3 New RYOBI Electric Lawn Mowers for 2023. Electric lawn mower 80v

New RYOBI Electric Lawn Mowers for 2023

Coming soon for this 2023 lawn and garden season are three all-new RYOBI electric lawn mowers, including two riding lawn tractors and a 30 in. walk-behind push lawn mower. In addition to being part of RYOBI’s 80V HP Brushless Solutions line, the company’s most powerful cordless electric lawn equipment to­ date, these RYOBI electric lawn mowers offer more versatility for year-round lawn care.

In addition to more power, these new electric lawn mowers from RYOBI feature multiple storage compartments, easy-to-read LED screens, hitches with up to 500 lb. towing capacity, and Smart technology to name a few key features.

This makes ten RYOBI electric lawn mowers manufactured from its South Carolina, USA facility. RYOBI created quite a buzz when they launched into the battery-powered mower market. Check out our Tool Forum “Ryobi battery riding lawn mower“. It has been active since 2016 and is one of our most active forums.

These RYOBI electric lawn mowers and tractors will be sold exclusively at The Home Depot arriving Spring 2023.

RYOBI Electric Lawn Mowers Overview

These lawn mowers are part of the RYOBI 80V Brushless Solutions line that debuted in 2022. They operate off of RYOBI 80V 10Ah lithium-ion batteries. RYOBI boasts that this line of cordless 80V electric lawn mowers has the same power as gas-fueled while being 70% quieter.

Battery-powered? Say goodbye to gas, oil, and all other traditional engine maintenance.

RYOBI 46 in. Electric Lawn Tractor

The RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 46 in. Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Riding Lawn Tractor (RYRM8070) is the largest in this release. Made with four RYOBI brushless motors and paired with three RYOBI 80V 10Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries this electric lawn tractor has the same performance as a 23-horsepower gas engine. This model has a towing capacity of up to 500 lbs. and compatible with multiple attachments to make this lawn tractor perform all-year long.

This RYOBI electric lawn mower will retail for 5,499.

Features

• Part of RYOBI 80V HP Brushless Solutions line providing performance equivalent to a 23-horsepower gas engine
• Powered by RYOBI 80V 10Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries, cutting up to 2.5 acres on a single charge
• Included Hyper Charger completely recharges RYOBI 80V 10Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries within 2.5 hours
• Front and rear two in. hitches and towing capacity of up to 500 lbs. (compatible with RYOBI Tow Behind Dump Cart ACRM025)
• 46 in. 10-gauge fabricated steel deck with quick-release for easy blade change and maintenance
• Multi-Blade CROSS CUT system made with six steel blades combined with 13-point height adjustment range of 1.5 in. to 4.5 in. allows for precise cutting
• Multiple drive and blade speed settings
• Side discharge, mulching, and bagging capabilities (Mulch Kit ACRM054 and Bagger ACRM028 sold separately)
• Easy-to-read LED display allows you to monitor runtime, battery charge, blade speed, and drive speed. Provides headlight control, blade check reminders, and pairs with RYOBI Riding Mower App via Bluetooth
• Additional user features include: one USB-A, one USB-C ports to charge devices, storage compartments (front, rear, and side), cup holders, LED headlights
• 7 mph capability
• Made in USA, sourced globally
• Comfortable, premium seat even when mowing tough terrain
• Rear 120V charging port
• Backed by five-year tool and battery warranty

Greenworks 80V vs EGO 56V Mower: 2023

If you are in the market for a new battery-powered mower, you are probably choosing between the Greenworks 80V vs EGO 56V mowers. These are two of the most popular battery powered mowers on the market. And there is a reason why.

Before you make your decision, make sure to read my word of caution on both of these and understand what you are buying. Lawn mowers are investments, so be sure to understand where your money is going.

SPOILER: We went with the Greenworks 80V mower because of the steel deck and cheaper price point.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

About battery-powered mowers

Before buying a battery-powered mower, make sure you understand the pros and cons. They are hot tamales right now and a bunch of folks are buying them. Below, I list out the pros and cons of battery-powered mowers:

Pros of battery powered mowers

• Easier to store and start:

• After a long winter, starting up a traditional gas mower requires the pull cord to be pulled no less than 1.4 million times. It usually has some stale gas and blows out a Cloud of thick black smoke. Electric mowers, however, you simply attach the battery, press the button, and continue on with your day.

