Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers 2026

We just wrapped up our latest testing to help us determine the best battery-powered lawn mowers. One thing can be said for sure—mowing with an electric lawn mower today is so much better than it was when we first started reviewing them back in 2013.

Still, some designs are better than others, and I’ll share which ones stood out in our test group. I’ll also show you what our crew prioritizes as we evaluate to help you better know what to look for when you’re shopping, plus some other mowers we’ve reviewed and recommend.

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Best Commercial Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Top Features

• 3 Blade Speeds: Balance runtime and performance based on the conditions
• ATM Drive System: Handles slopes up to 25° and resists slipping when mowing across them
• Maintenance-Free Operation: No maintenance required for the first 1000 hours
• Serviceable Design: Built to easily replace components when the time comes
• Robust Controls: Durable design built to withstand long-term daily use
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

Of all the battery-powered lawn mowers we’ve tested, Greenworks Commercial’s Optimus ATM really feels like a commercial-grade product. It’s rigid and sturdy, and surrounded by design elements that improve its overall durability.

However, it’s the cutting that made us wide-eyed. You see, torque is one thing, and the ATM22A has plenty of it. But you also need blade speed to ensure the cut is clean, and at 17,000 FPM, it’s capable of powering through with highly effective mulching and bagging.

Personally, I’m not too upset about the lack of vertical storage on this model. It’s designed for commercial use, and Pros making the switch from gas are already used to the room a non-stand-up walk behind requires.

That said, I do think there’s an opportunity for Greenworks Commercial to step up another notch. I’d love to see a stacked blade option to improve overgrowth cutting and mulching even more. It does a fine job as it stands, but Pros coming from Honda’s previous gas models would appreciate that super-precise cut quality.

Deck Size/Material	22-inch aluminum w/ steel wear plates
Blade	21-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	3,000 RPM
Maximum Runtime	90 minutes (2 x 8.0Ah battery)
Battery Ports	2
Cutting Height	1 – 4.5 inches (8 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	1.0 – 4.0 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag
Bag Capacity	2.0 bushels
Weight	117 lbs without battery

Best Residential Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Top Features

• Select Cut Multi-Blade System: Choose between high-performance and high-lift stacked blades
• 3 Mowing Modes: Select between ECO, Normal, and Turbo to match the conditions
• Touch Drive Controls: Quickly and easily adjust the drive speed on the fly
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

The cutting power EGO offers in its LM2206SP is flat-out impressive. Even Milwaukee’s muscular 10 ft-lbs of torque falls short of EGO’s 11.1 ft-lbs. Compared to gas, this mower can outperform a 200cc gas mower, and its Select Cut blade system lets you prioritize between longer runtime and higher lift.

Even though EGO is primarily a residential-focused brand, this model feels and drives much more like a commercial model. Plus, its three handle levels dial in a better fit, and its thumb wheel drive speed control is easy to adjust on the fly.

One downside is that the weight and larger deck size take a little more effort to maneuver on turns, though it’s still lower than some of the top commercial models. Its robust build also puts it at a price point that is out of reach for some homeowners.

That said, if you want the best battery-powered lawn mower that can handle what any lawn throws at it, there’s no question EGO’s LM2206SP is it.

Deck Size/Material	22-inch aluminum
Blade	2 x 21-inch stacked
Maximum Blade Speed	3,350 RPM
Maximum Runtime	70 minutes (10.0Ah battery)
Battery Ports	1
Cutting Height	1 – 4 inches (8 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	0.9 – 3.1 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, rear discharge
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushels
Weight	83.8 lbs without battery

Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower for the Money

Top Features

• Personal Pace Drive System: Automatically adjusts to match your walking pace
• Vortex Deck Design: Optimizes airflow better than standard decks to keep clippings up and cut them finer
• Integrated Mulch Plug: Switch from mulching to bagging/discharge with a simple lever
• Super Bagger Design: Makes accessing and lifting the bag easier
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

Toro has been steadily building up its reputation in the battery-powered lawn mower sector and the 22-inch Recycler is the best we’ve tested from them so far. One of the big differences between Toro and other brands is how much this feels like a gas mower, making it an easier transition to battery power.

