Choosing the Right Electric Lawn Mower

When the weather turns warmer, that means it's lawn cutting time in most parts of the country. If you've been keeping up with yard maintenance and outdoor power equipment trends, you know that the latest electric lawn mower models are breaking out of their corded existence and going cordless. The benefits are easy to spot. Battery-powered lawn mowers give you better mobility because you don't have to stop to recharge by plugging back into an outlet that may be a few hundred feet away or wrestling with a tangled extension cord. Since electric lawn mowers don't run on gas they also help conserve the environment as part of sustainable living efforts.

Before you start shopping for one, it's important to know how to choose an electric lawn mower that will be best for your yard. If you're still wondering if an electric lawn mower is right for you, check out the features below to make your weekly mowing duty more enjoyable, and browse the full lineup of outdoor power equipment and other lawn and garden equipment that can help you care for your lawn.

If you're new to electric lawn mowers, be aware that key features exist that are common to many of the major models. Generally most electric lawn mowers are self-propelled, have substantial cutting decks, are equipped with large and powerful motors that can cut thick or wet grass and can mow large lawns on a single battery charge.

Electric battery-powered lawn mowers are available at a range of prices. These models often feature wide cutting decks and powerful brushless motors that last longer and run cooler than traditional brush motors. You can also adjust the cutting height with multiple positions from less than an inch to 3 inches and higher on some models.

If hands-off, more automated mowing sounds appealing, it's also worth a look at robotic lawn mowers, a newer innovation that maps and mows your lawn on a schedule with little input from you.

Some people may find have certain preferences when it comes to electric vs. gas powered tools, lawn mowers included. Having to buy a separate battery and charger is one of the potential drawbacks for someone who is used to a gas mower, along with the upfront price considerations. Electric lawn mowers generally cost more to purchase than traditional gas-powered mowers, but there's no need to buy gas and they usually cost less to maintain. And pro tip: if you are concerned about a battery-powered mower running out of steam before you finish, you can purchase a backup battery to swap with the drained battery, which can then go back on the charger and be ready to swap back in if needed.

Electric lawn mowers provide benefits in several key areas. First, they produce less noise than gas-powered mowers, so using one early in the morning won't disrupt your neighbor's sleep. If sound reduction is important while mowing your lawn, using an electric lawn mower is a wise choice.

Using a cordless electric mower gives you cutting ability in most locations without the need for electrical outlets, and it eliminates the need to plug together extension cords. Because electric lawn mowers don't emit gas fumes in the air and lower noise levels in the neighborhood, they are a much greener option. For more on what makes battery-powered equipment worth considering across your whole yard, take a look at these advantages of electric power tools.

A powerful electric lawn mower can be the right machine for lawns of all types and sizes. Using a fully charged battery can give you up to 90 minutes of sheer cutting power. Self-propelled models use a self-propelled drive that helps save energy in moving the lawn mower forward for a beautiful lawn. Brushless motor power can maximize motor performance, minimize vibration, improve battery efficiency and extend motor life.

Because cordless electric lawn mowers run on batteries, it's important to get the right one for your machine. Battery labels show volt and amp hour (Ah) ranges. In general the level of voltage equals the raw power produced by the battery and Ah is the designation for how long the battery will run. The higher the Ah, the larger the battery's capacity. Lawn mower batteries can generally run from 30 minutes up to 90 minutes on a single charge.

Battery voltage has a range from 48 to 56 volts on the low end, up to 100 to 120 volts on the high end. To charge these batteries you can choose between using a basic standard charger that pumps out 3 kilowatts (kW) to 6 kW, a fast charger between 7 kW and 22 kW, or opt for the most powerful rapid charger, which recharges at 50 kW and above. Lithium-ion batteries usually store more energy and hold a longer charge than rechargeable lead-acid batteries. One example is a 4.0Ah battery that runs for up to 45 minutes on a single charge, which is usually ample time to get a clean cut on an average-sized lawn. If you want a closer look at how different battery chemistries compare across your outdoor tools, our guide on lithium, alkaline and rechargeable batteries can help you decide what's right for your setup.