• Tired of breathing in fumes? Are you the type of person that throws blood on people wearing furs? Well, battery-powered mowers might just be for you.

• Most folks wear ear protection when mowing the lawn because it is pretty dang loud. Electric mowers make way less noise, to the point where you can’t really hear them going around. I’m about to buy one for my neighbor who mows his lawn every Monday morning when I’m on work calls.

Cons of battery powered mowers

• Less durable

• Many of the battery powered mowers have plastic decking, or the piece that covers the blades. This leaves them vulnerable to rocks ripping through them or other accidents that can crack the deck, leaving the whole mower useless

• Batteries drain. You won’t always be able to cover the whole yard (depending on the size) in one trip AND use the batteries for anything else after. Charging takes a while as well.

• Compared to simple gas mowers, electric mowers are generally more expensive. You can save a bit of money if you already have the batteries for another tool and buy the tool-only version.

Greenworks vs EGO brand review

Personally, I am more familiar with Greenworks’ line of products. They have some of the top selling battery-powered equipment on Amazon, and advertise a ton over there as well. EGO is pretty big with Lowes and also has some listings on Amazon.

Greenworks is what I would consider a higher-end product line. They have some pieces of equipment, like one of their blowers, that has tremendous power and quality. EGO is less established and has a little bit of a plastic-y toy feel to it. Both are great, however.

Greenworks 80V vs EGO 56V mower: Breakdown

Okay – enough about the brand, let’s figure out the fundamental pieces of knowledge we need to make an informed decision about these two mowers. We need to understand power, battery-life, durability, and the bells and whistles. Let’s get started.

Power

Greenworks has a handful of 80V mowers, so I am going to pick one of the most popular (and our #1 ranked), the 21” brushless self-propelled mower with two batteries. Each battery has about 4 Ah of power coming out, giving this a total of 8 Ah. This is about all the power you will need for small-to-medium sized jobs around the yard.

The EGO 56V 21-in self-propelled mower is their best selling mower on Lowes website. The EGO 56V 21-in mower has about 7.5 Ah of power in its battery, just slightly below the Greenworks mower. While these are comparable, the Greenworks has a bit of an edge.

To be fair, it is hard to call a winner in this battle because both have almost identical power output. At the same time, they are both on the upper end of power when it comes to self-propelled battery-powered mowers. I can tell you from using the EGO, it feels powerful. It is relatively heavy and when you engage the self-propelled function, it really jerks you forward.

Both have a brushless motor, which means their motors provide more torque, a cooler running motor, and a longer life than their brushed counterparts (shoutout Dennis for the correction!).

I think we have a tie on our hands, with EGO perhaps having a slight edge in the “feel” of power, especially if you get the Select Cut or Select Cut XP versions.

Battery life

The Greenworks 80V mower has a battery life of up to 60 minutes, as does the EGO 56V mower. One thing that gives the EGO a slight edge here is that its power system is just a single battery. The Greenworks requires two separate batteries and two separate chargers (which means two separate wall plugs).

One thing that I would recommend for both of these is to not use the self-propelled function if you have a big job on your hands. While it can be kind of nice, the self-propelled function will massively drain the battery.

If you want to finish the job, turn the dang self-propelled function off. If you have spare batteries, then make sure you’ve got a stack of them fully charged before activating self-propelled functions.

Because of the single battery, I am going to give the EGO 56V 21-in mower the edge here.

Durability

When I am evaluating durability on a mower, I am looking at spots where the mower can easily break. The most frequent spot here is going to be the deck. The deck is the area of the mower that covers the blades as they spin. Traditional gas mowers have a metal decking to help prevent rocks or roots from ripping through the engine.

The Greenworks 80V 21” mower has a nice steel deck, making it highly durable and long-lasting. Unfortunately, the EGO 56V 21-in mower has a plastic deck. This leaves it vulnerable to stress and breakage.

I am also a huge fan of simplicity. If you put the Greenworks and the EGO 56V right next to each other, the Greenworks mower would look much simpler. The EGO 56V has a ton of extra parts that make it look cool and robotic, but ultimately add weight, more things that can break, and probably extra cost.

The Greenworks mower has a 4 year warranty whereas the EGO mower has a 5 year limited warranty.