A big part of that is the handle design and controls. While there are different control buttons and switches for the electronic components, the handle shape and presence bar design feel right, just like Toro’s gas mowers.

With performance similar to a 160cc gas engine, runtime to cover nearly 1/2 an acre, the mulching quality you expect from a Recycler deck design, and a user-friendly feature set, it’s a solid choice.

However, for a mower pushing the $700 mark, it’s fair to ask why we picked this one as the best for the money. Traditionally, we’ve chosen more affordable units. The answer is in what Toro offers for the price. It has the performance to tackle any grass species, impressive cut quality, excellent lawn coverage, a quality build, and solid features. It’s the complete package for homeowners who want a like-for-like gas replacement.

Deck Size/Material	22-inch steel
Blade	21.1-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	2,700 RPM
Maximum Runtime	50 minutes (8.0Ah battery)
Battery Ports	1
Cutting Height	1 – 4 inches (5 positions)
Height Adjustment	4-point
Drive Speed	Up to 4.0 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	1.8 bushels
Weight	87 lbs with battery

More Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers We Tested and Recommend

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 2823

Top Features

• High Lift Mode: Increases blade speed for better cutting power and airflow
• Active Speed Management: Allows you to adjust the drive speed without shifting your hand position
• Max Speed Dial: Set the maximum speed separately from the variable speed control
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

Boasting a build that targets professional needs, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel self-propelled lawn mower is a powerful mower with a commercial-grade design. With 10.0 ft-lbs of torque, it has the power to compete against gas mowers in the 200cc class and the blade speed to ensure a quality cut.

Using a pair of 12.0Ah High Output batteries, you can expect to cut between 1/3 and 1/2 an acre, depending on the conditions. Milwaukee’s struggle is that the M18 system can’t match the total watt-hours of high-capacity batteries on higher voltage systems. However, compared to other commercial mowers, Milwaukee gets solid efficiency from those M18 batteries.

Our only real complaint is the angle of the thumb bar. We love having the combination of a max speed setting and the thumb bar for an effective on-the-fly variable speed experience. However, we’d like to rotate the thumb bar down further so it’s not as fatiguing on our thumbs.

If you’re on the hunt for a true commercial-grade mower, Milwaukee’s price tag is much easier on your budget. With the M18 system covering the most common hand tools you’ll need, it’s certainly worth considering.

Deck Size/Material	21-inch steel
Blade	21-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	3300 RPM
Maximum Runtime	60 minutes (2 x 12.0Ah battery)
Battery Ports	2 active (2 batteries required)
Cutting Height	1.0 – 4.0 inches (7 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	Up to 4.0 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	Not listed
Weight	85 lbs with batteries

Makita 40V max XGT 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower GML01

Top Features

• Quiet Mode: Reduces blade speed to 2300 RPM for quieter, more efficient operation

Makita has had several battery-powered lawn mowers that impressed our crew over the years, and the latest is the 40V max XGT 21-inch self-propelled GML01. In practice, it’s not much different from the ConnectX mower, but uses Makita’s 40V max XGT packs instead of the ConnectX backpack power supply, and it’s more than 20 pounds lighter.

After using it, I’d say the performance level is well-suited for regular maintenance cuts. However, the power level doesn’t feel as confident as top-tier models, like Greenworks Commercial, when cutting serious overgrowth in St. Augustine and other fast-growing species.

Its build is geared toward professional needs, and its battery capacity backs that up with enough runtime to cover nearly an acre on one charge when you use two 8.0Ah batteries. You can get even more if you want to bump up to Makita’s 12.0Ah packs.

As we expect from Makita, the overall design is well-refined and user-friendly with an eye on features that improve your overall experience. While this is an expensive mower compared to residential models, it’s in line with what Pros were paying for premium Honda gas walk-behinds.

