Cordless and environmentally friendly, a battery-powered lawn mower is generally easier to maintain and operate than agas-powered model, and it is especially suited for small to medium-sized lawns.
We researched and tested a variety of lawn mowers in our own yards for over six months, including push, riding, and self-propelled options. For this list of the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we evaluated products based on their setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value and included the best options we've tested.
Throughout our testing process, we carefully observed the mowers' ability to navigate around obstacles, inclines, and tall grass with ease. Additionally, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the lawn's appearance to ensure a consistently trimmed finish.As we compiled this list, we also considered the mowers' runtime (battery life), cutting options, charging time, and cutting width.
We found that battery-powered lawn mowers can be as powerful as gas mowers, but it's important to find one that has the right amount of power and runtime for your yard's size and terrain—whether it's sloped, flat, or filled with trees, shrubs, or other obstacles.
Ready to find the right one for your yard? Here are the best options we tested—plus additional options we researched based on what we learned while testing—for different lawn sizes and needs.
Our Top Picks
Best Self-Propelled:
Best for Large Yards:
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor at Home Depot$4,999
Best for Mulching:
Toro 60V MAX* Electric Battery High Wheel Mower at Ace Hardware$629
Best Lawn Tractor:
What We Like
Powerful performance
Long run time and fast charging
Lightweight, foldable, and compact
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Bag can fill up quickly
After using the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower in our home for six months, it is still the best battery-powered lawn mower we tested because it is just as powerful as some gas models, lasts for up to 70 minutes on a single charge, and is very easy to operate and maintain. We were surprised by how quiet this mower was (almost like white noise), lightweight, and easy to start (push-button compared to pulling a cord) compared to gas mowers we've used in the past.
Once we got it started and found the right height for an uneven lawn, thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was very powerful and easy to maneuver around, even over hills. By moving a slider from high to low, we could easily adjust the mower's speed depending on the terrain. Finding the right speed takes a bit of getting used to at first, especially on straight, flat rows where the mower was going almost too fast. But overall, we appreciated the power and found it made mowing much easier, especially on hilly terrain.
Ideal for lawns up to 3/4 of an acre, this mower has an impressive 70-minute run time and comes with two 40V batteries. Only one battery is needed at a time, and you can charge the other one with the included rapid charger and switch it out when needed. We mowed for 45 minutes to an hour each time and had no issues with the mower running out of batteries. In fact, we were able to use it up to four times on a single charge, which is quite remarkable.
This mower allows you to mulch, bag, or side discharge. We found that if the lawn is a bit overgrown, the bag fills up fast: The first time we used the mower for the season, the grass was pretty high, and the bag filled up very quickly (after mowing about 25-30 feet with taller grass). However, the next few times we used it when the grass wasn't as overgrown, we did not have that issue.
Removing the bag to empty is simple, but when it was full, we found that it spilled easily. Also, we noticed occasionally that grass would come out of the bag when it was full (just a few blades at a time). While in the mulching mode, we also noted that it did not seem to break up older leaves very well, but we did appreciate overall how well it cut the grass, and we appreciated the seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches).
We loved how compact and easy this mower is to store. We had no issues pulling the lever to fold the mower for vertical, space-saving storage. The safety features are also a big plus. The mower has a key, so even though it's easy to start with just a press of a button, the key does need to be inserted in the mower behind a flap, so you can remove the key when you don't want someone else using it. You also need to grip the lever when you start or use the mower, or it will not work. The LED headlights also provide extra light should you need it.
Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Run Time: 70 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Best Self-Propelled
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
What We Like
Self-propelled feature is easy to use
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Foldable and compact for vertical storage
60-minute runtime
What We Don't Like
The self-propelled feature may seem too powerful at first use
A self-propelled lawn mower can make mowing your lawn an easier task because the mower does most of the work for you—you simply guide it over your terrain while you walk at a comfortable pace that you set on your mower. After testing the Ego POWER+ Self-Propelled Mower, we selected it as our best self-propelled pick because it was easy to turn the feature on and off when you needed it, and it made mowing the lawn feel less of a pain (especially on our backs!) compared to using a heavy gas mower.