RYOBI 80V HP Brushless Lithium Electric Riding Lawn Tractors

I am going to give Greenworks the medal because of the metal. Gotta go with Greenworks steel deck.

Bells and whistles

It is definitely important to have bells and whistles – but they have to matter. This means they need to add value to the mower and to the task at hand.

Some of the bells and whistles on the Greenworks 80V 21-in mower are the EZ fold handles that allow for easy storage, a turbo button that sets the mower at full speed, 7-position height adjustment, an on-board battery indicator, and some nice LED headlights.

The EGO 56V mower has headlights, foldability for storage, 6-position cutting height adjustments, and push-button start.

While Greenworks might just have better marketing, they seem to have more bells and whistles that actually help. I can’t see much on the EGO 56V besides it looking like it might have more functions because of how bulky it is.

The advantage here is going to Greenworks once again.

Price comparison: Greenworks 80V 21-in vs EGO 56V 21”

The Greenworks 80V 21in with two batteries is currently on sale for about 530 (now 499). The EGO 56V 21” is for sale for almost 550 on Amazon.

Ryobi Lawn Tractor

The advantage here is obvious: Greenworks is less expensive and can be found for a great deal on Amazon.

The final comparison: Greenworks 80V 21-in vs EGO 56V 21”

The winner is clear: Greenworks 80V 21-in is the superior mower to the EGO 56V 21″. It isn’t a huge margin of victory, but due to the steel deck and price, I have to hand this one over to Greenworks.

Ryobi 80V Mower Vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Wins?

Ryobi is a well-known power tool manufacturer and more recently ventured into the outdoor power equipment sector. In doing so, they’ve expanded beyond their tried and true 18V line into larger battery packs more suited for this larger equipment. This includes their 40V and 80V line lawnmowers.

Recently, Robi unveiled a new 80 Volt mower that’s taking on other lawnmowers on the market. It is significantly larger and suited for even the biggest backyards. Meanwhile, their 40V line includes several different lawn mower options, not to mention weed eaters and blowers. These 40 Volt mowers are very similar to traditional gas mowers. In our Ryobi 80V Mower Vs Ryobi 40V Mower below, we explore both mowers in detail.

Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Side-by-Side Comparison

80V Ryobi 40V Ryobi

Model	RYPM8010	RY401140US
Deck size	30″	21″
Price	Unknown	700
Batteries	1-80V 10 Ah	2-40V 6 Ah
Runtime (with included batteries)	90 Minutes	70 Minutes
Warranty	5 Year Mower/5 Year Battery	5 Year Mower/3 Year Battery

• Power Source: Corded Electric, Battery Powered
• Material: Polypropylene
• Colors: Gray, Black, Green
• Style: Cordless
• Cutting Width: 21 inches
• 7 Positions

Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: What’s the Difference?

80V mower is larger and designed for bigger yards. However, it is also much more powerful thanks to its larger battery pack. But that isn’t to say Ryobi 40V isn’t a great mower. In fact, most users will find it perfect for their needs. So let’s take an in-depth look at what sets them apart.

Models

The Ryobi 80V is the only model push mower currently in that battery lineup. Ryobi previously had other 80 Volt mowers, but they were all discontinued as they rebooted the product line. In contrast, Ryobi 40V lineup has a number of options.

Our comparison will look at the Ryobi RYPM8010 in the 80V line. Then for the 40V, the RY401140US. Both mowers include batteries and many accessories, which we will explore further in a moment. But you can also purchase other bundles with the 40V mower minus batteries or other tools.

Power

While both mowers are part of Ryobi’s lineup, they couldn’t be more different. Both use a brushless motor which is fairly common in most electric mowers today. The two batteries are entirely different, with the 80V more closely resembling the power of a gas-powered mower.

With that in mind, the 80V also has a much larger deck as well as four spinning blades which consume a significant amount of power. On the other hand, the 40V has just a single blade that it needs to spin in order to cut. We’ll get into runtimes shortly, but you should know that the 80V does have a significantly longer runtime than the 40V.

Where the 40V stands out is that it holds two batteries, and the RY401140US does come with two. This is a major improvement over some of the other electric mowers in the market, such as Ego ones that do not have space for two batteries. Unfortunately, it does not automatically switch between the two, so you will have to use the included key to change what battery is drawing power.

