The Best Electric Lawn Mowers

The electric lawn mower market has reached a turning point. After years of underpowered motors and inadequate battery life, the current generation of battery-powered mowers can genuinely compete with gas for the majority of suburban lawns. We tested eight electric mowers over a four-month period — from early spring growth through peak summer — on lawns ranging from manicured Bermuda to thick, overgrown fescue. The gap between the best and worst electric mowers is enormous, and our testing revealed that runtime claims from manufacturers are almost universally overstated.

The critical question for most buyers isn't whether an electric mower can cut grass — they all can. It's whether the battery lasts long enough to finish your lawn in one session, whether the motor maintains blade speed in thick or wet grass, and whether the self-propulsion system (on models that have one) actually makes the job easier rather than fighting you on turns.

#1 Pick

EGO Power+ LM2135SP

EGO

The EGO LM2135SP mowed our 0.25-acre test lot twice on a single charge with power to spare. Its self-propulsion system adjusts speed to your walking pace. Cutting quality in wet grass matched our gas mower benchmark — a first for any electric mower we've tested.

How we tested

Our mower evaluation protocol covers five measurable criteria. Cutting uniformity is assessed by measuring blade height consistency across a 10-foot pass using a depth gauge at six points — we test at three cutting heights (2", 3", and 4") on both flat and sloped terrain. Runtime is measured on a precisely measured 0.25-acre lot with mixed grass types (Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue) at medium cutting height; we time how long the mower runs until the motor shuts off, and we compare this against the manufacturer's claimed runtime. Wet grass performance is tested by mowing within two hours of rain — this is where most electric mowers fail, as wet grass clumps and stalls weaker motors. Mulching quality is assessed by examining clipping distribution after mulching at standard height — even distribution without visible clumps earns a high score. Noise level is recorded at the operator's ear position using a calibrated sound meter during continuous mowing.

Every mower spends at least four weeks as a panelist's primary mower. We track long-term battery degradation by measuring runtime at week one and week twelve under identical conditions.

Why the EGO LM2135SP won

The EGO LM2135SP earned our top pick because it eliminates the compromises that have historically defined electric mowers. On our 0.25-acre test lot, it completed two full mowing sessions on a single charge of its 56V 7.5Ah ARC Lithium battery — delivering 62 minutes of continuous runtime against a manufacturer claim of 60 minutes. That's the only mower in our test that met or exceeded its rated runtime; the average mower delivered 71% of its claimed runtime.

Cutting quality is where the EGO genuinely matches gas. In our wet grass test (mowing four-inch fescue within 90 minutes of a half-inch rainstorm), the LM2135SP maintained full blade speed throughout. Three of the eight mowers we tested stalled or slowed noticeably in the same conditions. The EGO's 21-inch steel deck and high-lift blade design create enough airflow to stand grass up before cutting, which produces a cleaner cut with fewer stragglers.

The self-propulsion system is the best we've tested on an electric mower. It uses a variable-speed rear-wheel drive that matches your walking pace — push the handle bar higher for faster, lower for slower. On hills up to 15 degrees, it maintained traction without slipping, and the variable speed made tight turns significantly easier than the fixed-speed systems on the Ryobi and Greenworks models.

The competition

Greenworks 80V 25-Inch (8.2 overall) — Our runner-up and the best choice for larger lawns. The 80V system delivers more raw power than the EGO's 56V, and the 25-inch cutting deck covers more ground per pass. Runtime (44 minutes) is shorter, but two batteries are included, and swapping takes under 10 seconds. Cutting quality in dry grass was excellent (9.3), though wet grass performance dropped to 7.8 — the wider deck traps more clippings. At $549, it's $100 more than the EGO but comes with a second battery. Best for lawns between 0.25 and 0.50 acres where the wider deck saves time.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless (7.6 overall) — The best budget option at $329. It delivers solid cutting quality (8.5) on dry grass and adequate runtime (38 minutes) for lawns under 0.20 acres. The push-only design (no self-propulsion) is the main compromise, and wet grass performance (6.8) was the weakest in our test. The 40V battery ecosystem is compatible with over 75 Ryobi tools, which adds value if you're already invested in the platform.

Toro Recycler 60V (7.9 overall) — Strong mulching performance (9.2) — the best in our test. Toro's PoweReverse system lets you pull the mower backward under power, which is useful for navigating around obstacles. Runtime (41 minutes) is middling, and the self-propulsion system lacks variable speed. At $449, it sits between the Ryobi and the EGO on both price and performance.

What to look for

Voltage and amp-hour rating. A 56V 7.5Ah battery stores significantly more energy than a 40V 4.0Ah battery. Don't compare voltage alone — multiply voltage by amp-hours to get watt-hours (the EGO is 420Wh; the Ryobi is 160Wh). Higher watt-hours means longer runtime and more sustained power in thick grass.

Self-propulsion. If your lawn has any slope, self-propulsion transforms the mowing experience. Variable-speed rear-wheel drive (like the EGO) is superior to fixed-speed front-wheel drive (like the Toro) — front-wheel systems lose traction on hills and resist turning. Budget models without self-propulsion are fine for small, flat lawns under 0.15 acres.

Steel vs. polymer deck. Steel decks are heavier but more durable and produce better airflow for cleaner cuts. Polymer (plastic) decks won't rust and are lighter, but they flex under impact and provide less consistent cutting quality. Every mower we'd recommend for lawns over 0.15 acres uses a steel deck.

Battery ecosystem. If you already own battery-powered outdoor tools, buying a mower that shares the same battery platform saves money. EGO's 56V ARC Lithium batteries are compatible with their blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. Ryobi's 40V system has the widest tool compatibility. Check what you already own before committing to a new platform.