If you are new to self-propelled mowers, this will take a little getting used to (including this mower), but we think it will be well worth the initial time spent. In fact, when we first started using this mower, we thought the mower might run away (even on the lowest setting) because we were only used to a gas push mower. Once we figured out how to run the mower without the self-propelled feature, it allowed us to get used to the mower itself and all of its features. We found that the lowest setting was all we needed for parts of our lawn, even small hills, and when we felt like that feature wasn't necessary (navigating around obstacles), it was easy to switch it off at the top of the handle.
Aside from the self-propelled option, this mower offers many great features, making it a great choice for your lawn. We found it easy to adjust both the handle's height (two options) and angle (three options) with just one hand. Adjusting the cutting height was also simple and easy, with six settings available, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. It handles thick and tall grass like a champ—we even let the lawn go for ten days once, and it had no trouble at all.
One of the standout features is the battery life—we can mow the lawn three times before needing to recharge. This mower comes with one Ego 56V ARC Lithium battery that has a 60-minute runtime and takes about the same amount of time to charge. We also like that you can choose from the bag, mulching, and side-discharge options for your grass clippings and use the LED headlights when mowing early in the morning or later at dusk.
The handle can easily be folded, and the mower can be stored vertically in your garage or shed. And like most battery-powered mowers, you'll get the advantage of a quick, push-button start with no cord and no fumes.
The only downside we reported was the learning curve when using a self-propelled mower. But once we figured out how to navigate the feature and the power it provides, we found it to make mowing the lawn an easier task. If you have a small, flat lawn with a lot of obstacles, this might not be the best option for you. Also, note that we found this lawn worked great on dry and damp grass, but we did experience one time where the mower would not start (the light blinked orange to indicate an issue), but when we moved it to a less wet area, it worked fine.
While this mower has many of the same features as our best overall, it has slightly less of a runtime, is heavier, and only comes with one battery. However, it is a bit more budget-friendly, so if you don't need as much power or as long of a runtime, this could be the better option, especially if you have other Ego tools with compatible batteries.
Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 93.61 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Best for Large Yards
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
What We Like
Powerful performance
Easy to maintain
LCD Screen and app for tracking battery life
What We Don't Like
Bagging and mulching kit sold separately
Battery-powered riding mowers offer all of the benefits of their push and self-propelled counterparts but allow you to sit down and let the mower do most of the work. After testing the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor for six months on our lawn, we were thoroughly impressed with its outstanding performance and fantastic features.
It offers an impressive 13 different cutting height positions ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches for a very precise cut. We adjusted the blade height to 2 inches during our test and were amazed at how uniform the grass looked. Even some fairly large sticks were no match for the mower, as it easily chopped them up. We had some leaves in our garden beds, which we raked out, and the mower was able to chop them into fine debris. We also tested the mower after a rainy morning, and it effortlessly cut our lawn and discharged grass clippings with no issue.
Thanks to the three 80V 10Ah batteries and wide, 42-inch cutting width, you can cut up to 2 acres on a single charge. One thing to keep in mind is that the batteries don't arrive fully charged. Our mower's battery level was only at 23 percent when we received it, and it took us about an hour to fully charge. For added convenience, you can use the RYOBI Riding Mower app to keep tabs on the battery status so you'll know when they are ready to go. The LCD screen on the mower itself allows you to check the charging status and battery level, so you have all of the data right there as well.
Besides the long-lasting battery, we were also impressed by how quietly the mower operated. The noise level was remarkably low when the blades were spinning, in contrast to that of traditional gas mowers. There are three options for your grass clippings: bag, side discharge, or mulch. Keep in mind, though, that the bagger and mulching kit have to be purchased separately (which does add to the cost).
The onboard LCD screen is a great feature that allows you to control the LED headlights, drive, and blade speeds. Although a physical speed control lever would have been our preference, we were able to manage switching while driving. The mower also features an accelerator pedal that enables slow and precise maneuvering around obstacles. However, it is a bit jerky. Turning the mower was a bit more difficult than we imagined. When taking slow turns, we found ourselves having to exert excessive force to turn the wheel.
When purchasing a riding lawn mower, it's important to consider the delivery. Upon arrival, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor was securely packaged in a large, partially enclosed pallet. However, getting the mower off the pallet was a bit of a struggle. We had to manually push the mower off the pallet due to a broken board on the bottom instead of following the instructions to drive it off. But once unpacked and charged, we had no other issues with performance.
Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 557 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 2.5 hours | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
What We Like
Generous runtime
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Single lever cutting-height adjustment
What We Don't Like
Battery shouldn’t be left on charger
No side discharge
If you have a small yard, the Greenworks 16-inch Electric Push Lawn Mower delivers an impressive performance at an affordable price. At just 37.5 pounds (the lightest on our list), this electric lawn mower is incredibly easy to handle. The 16-inch cutting deck has five adjustments that can be easily adjusted with a single lever.
The 40-volt battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime and takes about two hours to recharge. The only hassle is that you need to remove the battery from the charger once it’s powered up—otherwise, it could shorten the lifespan of the power unit.
The Greenworks Push Lawn Mower has a two-in-one feature that allows you to mulch or bag your grass clippings. However, it doesn’t have side discharge capability. Other convenient features include a push-button start and a foldable handle for easy storage.
Note that we haven't yet had a chance to test this model, and it's smaller and less powerful than other options on this list: It may struggle in dense grass, and it’s not an ideal choice for larger yards with significant obstacles.However, we think it's an excellent lightweight and affordable option if you only have a smaller yard to maintain.
Cutting Width: 16 inches | Weight: 37.8 pounds | Run Time: 45 minutes | Charge Time: 2 hours | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch
Best Zero-Turn
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower
What We Like
Extremely long runtime
12 cutting heights
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Bagging accessory sold separately
The Ryobi 42-Inch Electric Zero-Turn Mower comes with a steep price, but if you have a large lawn with a lot of obstacles to maneuver around, you can’t beat its power and convenience. After trying out the mower for six months on our lawn, which is less than half an acre in size, we noticed a substantial decrease in our mowing time. In fact, we estimate that it reduced our time spent mowing by approximately 40 percent. Thanks to the extra-wide 42-inch cutting deck, we were able to cover a lot of ground in one pass.
There are 12 cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Setting the cutting height was a breeze. You can choose the cutting heights with the conveniently located lever to ensure a precise cut. As we came across thick grass areas on the lawn, we reduced the speed, and the mower seamlessly cut through it. Overall, we did not notice any areas of uncut grass.
The lawnmower features a unique control system called iDrive, which operates with a single joystick. With the joystick, we were able to easily control the speed, both forward and reverse, ranging from a complete stop to full speed.Its zero-turn radius made it incredibly easy to maneuver around obstacles. While mowing uphill, we did not experience any tipping of the mower. However, the tires spun when attempting to back up on a slope. It should be noted that this issue only occurred during testing after a rainy day.
This riding mower also boasts an unmatched battery life of two and a half hours, allowing you to mow up to two and a half acres on a single charge. It comes with two 80-volt, 10-amp hour and two 40-volt, 12-amp hour batteries, which can be charged simultaneously by plugging the charging cord into the rear of the mower. Charging took us anywhere from an hour to 2.5 hours, depending on how low the batteries were.
For faster charging, you can also charge the 80V batteries separately by plugging the charging cord directly into the battery. It took approximately 35 minutes to fully charge an 80V battery from 12 percent. However, although it takes longer if you have the time, we found it to be more convenient to charge everything at once.
It is quieter than the Troy-Built Pony 17 HP 42-inch Deck Rider we previously used, and we also didn't have to worry about oil changes or smelly fumes. It's worth mentioning that we initially received a faulty mower with an electrical problem. However, thanks to the exceptional customer service provided by Techtronic Industries Company Limited (Ryobi's parent company), we were able to obtain a replacement mower in no time and it worked flawlessly. Overall, we found the mower to be an exceptional zero-turn option that can effectively and efficiently enhance the appearance of your lawn.
Cutting Width:42 inches | Weight:700 pounds | Run Time:Not listed | Charge Time:Not listed | Cutting Options:Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Best for Mulching
Toro 60V MAX* Electric Battery High Wheel Mower
What We Like
Quick-connect bagging system
Adjusts to your walking speed
Folds for compact storage
Tackles rough and hilly terrain
What We Don't Like
Shorter runtime than other some other options
If you are looking for a mower with bagging and mulching capabilities, the Toro Recycler Walk Behind Mower particularly stands out. We tested this mower in ourquarter-acre home and found that you can easily switch between mulching and bagging when you need it. The "bag-on-demand" lever, located on the mower's front right side, allows you to choose between collecting grass clippings while you mow or redistributing or recycling them to your lawn. Even when set to recycle, you can leave the bag with the grass clippings on the mower.