The Ryobi 40V includes 2-6 Ah batteries. Although these are not the largest especially compared to other mower batteries, they will provide a good runtime of 70 minutes when both are used. Meanwhile, the Ryobi 80V comes with a single 10 Ah battery pack which Ryobi claims will be able to handle 90 minutes of runtime or cut an entire acre.

Deck

Both mowers have a stronger composite deck than cheaper plastic ones and aren’t susceptible to rust. But if you are concerned, the 40V does actually come with a lifetime deck warranty. They also use solid replaceable steel blades. The 40V has a 21-inch deck, while the 80V has a massive 30-inch deck.

While having the ability to cut large swaths of grass sounds amazing, you may find it difficult to maneuver smaller spaces. The 80V uses crosscut blades, two blades stacked on each other. Additionally, it uses two pairs side-by-side to achieve a wide cutting area.

Accessories

The accessories that come with each mower are nearly identical. With both the 40V and 80V Ryobi, you get a mulching kit, a clippings bag, and a discharge chute. This way, you can choose the mower function and change it on the fly without having to worry about purchasing any other accessories. In addition, you also get the respective charger for each mower.

Ease of Use

Both mowers operate very similarly and are equally easy to use. They function like most other electric mowers on the market, where all you have to do is insert a battery, press a button, pull back the lever, and start mowing. The biggest difference in operation is that the 80V uses a single large battery pack while the 40V can hold 2 smaller batteries.

Some mowers on the market, like the DeWALT 20V, require you to have two batteries in at a time, but that is not how the 40V operates. Instead, you can choose to have either one or two batteries in and use the included key to switch between the two. Both mowers are also self-propelled with rear-wheel drive, and best of all, the wheel speed is completely adjustable for your comfort.

Pricing

Electric mowers tend to be more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. This additional cost is mainly due to the expensive batteries. However, the higher price tag may be validated by the fact that you don’t have to mess with gas and that maintenance is significantly less. Additionally, you can use electric mower batteries in other power equipment, therefore, spreading out the cost.

The Ryobi 40V has an MSRP of 700. That includes the mower, 2-6 Ah batteries, plus a charger. Fortunately, the mower is commonly on sale and often priced at 600, which is still pricier than other electric mowers. The 80V, by comparison, does not have a price announced yet; however, Ryobi has made the battery available, and it costs about 900.

Warranty

The warranty is one of the most important things you should consider, especially for expensive purchases like this. Having a long warranty period not only guarantees years of use but also affirms a company’s faith in its products. Because Ryobi sells 40V and 80V mowers, you probably think they have the same warranty, but they do not.

The Ryobi 40V has a fairly standard 5-year warranty on the mower, with a 3-year warranty on the batteries. But surprisingly, they include a 5-year mower and battery warranty with the 80V. This is very unusual as all of the other Ryobi batteries only come with a 3-year warranty. But this extended period is likely due to the extremely high costs of the 80V batteries.

Battery Lines

One last thing you should consider is the product lines that go along with each battery. Even though both mowers are made by Ryobi, they use completely different battery systems. The 80V mower uses a very large battery pack that is currently used in only their new riding mowers. Not to mention, this likely isn’t a battery platform you would want to invest in because the batteries are so expensive.

The 40V line of tools is much more robust, having been out for a number of years now. Ryobi makes 40V tools like blowers and weedeaters, which you can use these mower batteries in. Unfortunately, you can’t use the regular 18V Ryobi batteries with any of the 40V tools. However, you should consider the 40V mower if you plan to purchase outdoor products like a weedeater or edger.

Ryobi 80V Mower vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

At this point, the obvious winner should be clear. But this comparison is a little more complicated because the arguably better mower probably isn’t the best fit for most users. The reason is Ryobi 80V is substantially larger and will likely be overkill for most residential homes.

However, a larger electric mower would be beneficial in commercial settings like hotels where they want to keep noise to a minimum. But even so, you are better off purchasing one of the newer electric riding mowers. In addition, the cost for the Ryobi 80V will likely be astronomically high, considering the battery alone is nearly 900.

In contrast, the Ryobi 40V feels like an average electric mower, which is competitive with the 56V Ego and 40V Kobalt. Although it comes with a pretty high price tag, it also provides value. Its 2 batteries deliver over an hour of cutting time which should be sufficient for most yards. Additionally, you could still purchase extra batteries if necessary.