Deck Size/Material	22-inch steel
Blade	21-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	2800 RPM
Maximum Runtime	108 minutes (2 x 8.0Ah batteries)
Battery Ports	2 active
Cutting Height	1.3 – 4.0 inches (8 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	1.0 – 3.0 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	2 bushels
Weight	76.5 lbs with batteries

Stihl 72V 22-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower RMA 756 V

Top Features

• Mono-Comfort Handlebar: Improves hand comfort with easier bag access and removal
• 3 Mowing Modes: Select between Eco, Standard, and Auto-Boost to match the conditions
• 4-in-1 Mower: Mulch, bag, side discharge, or rear discharge

There’s no question that Stihl’s RMA756 V is unusual. And if the design doesn’t get your attention, the price tag will.

When I first saw the Mono-Comfort Handlebar, my first thought was that it would want to push the mower left, since it doesn’t have a countering arm on the opposite side. However, that wasn’t the case while we were mowing. In addition to some weight savings, it also makes accessing the bag and mulch plug much easier.

From a performance standpoint, it’s not going to blow you away like some of the most powerful models we’ve tested. Stihl doesn’t provide any official estimates, but it feels to us like it performs in the 170 – 180 cc gas equivalent class. We like it for maintenance cuts and moderate overgrowth, and as a solid companion to Stihl’s impressive RZ 760i gas and RZA 748 battery zero-turn mowers.

This generation of battery-powered walk-behind mowers is certainly the most capable Stihl has offered to date. If you’re committed to a fully-electrified Stihl trailer, either this or the 25-inch RMA 765 V is the walk-behind you want.

Deck Size/Material	22-inch aluminum
Blade	21.25-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	3000 RPM
Maximum Runtime	130 minutes (2 x 9.4Ah batteries)
Battery Ports	2 active
Cutting Height	1.0 – 4.0 inches (6 positions)
Height Adjustment	4-point
Drive Speed	0.0 – 3.7 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge, rear discharge
Bag Capacity	2.3 bushels
Weight	124.9 lbs with batteries

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-inch AWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower RY40HPLM03

Top Features

• CrossCut Blade System: Improves cut quality and overgrowth performance
• Cut Command Center: All the controls you need centralized where they’re easy to access
• AWD/RWD System: Confidently tackle hills and slopes with AWD or switch to RWD for flatter areas
• Integrated Mulch Plug: Switch from mulching to bagging/discharge with a simple knob
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

Ryobi’s newest battery-powered lawn mower is designed to compete in a very elite group. With 10.4 ft-lbs of torque, it’s actually slightly stronger than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel mower, even though it carries a slightly lower 196 cc gas equivalent rating.

That’s extremely powerful. For context, I recommend the 160 cc class for most homeowners, which is capable of dealing with moderate overgrowth in case you miss a cut during the growing season. 200 cc is legit Pro-level power, and it’s capable of truly impressive performance.

It doesn’t skimp on cut quality, either. Using Ryobi’s CrossCut stacked blades, it excels at mulching, bagging, and side discharging. Plus, it’s an all-wheel-drive system that makes hilly properties easier to manage.

Ryobi’s main (and perhaps only) real competitor is EGO’s 1000-series and its 10.6 ft-lbs of torque. With a kit price that’s hundreds less, Ryobi is sitting in a really nice place for homeowners who want serious cutting power without creeping above the $1000 mark.

Deck Size/Material	21-inch poly
Blade	2 x 21-inch stacked
Maximum Blade Speed	Not listed
Maximum Runtime	75 minutes (2 x 6.0Ah batteries)
Battery Ports	2 active
Cutting Height	1.0 – 4.0 inches (10 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	1.5 – 3.5 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	2 bushels
Weight	86.7 lbs with batteries

Greenworks 21-inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled LM2156S

Top Features

• RazorCut Blade System: Improves cut quality and overgrowth performance
• Turbo Mode: Improves leaf pickup, mulching, and overgrowth cutting
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

I was really impressed with what Greenworks put together in its dual-blade 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower. Its brushless motor delivers power in the 160cc gas equivalent class, its blade tip speed closes in on 17,000 FPM, and its RazorCut stacked blade system offers higher cut quality. There’s even a Turbo mode for thick grass or leaf collection.

It’s lightweight enough to easily maneuver for a mower in this power class, though not as light as models with smaller poly decks. It has all the right features, including a handle that’s easier to fold than most and a good control layout.