We also enjoyed the self-propelled transmission, which made this mower easy to maneuver, even on rough and hilly terrain. Even though our lawn has a number of inclines, we were able to mow it in about 20 minutes with no extra effort.For even smoother operation, it can also sense how fast you walk and automatically adjust to your pace.
This mower has a durable 22-inch deck with nine cutting positions, ranging from 1 to 4 inches for a precise cut. We found that it effortlessly cut through dense grass, dandelion stalks, and even weeds. We took care not to pick up any larger sticks from our trees, but we discovered it was capable of managing smaller ones.
Like our best budget pick, this self-propelled mower can run for up to 45 minutes per charge, allowing you to cut up to a third of an acre in one pass. We did find out, though, that the battery drains faster the lower the blade is set to the ground.Our favorite feature is the ability to easily check the battery level at any time. It's as simple as clicking a button on the battery area (four green dots indicate a fully charged battery).
Setting up the mower was very straightforward and took only 15 minutes. We then used the two blue knobs on either side of the mower's body to set the handle height to our preference.Both of our testers—one of whom was 6 feet tall and the other 5 feet 8 inches—utilized the mower's higher handle height during testing.
The 10-inch rear wheels provide optimal traction and have a unique tread pattern that won’t damage your lawn. To top it all off, the Toro Recycler folds up compactly when not in use, reducing its storage footprint by up to 70 percent. Although pricier than walk-behind models, we think this mower's array of convenient features makes the task a lot easier and worthy of the splurge.
Cutting Width: 22 inches | Weight: 95 pounds | Run Time: 45 minutes | Charge Time: 2.5 hours | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Best Lawn Tractor
Ego Power+ T6 TR4204 42 in. Riding Mower
It takes serious battery power for a riding mower to cut grass well, but also tow trailers and small equipment. That’s why the Ego Power+ T6—with its array of six powerful 56V batteries—is our recommendation for those who have acreage with both mowing and towing needs. We tested this powerful mower on a half-acre lot full of slopes and obstacles like trees and rocks, and we were immediately impressed with the clean-cut, speed, and advanced features.
This lawn tractor features two powerful brushless motors that provide the equivalent of 21HP, with each motor attached to its own blade for maximum cutting power. We used it to cut long grass immediately after a heavy rain, and it cut cleanly, fast, and never bogged down. We like that it has 12 deck settings to achieve the grass height you want (between 1.5 and 4.5 inches) and that the deep well of battery power lets you actually achieve a close-cut lawn without a recharge midway through.
Ego made good use of the six 56V batteries included with this mower, both in terms of the powerful blades and propulsion. It’s capable of mowing at up to 6 mph, and can move even faster with the blade retracted. The electric motors also provide plenty of torque for towing if you attach a trailer or other small equipment to bumper-mounted clevis hitch receiver.
We found the seat to be a little small (with no armrests and a low back), which can make for a wild ride at top speed, but the stamped steel deck provides a solid place to brace your feet, and the large steering wheel is easy to hold onto. If you want a comfier seat, the Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Mower (our best for large yards pick) has a plush seat with more padding.
We like that this mower comes with a lot of premium features and touches, like a convenient display that shows the speed and blade settings, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port to charge your phone, bright headlights, and even a cup holder. Conspicuously absent is a bag or mulch attachment—you need to buy those separately—but we were able to use the default side-discharge mode without any clogging or other issues.
Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 639.33 pounds | Run Time: 120 minutes | Charge Time: Not listed | Cutting Options: Side discharge (mulching and bag attachments sold separately)
What We Like
45-minute run time
Fast recharging
Rear or side discharge
Folds easily for compact storage
What We Don't Like
Lacks suction while bagging
If you have a flat lawn and don't need the power that a self-propelled mower provides, the Ego 21-inch 56-Volt Push Lawn Mower is an excellent choice. The 56-volt battery gets up to an hour of runtime on a single charge and recharges in no time.
When it comes to battery-powered mowers, Ego Power+ offers one of the longest runtimes and shortest charging times. If you happen to own a leaf blower or any other tool that runs on an EGO Power + battery, you'll be pleased to know that this lawn mower is compatible with the same battery, so you can interchange them if you run out of juice.
This push mower has a 21-inch deck with seven cutting height adjustments to suit your lawn needs and preferences.We've tested an older model, the Ego 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Mower with a 21-inch deck, and were very impressed with its performance.