Ryobi’s 40V lineup has been around for a little while now and has many tools, such as snow blowers, hedge clippers, weedeaters, and even a tiller. Even if you don’t need any of those tools right now, you will have to purchase them later without buying expensive batteries. Overall, the Ryobi 40V will be the best pick unless you have a specific need that the 80V meets.

The 10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sage McHugh has written for Dotdash Meredith since 2019. With over a decade of experience in consumer-oriented content, Sage has a passion for products and how they enhance our everyday lives.

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. The Baltimore native also covered the technology scene for LocalBusiness.com and has been a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post.

Electric lawn mowers have many advantages over gas-powered models. For example, electric models don’t release exhaust fumes and can be significantly quieter and easier to operate, resulting in a much more pleasant mowing experience all around. “Electric lawn mowers come with many features to help owners stay safe, comfortable, and productive,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

We researched many different types of electric lawn mowers and tested several in our own backyards across the country. We then evaluated products based on their setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value and selected our favorites in a range of categories for this list. During our first run with the mower, we timed the assembly process and made careful notes about how clear and simple the included directions were. Following this, we utilized the mowers on three separate occasions, taking note of the grass length cut, the total area of the yard mowed, and the time it took to complete the task.

In our latest round of testing, we put six riding lawn mowers through their paces in our personal yards and selected the best electric ones based on its power, maneuverability, and noise level.

Best Overall

EGO Power Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

• Powerful and easy to use
• Lightweight and foldable for vertical storage
• 60-minute runtime and recharging
• Relatively affordable

After testing other electric mowers across the country, the EGO LM2102SP POWER 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is our best overall pick because it is very easy to use, lightweight and compact, and offers additional power when you need it, all at a relatively affordable price. Self-propelled mowers make mowing—especially over hills and rugged terrain—much easier because the mower moves for you at your pace, while you simply guide it around your yard. This option is no exception. While we tested this mower, we almost found it too powerful at first, especially because it was our first time using a self-propelled mower. But once we got the hang of it, we turned it off and on easily, and adjusted the speeds when needed by using the levers on the handle. We found the self-propulsion helpful for going up small hills (the lowest speed was all we needed) and turned it off when navigating around obstacles.

We also appreciated the battery life and fast recharging this mower offers. Although it comes with just one EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery, it has a 60-minute runtime and only takes about the same time to recharge using the included Rapid charger. And while it only took 50 minutes to mow our lawn, we are happy to report that the battery did not run out. If you have other EGO products at home with the same battery, you could always swap in that battery if you have a larger lawn and want to continue mowing without much of a break.

Other user-friendly features we love include the easily-adjustable handle: You have two options for the height and three options for the angle, so you can pick the one that is most comfortable for you. We also found adjusting the cutting height to be a simple task, with six settings to choose from ranging in height from 1.5 to 4 inches. And when you are done, the handle is just as easy to fold, so you can store your mower vertically in your garage or shed. We do want to note that while we think this mower did a great job mowing in dry and damp conditions, once when mowing over a particularly wet area, an orange light came on and the mower stopped. However, once we moved the mower to a more drier area, we were able to start it again easily. The only other minor issue we reported is putting on the grass collection bag. We found it would be much easier with two people since it clips on tightly and it’s a bit hard to get around the support bar (it popped off a few times during this process). But other than those small issues, we think this is an excellent electric mower for navigating different types of terrain with ease.

Price at time of publish: 549

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 93.61 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Budget

Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower

We’ve tested the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower several times over the last few years, and it continues to stand out as the best affordable choice for small yards and tight spaces, even those with somewhat challenging terrain. In fact, while testing this mower in our latest round of testing, we had no issues navigating over divots, clumps, bumps, and other parts of our lawn that were uneven—we found that this mower powered right through them. Plus, the 12-amp motor is powerful enough for tough cutting and mulching, including the tall, spindly weeds in our yard. We didn’t report any issues mowing over slightly wet grass either.