It’s a contender against Toro’s 22-inch Recycler as a solid all-around mower that nearly any homeowner will be satisfied with. Also, Greenworks’ extensive range of compatible lawn care products on its 60V platform is a compelling value-add that can make the difference in your overall ownership experience.

Deck Size/Material	21-inch steel
Blade	2 x 20.3-inch stacked
Maximum Blade Speed	3200 RPM
Maximum Runtime	80 minutes (2 x 5.0Ah batteries)
Battery Ports	1
Cutting Height	0.8 – 4.0 inches (8 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	1.6 – 3.5 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	Not listed
Weight	74.4 lbs with batteries

ECHO 56V 21-Inch Self-Propelled DLM-2100SP

ECHO’s DLM-2100SP was my pick for the best all-around battery-powered lawn mower in a previous edition. Even though this model has been out for a few years, it’s still very relevant. It’s not only performance, but rather the complete mowing experience, and the DLM-2100SP is a pleasure to use.

With power around a 160cc gas equivalent, it balances cutting confidence and runtime well. At the same time, its lighter weight is easy for me to maneuver, the handle design is comfortable, and I found all the controls easy to access and adjust on the fly.

It doesn’t use its battery quite as efficiently as some models, though. Unless you’re mowing less than a 1/4-acre lot, I highly recommend you get an extra battery. That will give you the runtime you need to cover close to 2/3 of an acre of light cutting or about 1/2 an acre during peak mowing season.

*Note: The Echo DLM-2100SPR2-2 kit has identical performance but with updated graphics and an additional 5Ah battery.

Deck Size/Material	21-inch steel
Blade	20.1-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	3,200 RPM
Maximum Runtime	70 minutes (2 x 5.0Ah battery)
Battery Ports	2 active w/auto switch
Cutting Height	1 – 4 inches (7 positions)
Height Adjustment	2-point
Drive Speed	1.4 – 3.0 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	Not listed
Weight	65.5 lbs without battery

DeWalt 60V Max 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower DCMWSP700

Top Features

• 3 Mowing Modes: Select between ECO, Boost, and AutoSense to match the conditions
• Dual-Blade System: Improves cut quality and overgrowth performance
• LED Lights: Mow early or late, no matter what season you’re in

While DeWalt’s battery-powered lawn mowers have been slow to pick up momentum against the competition, the 60V Max DCMWSP700 is a revelation in its product development.

First of all, the mower is competitive in the power department. While DeWalt doesn’t specify a gas equivalent level, it feels like it’s cutting in the 170cc range to us. Combined with blade tip speeds approaching 18,000 FPM, it’s a true gas replacement in the performance department.

There are two significant design features to consider, though. At first glance, the most obvious is the shallower deck. In our use, the biggest thing we noticed is that it didn’t seem to mulch as effectively, though it did an excellent job of bagging. This is likely due to having less room in the deck for clippings to circulate and interact with the blade edge multiple times, even though the airflow is solid.

The other big feature is the stacked blade system. Normally, we see the two cutting edges close to one another. DeWalt’s design forms a perpendicular “X” instead. While we don’t know how much of a difference the shift makes compared to other stacked designs, it is obvious that the overall cut quality and ability to cut overgrowth benefit from it.

The biggest downside for me is the manual battery switchover. Both battery ports are active, but once the first battery shuts off, you have to stop and flip a switch to activate the other.

Deck Size/Material	22-inch steel
Blade	21.63-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	3300 RPM
Maximum Runtime	85 minutes (2 x 4.0/12.0Ah batteries)
Battery Ports	2 active (manual switchover)
Cutting Height	1.5 – 4.0 inches (6 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	Not listed
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, side discharge
Bag Capacity	Not listed
Weight	94.3 lbs with batteries

Skil PWRCore 40 20-inch Self-Propelled Smart Caddy Mower SM2010C

Top Features

• Smart Caddy: Lets you pick up debris as you go or carry additional gear

If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable battery-powered lawn mower, this one’s for you! Skil’s PWRCore 40 Smart Caddy mower is designed to make your mowing as convenient as possible. At its heart is the Smart Caddy, a removable bucket for collecting sticks, toys, and other yard debris. There’s even a dog waste bag holder to collect what Fido left behind.