The Ego Power+ can mulch, bag, and discharge grass clippings from the side or rear. However, we have read some reports that say the suction isn’t powerful enough for adequate bagging. Other convenient features include a push-button start and LED headlights. This mower folds flat for easy storage, and it can be stored upright to save space. It is also backed by a five-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.
Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 49.4 pounds | Run Time: 45 minutes | Charge Time: Not listed | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Final Verdict
After testing battery-powered lawn mowers across the country, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is our best overall pick due to its powerful performance, long runtime, and ease of operation. If you’re looking for a battery-powered riding mower, the Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor is our best for large yards pick. While testing, we found it to be powerful, quiet, and loaded with great features, including app capabilities (so you can keep track of it's battery life on your phone).
How We Tested the Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
For this list, we tested eight walk-behind lawn mowers and six riding mowers at our own homes across the country for over six months. This included spring, summer, and fall conditions, and lawns of different sizes and terrains. We included battery-powered, corded electric (for walk-behind mowers), gas, zero-turn (for riding mowers), and self-propelled models (for walk-behind mowers). We evaluated each mower on setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value.
- Setup: We noted how the lawn mowers were delivered and timed, observed the setup process, including any necessary assembly, and evaluated the clarity of the instructions.
- Design and performance: For our initial testing process, we used the mowers on three separate occasions and recorded the length of the grass cut, the area of the yard mowed, and the time taken to complete the task. We also noted how well the mowers navigated obstacles, slopes, and tall grass. We assessed the overall appearance of the lawn to ensure it was evenly cut.
- Usability: We noticed how easy it was to start the mower, adjust the handle, change the speed (if it's self-propelled), and modify the cutting heights. Additionally, we evaluated the different features, such as bagging, mulching, and side-discharge options (if available) for the grass clippings, LED headlights, foldable handles, and cord management systems.
- Safety: We noted the safety features and any issues we experienced while using the mower.
- Value:Finally, we determined each model's value by weighing its cost against all of its positive and negative features.
- Long-term testing: We continued testing the top-performing models for six months or more, recording our observations and any issues with durability or performance, and updating the list accordingly. We also continue to research and test new models.
What to Look Forin a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
Battery System
Battery-powered lawn mowers are cordless and contain one or more batteries that power the motor. The battery system typically delivers anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power—a battery system with a higher voltage will likely provide more runtime. Our best overall pick, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, delivers up to 70 minutes of runtime.
Keep in mind that a high-voltage mower is heavier than a lower-voltage model, which could make it more difficult to maneuver. The Ego Power+ T6 (our best yard tractor pick) includes six 56V batteries, which weigh in at nearly 40 pounds. That isn't an issue for a powerful riding lawn mower, but it's easy to see how extra battery power can weigh down a push mower.
Mower Type
As the name implies, a push mower requires you to propel it forward manually. Push mowers are smaller and lighter than self-propelled models, which makes them easier to maneuver–though they still require a good amount of manual labor. On a positive note, they are usually less expensive than other types of mowers, generally falling in the $100 to $400 range.
Self-propelled mowers rely on power from the motor to propel the wheels forward. All you need to do is guide them from behind as they do the heavy work for you. Most self-propelled lawn mowers provide enough torque to power through thicker grass and navigate sloped terrain with ease. You will pay a bit more for the convenience; self-propelled mowers typically cost between $300 and $900. Our best self-propelled lawn mower, the Ego LM2102SP POWER+ 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, is easy to use and maintain and has a long runtime with a short recharging time.
Riding lawn mowers are ideal for homeowners with large yards. Featuring an extra-wide cutting deck, riding mowers allow you to cut large swaths of grass in one pass. Since users typically sit on top of the machine and steer it, a riding mower requires significantly less labor than a push and self-propelled mower. However, all of that power comes at a premium, with riding mowers starting at well over $1,000.Although it is a bit of a splurge, we love the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor, our best for large lawns pick, because it has 12 cutting height positions and many other useful features.
Deck Size
The deck size of a lawn mower determines the width of its cutting. The wider the deck, the more ground you can cover in each pass. If you have a small yard that’s under 0.5 acre, a mower with a cutting deck under 30 inches, like our best for bagging, the Toro 7013897 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, will be sufficient. To tackle a large yard, however, you should opt for a mower with a wider deck. The RYOBI Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn has a 42-inch cutting deck, so it's perfect for mowing lawns up to 2 acres per charge.