The 20-inch cutting deck is narrower than some other options, but we found that it helped us get through the tight areas of our yard easily. Adjusting the cutting height (seven different heights ranging from 1.5 to 3.75 inches) is simple as well, and really is the only setting you need to worry about. However, we did note that the mower didn’t go quite low enough to cut some patches of clover. Although it’s budget-friendly, we love that you have three options for your grass clippings—bag, mulch, or side discharge—and you don’t have to purchase any of these features separately (which would add to the cost). The grass collection bag was easy to clip on, although we did spill some grass clippings the first time we removed it and noted that the bag was not even full. However, we think this won’t be an issue once we get the hang of it.

Although this electric model is corded, we appreciated the unlimited runtime and didn’t find the cord to be cumbersome. We did find ourselves holding on to the cord even though there was a cord restraint system that kept it in place, but we were able to mow the lawn easily with our other hand. It’s important to note that this mower must be used with a 14-gauge 50-foot extension cord or a 12-gauge 100-foot extension cord (not included). Overall, we found this to be a really easy lawn mower to set up (just a few screws are needed for the handle), use, and store (just fold the handle), and it continues to impress us with its performance and price.

Price at time of publish: 227

Cutting Width: 20 inches | Weight: 56 pounds | Power Source: Corded | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Self-Propelled

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

Although it is a little more of a splurge compared to other options we tested, The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower stands out for its powerful performance (comparable to some gas models), and long, 70-minute runtime. We tested this mower on the first grass of the season and were quickly impressed by its ease of use and quiet performance (we thought it almost sounded like white noise), especially compared to gas models we’ve used in the past. Thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was a breeze to mow over uneven terrain, even over hills, with little effort on our part. It did take a little bit of time to select the right cutting height for our uneven lawn (the blade did get stuck a few times), but once we adjusted the height, we were impressed by the cutting performance. Luckily this mower offers seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches), so you can easily pick the one you need. We also want to mention that like our best overall mower, the EGO LM2102SP POWER 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, the self-propelled feature does take some time to get used to, and you may feel like the mower will run away on you at first until you figure out which setting you need for each part of your yard.

This model comes with two 40-volt batteries and a Rapid charger. Since only one battery is needed at a time, you will always have one ready to go should you need it. Our lawn took only 45 minutes to an hour each time to mow, and we never had to stop and recharge it to finish the job. However, we did have to stop the first time we mowed to empty the grass collection bag, which we found to be surprisingly small. It filled up after mowing about 25-30 feet of tall grass. The next two times weren’t as much of an issue because the grass wasn’t as overgrown. It was very simple to remove the full bag, but we found that it spilled easily and a few blades even spilled when the mower was in use (whether or not it was filled.) These few issues aside, we appreciated the bag, mulching, and side-discharge options for the grass clippings overall, although it is worth noting that it did not break up older leaves very well.

Like most of the mowers on this list, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is easy to fold and store vertically to save space. We were equally impressed with all of the safety features. Although it has a simple, push-button start, the mower has a key that you can store separately so no one can accidentally start the mower. When ready to use, the key has to be inserted behind a flap. Plus, the mower only works while you are gripping a lever. The LED headlights provide extra light that might be helpful when mowing around dusk or dawn. Although this mower is a bit more pricey than our best overall (which is also a battery-powered self-propel model), we think it’s worth the extra cost for the power, long runtime, and extra battery.

Price at time of publish: 799

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Push

Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 Electric Lawn Mower

While testing, we found that the Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 Electric Lawn Mower was as easy to use as a corded vacuum. At under 30 pounds, this mower is very easy to push, even though it’s not a self-propelled model. It is corded, so you will most likely have to use an extension cord. However, you won’t have to worry about the battery running out, stopping to recharge a battery, or fumes from a gas model. We were also impressed by how quiet this mower was, especially compared to gas mowers we’ve used in the past. This mower was simple to set up—we just had to attach the bag and two parts for the handle.

Thanks to the 14-inch cutting deck, we found this to be a great push mower for navigating around tight corners and spaces. However, we do want to point out a few issues we came across while testing. We found that the grass collection bag filled up pretty quickly (after mowing about 20-30 feet). And when we mowed without the bag, we did notice that the grass would get stuck underneath the blades. As a great safety feature, the mower would immediately shut off. The grass was easy to remove though, and we were able to get back to mowing quickly. Also, it’s worth noting that this mower only has three settings for the cutting height, ranging from 1.12 to 2.52 inches. While you won’t get as a precise cut as other models, and you may have to stop to empty a bag or remove grass from underneath the mower when tackling long grass, we think this is a great budget-friendly push mower that is perfect for small lawns.