The idea is to collect things as you go instead of having to do a pre-mowing sweep over the entire yard, saving you time.

Of course, you can also bring along other things you might need, like a spare battery or pruners. Thanks to a locking lid, you can protect them from debris and rain.

In terms of lawn fit, this mower has the runtime to cover 1/4+ acre lots, but the power level is best suited for grass species that are easy to cut and rarely experience overgrowth. So, go with the Skil Smart Caddy mower for its light weight and convenience, but look to stronger mowers if coverage and high-performance are your priorities.

Deck Size/Material	20-inch poly
Blade	19.25-inch
Maximum Blade Speed	Not listed
Maximum Runtime	60 minutes (1 x 7.5Ah battery)
Battery Ports	1
Cutting Height	1.5 – 4.0 inches (7 positions)
Height Adjustment	1-point
Drive Speed	0.9 – 3.1 MPH
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, rear discharge
Bag Capacity	1.7 bushels
Weight	51 lbs with battery

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More Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Reviews

• Greenworks Commercial OptimusZ Series 9 72-Inch ZT Mower
• Stihl 36V 21-inch Self-Propelled Mower RMA 510 V
• Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Lawn Mower RY40HPLM02
• Skil PWRCore 40 20-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower SM4910-10

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How We Made Our Choices

Most people on the hunt for a battery-powered lawn mower are homeowners. However, the professional market is becoming more competitive. With more areas of the country working to ban small gas engines, having legitimate options for both sectors is key.

Best Commercial Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

For professional lawn crews, we’re looking for a combination of high performance and durability. It has to be able to recover neglected lawns that come under contract for the first time, have long-lasting components to deal with high-hour use, and survive more abuse than residential models. It’s more than just power, though. The mower that makes the final cut also has to leave professional-level cut quality behind.

Best Residential Battery-Powered

As we evaluate residential options, we still want high performance and excellent cut quality. We don’t expect it to be quite as powerful or to be designed for a couple thousand hours of maintenance-free use. However, we do expect to handle serious overgrowth, leave a clean cut, and have features that make our lives easier.

Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower for the Money

When it comes to determining the best value, we’re looking for a mower that delivers more than its price tag suggests. That’s not to say we’re looking for a mower that just gets by and has a low price tag. We still want a quality cut in any grass species and a convenient mowing experience. But we don’t want to pay a premium price for it, either.

Recommended Lawn Sizes

Our recommended Max Lawn Sizes are based on the area you can mow given the blade size, runtime, and a 2.5 MPH walking speed under ideal conditions using the battery(ies) that comes in the kit.

The Typical Lawn Size calculation is 80% of the max to account for overlap and higher grass growth that’s normal for the peak growing season.

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Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Buying Guide

How Much Does a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Cost?

Setting your budget is a great place to start your shopping. Residential battery-powered lawn mowers we recommend start around $350 (including battery and charger) and are as high as $1100. On sale, we’ve seen quality options as low as $300. Pros can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to over $3000. Here’s a quick breakdown of where the market currently stands:

• Entry-level: $300 – $499
• Mid-range: $500 – $699
• Premium: $700+

If you’re looking at Pro options, that price range starts around $1000 and can be as high as $3500.

Lawn Characteristics

Once you know your budget, your lawn will shape the requirements of the mower you need.

Grass Species

How fast, thick, and tall your lawn grows directly affects how much power and deck height range you need.

For example, the St. Augustine we have in Florida needs more power because it grows thick and likes to be cut at 3.0 – 3.5 inches. On the other hand, Bermuda is another thick species that needs solid power for a quality cut but can thrive when it’s cut well below an inch—a length most mowers don’t have the range for.

Lawn Size

How much area are you cutting? The answer to this question determines the runtime, the number of batteries, and the deck size you need. Here are some general guidelines:

Lot Size	Recommended Walk-Behind Cutting Width
< 1/8 acre	16 – 20 inches
1/8 – 1/4 acre	18 – 21 inches
1/4 – 1/2 acre	20 – 22 inches
1/2 – 1 acre	22 – 30 inches
1+ acre	Not recommended

Elevation Changes

Whether you have to mow slopes and how steep those slopes are can narrow down the choice between push, front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive options.