Lawn Size
Most battery-powered lawn mowers can run for up to 60 minutes on a single charge. That should be adequate if you have a small lawn with relatively flat terrain. Note that tall or dense grass, slopes, and other obstacles can slow a mower down and reduce runtime. If you have a larger yard that’s more than an acre, it might be a good idea to invest in a lawn mower with long-lasting batteries.
The batteries included with some lawn movers like the EGO POWER+ Select Cut 56-volt 21-in Cordless Push Lawn Mower (our best push pick) can be used with other cordless tools from the same manufacturer, such as hedge trimmers and cordless leaf blowers. The battery may be swapped out with another device's, allowing you to extend your run time without buying a new one.
Adjustable Cutting Heights
To tackle a variety of grass types and conditions, most lawn mowers have decks with an adjustable cutting height. This typically ranges between 1 and 4 inches, allowing you to cut your lawn to an ideal length, which may vary depending on the season. Features like a single lever or large handles can make it easier to adjust the deck height.Our best yard tractor pick, the Ego Power+ T6, has 12 deck heigh settings (between 1.5 and 4.5 inches) to achieve your ideal length.
Standout Features
Grass catcher
A grass catcher is a bag that can be attached to the side or rear of a lawn mower to collect clippings and prevent them from spreading all over your lawn. This is a particularly handy feature, because bagging up the clippings yourself can be a hassle. A grass catcher bag will also keep your lawn looking neat and tidy after mowing.Many of the mowers on this list come with a grass catcher bag, including our best budget pick, the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower.
Mulcher
Leaving grass clippings on your lawn isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, as the clippings decompose, they release vital nutrients into the soil, improving the health and appearance of your lawn. A mulching lawn mower tears grass clippings into tiny pieces and releases them back onto the surface of the lawn, nourishing it naturally. The Toro 60V MAX Electric Battery High Wheel Mower, our best for mulching, is one of several options on this list that have a mulching feature.
FAQ
How many years will a battery lawn mower last?
With proper maintenance, a battery-powered lawn mower can last up to 10 years. “The lifespan of a battery lawn mower varies, based on make, model and consumer care practices,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Like other outdoor equipment, with proper maintenance, charging, and battery storage practices, the battery lawn mower can easily meet the user’s expectations.” To maximize your lawn mower’s longevity, Kiser suggests that you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to the letter and perform required maintenance and repairs as needed.
How long will lithium batteries last in a lawn mower?
The average lifespan for a lithium battery is two to three years. As these lithium batteries get older, their runtime can decrease by as much as 6 percent per year. Since a battery's charge capacity decreases over time, you’ll likely need to replace the battery after five years or possibly sooner.
What is the best voltage for a battery lawn mower?
Battery-operated lawn mowers provide anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power. A mower with a higher voltage will have a longer runtime, allowing you to mow more grass on a single charge. While your first instinct might be to choose the mower with the biggest battery, you should also consider the fact that higher-voltage batteries are heavier. A bulkier battery could make your lawn mower more difficult to maneuver, especially if it’s a push model. Note that a heavier battery can also decrease runtime.
What is the difference between brushed and brushless motors?
“Benefits between the two options usually result in brushless motors offering increased motor efficiency and overall less weight, while brushed motors typically lack additional electronic controllers that may add cost to the overall motor, Kiser says. “However, both motors use electromagnetism to provide mechanical rotations,” he adds. Brushless motors are a more efficient option because they don’t lose much energy through friction and heat–two components that could potentially damage the motor. As the name implies, another advantage to a brushless motor is that you don’t have to replace brushes when they wear out. All of these factors translate to a more reliable performance and lower maintenance costs.
Brushed motors may appeal to consumers, because they cost less upfront, but you might end up paying more to maintain them over time. Because brushed motors generate more heat than brushless models, they are more likely to stall and overheat. You’ll also need to replace the brushes when they wear out, which is an additional expense.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was updated by Jenica Currie, an editor for The Spruce who has been with the team since 2020. Currie tests and writes about home improvement and gardening products, including garden hoses, humidifiers, garden tools, and outdoor solar lights. For this article, Currie analyzed testing insights from walk-behind and riding lawn mowers that we tested in our yards for six months or more. We also researched and added new models based on what we've learned while testing, and continue to test new models from top brands.
Our Experts:
- Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
- Jeremy Laukkonen, updates writer for The Spruce
The 7 Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2024