Price at time of publish: 99

Cutting Width: 14 inches | Weight: 29 pounds | Power Source: Corded electric | Cutting Options: Bag, side-discharge

Best Riding

RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

If you have a larger yard to mow, a riding lawn mower can save you time and energy with its speed and efficiency. While testing the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor we were impressed with its exceptional cutting performance, long battery runtime, and maneuverability. The electric mower has four steel blades that provide 13 different cutting height positions, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, for a very precise cut. We found that the mower was able to handle a variety of debris with ease, effectively chopping up sticks, leaves, grass clippings, and even short dandelions that normally would be difficult to cut. The cutting height can be adjusted using a manual lever on the mower’s right side. However, we did find that the lever was surprisingly close to your leg, which can result in unintentionally changing the cutting height, although we did not experience this issue ourselves.

While putting this battery-powered mower to the test after a rainy morning, we found that it had no trouble dealing with wet grass and cutting it evenly. Even when the grass was damp, the lawn mower effectively discharged the grass clippings. While we love that this mower gives you three options for grass clippings—bag, side-discharge, or mulch—note that you will have to purchase the bagger and mulching kit separately. We were also impressed with the riding mower’s quietness despite its size. When the cutting blades were not moving, the riding mower sound resembled that of a battery-powered ride-on car for kids. And, when the blades were spinning, the noise level was super low compared to traditional gas mowers.

The mower has an onboard LCD screen that lets you check the runtime and charging status and control the LED headlights, drive, and blade speeds. The battery percentage also appears on the digital display menu. You can even monitor the charging status while you are taking a break, using the Ryobi Riding Mower app. We found charging the mower to be a simple process. The battery arrived with just 23 percent charge, and it only took us about an hour to fully recharge. For each mowing session we did, only about 10 percent of the battery was utilized. While we would have preferred a physical speed control lever, we found it manageable to switch while driving. The mower has an accelerator pedal that allows for slow and precise maneuvering around obstacles while providing instant speed when necessary. The mower is also equipped with a backup beeping noise, which is intended as a safety feature but we found it annoying over time.

All in all, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor is a great riding mower that offers a quiet and efficient mowing experience that eliminates the hassle of gas and oil. While this isn’t the best choice for small yards, if you want to keep your large yard looking great without a lot of effort, this is an excellent choice with lots of extras.

Price at time of publish: 4,999

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 557 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, or side-discharge

Best Zero-Turn

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

Zero-turn mowers are built to be fast and easily navigate obstacles, and the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower does just that. We put the riding mower through its paces and found it to be a highly intuitive and easy-to-operate machine. Instead of a steering wheel, this riding mower has a joystick that can be operated with just one hand, for better maneuverability while turning. The joystick gave us complete control over the mower’s direction and speed, from a complete stop to top speed. With its impressive turning abilities, we were effortlessly able to mow around trees in a single pass, a task that would have previously required about four passes with a different mower.

Setting the cutting height was equally simple, thanks to the conveniently located lever that offered twelve height settings ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The mower even comes with a height-stopping key, that allowed us to adjust the mowing deck to our desired cutting height quickly. Overall, the mower did a phenomenal job of cutting the grass evenly. We did encounter some thicker grass areas in the yard, but we found that slowing down the mower’s speed allowed it to power through without any issues. We were able to mow our half-acre yard much faster with this mower compared to the Troy-Built Pony 17 HP 42-inch Deck Rider we previously used. In fact, it took us 40 percent less time to complete the task. It also is much quieter than the gas riding mower, and you don’t have to deal with flammable gas or oil changes.

The RYOBI 80V HP Brushless Riding Mower is equipped with two 80-volt, 10-amp hour batteries and two 40-volt, 12-amp hour batteries, providing ample power for extended mowing sessions. During our testing, we appreciated the ability to install up to three 80-volt and four 40-volt batteries, allowing us to extend the mower’s runtime even further. Charging the batteries was a breeze. We simply had to plug the charging cord into the rear of the mower to simultaneously charge all the onboard batteries. We were also delighted to find out that the 40-volt batteries can be used with different cordless Ryobi tools like trimmers and blowers, expanding the range of our outdoor power equipment collection.