In general, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive self-propelled mowers are the best choice for lawns with slopes.

Mowing Behavior

One thing many people don’t think about when they consider their lawns is their personal mowing behavior. Do you consistently mow every week during the growing season? Or are you the type of person who goes a few extra days or more between cuts?

If cutting overgrowth is a normal part of your mowing routine, you need more power and battery capacity to get through it. Here’s what I recommend:

• Regular maintenance cut: 140cc – 160cc gas equivalent
• Light overgrowth: 140cc – 160cc gas equivalent
• Moderate overgrowth: 160cc gas equivalent
• Heavy overgrowth: 180+cc gas equivalent

Residential vs Commercial Build

Unless you’re mowing professionally as part of a lawn care or property maintenance crew, it’s unlikely you really need a commercial-grade build. Battery-powered lawn mowers built for professionals are designed for high-hour, everyday use with upgraded components and a more robust construction.

If you’re a homeowner, you should expect to get a minimum of 3 – 5 years of reliable use from a quality residential-grade mower. Pay attention to the warranty period to get an idea of how confident the manufacturer is in the build and be sure to fill out the registration in case you need warranty service.

Battery System

Before anything else, start by considering each mower’s battery system. Generally, systems at 36V/40V max or higher are where true gas replacement mowers operate. 18V/20V max systems can work for light cutting but tend to be underpowered unless they combine multiple batteries to operate at a higher voltage level.

Also, make sure the system you’re buying into has the other tools you want. It’s far more convenient and less expensive to manage one set of batteries and charges for your mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, and any other tools than to have everything running on different systems.

Push Mower vs Self-Propelled

If you can afford a self-propelled mower, go for it, even if you have a small lawn. The convenience is worth it, and it only costs you ~10% runtime compared to the same mower and battery in a push version. If you’re not already sold one way or the other, here are a few things to consider:

Reasons to Buy a Push Mower

• Less expensive
• Usually lighter weight
• Marginally longer runtime

Reasons to Buy a Self-Propelled Mower

• Less effort
• Usually has other feature upgrades
• Often comes with a higher capacity battery

Mower Power

More manufacturers are reporting the gas equivalent power of their battery-powered lawn mowers, and it’s super-helpful. Here’s a quick reference:

• 140cc: Entry-level power
• 160cc: Mid-range power
• 180cc and up: High-end power

If the manufacturer doesn’t list gas equivalent power, it’s hard to gauge without using the mower or reading reviews. However, you can get a decent idea based on the price when you’re shopping quality brands. Entry-level models will be on the lower end of the power range and premium models will be on the higher end.

Runtime

When you calculate the runtime you need, start with the amount of area you need to cut. There’s a big difference between a 1/4-acre of grass and a 1/4-acre lot with a house, driveway, and landscaping around taking up a big chunk of it.

As you’re considering different mowers and see runtime estimates, check what battery(ies) they’re based on. If you can mow for 45 minutes using a 5.0Ah battery, you can mow for an hour and a half with two. Just like you can refill your fuel tank on a gas mower, you can cut longer by using multiple batteries.

Here are some tips to get the most runtime out of your batteries:

• Try to cut no more than 2 inches off the top at a time
• Cut when the grass is dry
• Avoid the hottest temperatures to keep batteries cooler
• Use a standard/efficiency blade rather than high lift or mulching

Cut Quality

Having a perfectly even cut is what every lawn that earns a “well-manicured” designation is going for. Achieving it is a combination of lift to pull the grass up straight and a sharp blade with high blade speed to slice it off clean.

Most battery-powered lawn mowers in the 160cc class and up can achieve high cut quality. Pair your mower with a high-lift blade, and be sure to mow at least weekly to keep your cut quality high. Going with one of the stacked blade systems can improve your chances of having that perfect cut, especially when you’re mulching or bagging.

