easy time using your mower, mow as often as the lawn needs it, and remove sticks, stones, and debris from your yard prior to mowing for the best results. That may be multiple times per week in peak growth seasons or after heavy rain. As always, the best mowing results will come from a dry lawn.
About Dale
Dale has been involved with gasoline-powered engines, especially small engines, since he bolted the first one onto his Schwinn bike at 12 years old. After high school, he spent 19 years in the automotive parts industry, working for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
In 1994, Dale entered the small engine and power equipment industry, offering product and technical assistance to power equipment dealers and their customers. Since 2016, he has been a full-time sales and product expert at Power Equipment Direct, where he largely focuses on helping customers select the best lawn and garden equipment for their needs.
In his off time, Dale enjoys working on his own cars and power equipment. He is a go-to resource for friends, family, and coworkers who need a hand diagnosing or repairing their broken lawnmowers or string trimmers. When not around engines, he is a drummer in a local Chicago-area band. Hockey dominates his TV time during the NHL season, and he enjoys relaxing on his pontoon boat during the summer months.