Maintenance and long-term costs

Electric mowers eliminate oil changes, spark plug replacements, air filter swaps, and carburetor cleanings — the routine maintenance that costs gas mower owners $50-100 per year and accounts for the majority of small-engine repair shop visits. The only recurring cost is blade sharpening ($10-15 at a hardware store, or $20-30 for a replacement blade once a year). Battery degradation is the long-term concern: lithium-ion cells lose capacity over hundreds of charge cycles. In our 12-week test, we measured a 3% runtime decline on the EGO — consistent with manufacturer projections of 500+ cycles before reaching 80% capacity. At weekly mowing, that translates to roughly 10 years of useful life. Replacement batteries run $199-299 depending on amp-hour rating, but they also get upgraded versions with each generation — buying a replacement in year five will likely net you more capacity than the original.

Noise levels deserve mention. Our sound measurements at the operator's ear showed the EGO at 75 dB, the Greenworks at 78 dB, and the Ryobi at 72 dB. All three are dramatically quieter than the 95-100 dB typical of gas mowers. The practical benefit: you can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors, and hearing protection is optional rather than essential. Several municipalities have begun restricting gas-powered lawn equipment — California's ban took effect in 2024 — making electric not just preferable but increasingly mandatory.

Deck cleaning extends cutting quality. Grass clippings accumulate on the underside of the deck after each mow, and when left to dry they form a hardened layer that restricts airflow and reduces mulching performance. Tilting the mower onto its side after each session and wiping the underside with a damp cloth takes less than two minutes and maintains the airflow dynamics that produce clean, even cuts. The EGO's smooth steel deck is easier to clean than textured polymer decks — a garden hose and plastic scraper are all you need. Avoid pressure washers, which can force water into the motor housing seals.

Gold Tested Score: Cutting quality: 9.4/10, Runtime: 9.5/10, Self-propulsion: 9.3/10, Mulching: 9.1/10, Noise reduction: 9.6/10. Overall: 9.4 (/ 10)

Electric vs. gas: the practical comparison

Battery-electric mowers (EGO, Greenworks, Ryobi) have crossed the performance threshold where they match gas mowers for most residential lawns. Current-generation 56V and 80V battery systems power brushless motors that produce cutting performance equivalent to 150 to 190cc gas engines — adequate for lawns up to 1/2 acre on a single charge. Runtime on a single battery charge is 30 to 60 minutes depending on grass height, moisture, and mower model. For a typical 1/4-acre suburban lawn, one charge is sufficient with margin to spare.

Operating cost comparison: A battery-electric mower costs approximately $3 to $5 per season in electricity. A gas mower costs $50 to $100 per season in fuel plus $30 to $60 in annual maintenance (oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, carburetor cleaning). Over the 10-year lifespan of a mower, the gas mower costs $800 to $1,600 more to operate. When combined with the higher purchase price of gas mowers in some categories, the total cost of ownership over 10 years often favors electric.

Where gas still wins: Lawns above 1/2 acre where battery runtime is insufficient for a single-charge mow (a second battery adds $200 to $350 to the cost). Thick, tall grass or wet conditions where the higher torque reserve of gas engines prevents bogging. Professional use where all-day runtime is required. Very hilly terrain where the additional weight of a self-propelled gas mower provides better traction and the motor does not strain against steep grades the way battery-powered motors can when drawing high current continuously.

Seasonal lawn care and mower storage

How you store a mower between seasons affects its cutting performance the following spring more than most owners realize. For battery-electric mowers, the primary concern is battery health. Lithium-ion cells degrade fastest when stored fully charged or fully depleted at temperature extremes. The optimal winter storage practice is to charge the battery to approximately 50 percent, remove it from the mower, and store it indoors where temperatures remain above 40°F. A battery stored this way loses less than 5 percent of its total capacity per year. One stored at full charge in a freezing garage can lose 15 to 20 percent over a single winter.

For gas mowers heading into storage, the fuel system needs attention. Run the mower until the tank is empty, or add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for two minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the carburetor. Untreated gasoline begins to break down within 30 days, forming varnish deposits that clog carburetor jets and fuel lines. This is the single most common reason gas mowers fail to start in spring, and the repair typically costs $60 to $120 at a small-engine shop.

Blade maintenance also follows a seasonal rhythm. A sharp mower blade cuts grass cleanly, leaving a smooth wound that heals quickly and resists disease. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving ragged brown tips that invite fungal infection. Most residential mowers need blade sharpening every 20 to 25 hours of use — roughly two to three times per season for a typical suburban lawn. A bench grinder or angle grinder with a flap disc can restore a blade edge in five minutes. The target angle is 30 to 35 degrees, maintaining the factory bevel without removing excessive material.

Mowing height matters more for lawn health than mowing frequency. The general rule is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mow. For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, the optimal summer cutting height is 3 to 3.5 inches. Cutting shorter exposes the soil surface to direct sunlight, which accelerates moisture loss and encourages weed germination. Taller grass shades its own root zone, retains moisture better, and develops a deeper root system that withstands drought stress.

The bottom line

The EGO Power+ LM2135SP at $449 is the best electric lawn mower for most suburban yards. It delivered 62 minutes of runtime on a single charge — enough for a half-acre lawn — with 91% browning uniformity, class-leading wet grass performance, and the best variable-speed self-propulsion system we tested. The Greenworks 80V at $549 is worth the premium for lawns above 0.25 acres thanks to its wider 25-inch deck and included second battery. The Ryobi 40V at $329 is the right call for small, flat yards where self-propulsion and raw power matter less than entry price and battery ecosystem flexibility. Skip gas unless your lawn exceeds three-quarters of an acre — for everything below that threshold, the EGO matches gas cutting quality while running quieter, requiring zero fuel or oil changes, and starting on the first pull every time.