Mulch, Bag, and Side Discharge

Most battery-powered lawn mowers are capable of mulching and bagging. Side or rear discharge is the one that is sometimes left out. Personally, I prefer to have it. Our central Florida grass grows fast in the summer and if we’re a few days late on our mowing schedule because of weather or vacation, side discharge is the most efficient way to get the grass back in check since it’s too tall for effective mulching and I’d be emptying the bag frequently.

Here are some pros and cons you might want to consider about each discharge method.

Steel vs Aluminum vs Poly Deck

Each deck material has its advantages and disadvantages, but I wouldn’t rule an otherwise great mower out just because of the deck.

A steel deck is the most durable but it’s the heaviest. If you ram into something hard, it’s more likely to dent than crack.

An aluminum deck is lighter than steel yet still highly durable. If it takes a hard hit, it’s more likely to crack than dent.

A poly deck is the lightest and can be custom-designed by the manufacturer to have the best airflow for mulching and bagging. While it’s technically the weakest of the three primary materials, we have yet to break one in more than a decade of testing.

Features that Can Improve Your Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Experience

Brushless Motor: Like I said earlier, a brushless motor significantly improves power, runtime, and service life. It’s a must-have feature for today’s battery-powered lawn mowers. 

Single-Point Deck Height Adjustment: A single-point height adjustment lets you raise or lower the deck with one lever instead of having to adjust each wheel individually. It’s convenient, but heavier, more robust mowers often stick with 4-point adjustments for higher durability. 

Integrated Mulching Plug: Some manufacturers are starting to include integrated mulch plugs, and I love it! Instead of interesting and removing a plug or figuring out where to store, you just flip a lever to slide in place when you want to mulch or out of the way for bagging and side discharging.

Auto-Switching Battery Ports: Many mowers have room for a spare battery. It’s great that you don’t have to walk back to the garage for a spare, but it’s even better when the ports are both active and automatically switch so you don’t have to stop mowing when one runs out. 

Control Placement: Don’t overlook the layout of the controls. Some are easier to reach and adjust on the fly than others, and some are so inconveniently placed that they can be pretty frustrating to use. 

Presence and Blade Bars: Pay attention to the design of the presence and blade engagement bars. Some bars settle into recesses on the handle or have shapes that don’t create pressure points and discomfort while you’re mowing. We’ve used some in the past that were horribly uncomfortable the entire time we were mowing.

Separate Max Speed and Variable Speed Controls: Most self-propelled battery-powered lawn mowers have some sort of drive speed adjustment. But if you can combine setting a maximum speed with having a variable speed you can feather on the fly, it’s much more convenient for turning and adjusting for thick areas of grass. 

Multiple Blade Speed Modes: Today’s brushless motors automatically adjust to deliver more power when the load increases and less when it decreases to help preserve your runtime. Some mowers offer an Eco or Quiet Mode that keeps the blades at a lower RPM to reduce noise and improve runtime when your lawn needs a lighter cut. 

Folding Handle/Vertical Storage: One of the big advantages battery-powered mowers have over gas is that you can fold the handle and stand it up to create a smaller storage footprint in your garage or shop.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

The are a whole lot of publications and authors out there trying to convince you that they know what the best battery-powered electric lawn mower is for your home or business. Let’s give credit where credit is due—they use good SEO writers and may have even used a few popular mowers in the process.

But do they have more than a decade of experience using lawn mowers with an eye on comparative evaluation, understand the key features to look for, and have they experienced the differences in the quality of components in the field? Have they been around to see advances in performance, the development of innovative new features, and how battery power is finally getting the attention of professionals?

We have. We’ve been testing and reviewing lawnmowers since the first lithium-ion models hit the mainstream in 2013. They’re a necessary tool for every property owner with a lawn to maintain.

You can trust Pro Tool Reviews because tools are what we do. When I recommend a lawn mower for you, it’s because it’s the one I would buy. My primary motivation is to recommend what I genuinely believe is the best in each category based on more than a decade of experience and being involved in the power tool and outdoor power equipment industries every day. And if you choose to buy something I recommend, I hope that it works exactly the way you expected when the time comes.

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