And while it has many of the same features as the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Riding Lawn Tractor, this option has the power equivalent of a 31-horsepower gas engine and the ability to cut up to three acres on a single charge, according to the manufacturer. It also offers an app to monitor the battery status and has an LCD screen onboard so you can control the LED headlights, blade and drive speed, as well as monitor the battery, runtime, and charging status. This is an expensive mower, but we think it is an excellent zero-turn option that will make your lawn look great quickly and efficiently.

Price at time of publish: 5,999

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 700 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Heavy-Duty

Toro 21466 Recycler 22 in. 60-Volt Cordless Battery Mower

• Automatically adjusts to walking pace
• Nine cutting positions
• Vortex Technology results in finer grass clippings
• Quick-connect bagging and mulching

With a 22-inch deck and a three-phase brushless motor that optimizes RPM and torque, this cordless, walk-behind mower from Toro delivers a powerful performance. It offers an array of advanced features for hassle-free mowing, which certainly justify its fairly steep price tag. Nine cutting positions, ranging in height from 1 to 4 inches, ensure a precise cut, even in tight spaces. Plus, Toro’s patented Vortex Technology allows more air into the cutting chamber, resulting in finer grass clippings and a healthier lawn.

This mower includes one battery that can run up to 40 minutes, allowing you to cut up to 0.33 of an acre on a single charge. (However, we have read some complaints of it running out of juice in half that time). Its 10-inch rear wheels provide excellent traction on tough terrain without tearing up your lawn. Other impressive features include a self-propelled transmission that automatically adjusts to your walking pace. Thanks to a quick-connect bagging system, you can easily switch from mulching to bagging. Despite its heavy weight, the Toro Recycler Walk Behind Mower is easy to maneuver, and it folds up compactly to minimize its storage footprint.

Price at time of publish: 729

Cutting Width: 22 inches | Weight: 95 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, or side-discharge

Best for Small Yards

Worx WG779 Power Share 40-Volt 14-Inch Cordless Walk Behind Mower

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Dual charging port for batteries
• Battery charge indicator
• Batteries compatible with other Worx tools

The Worx Power Share Battery Walk-Behind Mower has a 14-inch cutting deck that can cut up to 0.12 acres per charge, making it an ideal choice for smaller yards. At 29 pounds, it’s light enough for almost any user to handle. This unit is equipped with two batteries and a dual charging port to maximize the recharging time. For added convenience, there’s an on-board battery charge indicator that lets you know when you’re running out of juice. Another great thing about these batteries is that they’re compatible with a variety of other Worx tools.

This mower has six height adjustments, and you can easily add more torque with the turn of a knob. It also has the ability to mulch or bag grass clippings, and you can easily gauge when the bag is full, thanks to its transparent plastic top. Keep in mind that this compact model is best-suited for smaller jobs, so you will need to limit your expectations when it comes to performance. According to some reports that we read, it has difficulty powering through tough grass, and it sometimes stalls on lips and edges.

Price at time of publish: 300

Cutting Width: 14 inches | Weight: 29.1 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch

Best Cordless

Makita 36-Volt Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower

If you’re looking for a cordless, battery-powered option, this push mower from Makita won’t disappoint. The brushless motor is incredibly powerful, delivering up to 3,300 RPM. This tool is powered by two 18-volt batteries, but four batteries are included, so you can swap them out for extended run time. All together, the batteries deliver up to 43 minutes of runtime. The handlebar has a rubberized grip for user comfort, and the handles fold for compact storage.

The Makita Push Lawn Mower has an 18-inch commercial-grade steel deck for optimal durability. It features a wide range of cutting heights—10 settings ranging from 0.81 to 3 inches. Though it performs well on most turf types, this mower may struggle a bit in overgrown grass. It has the ability to bag, mulch, or rear-discharge clippings. There’s even a quiet mode so you can mow your lawn without disturbing your neighbors.

Price at time of publish: 399

Cutting Width: 18 inches | Weight: 60.46 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, rear-discharge

Best Robot

Worx Landroid Robotic Mower

Tired of mowing the lawn? This fully automated, robotic lawn mower does all of the work for you. It can mow medium-sized lawns up to 1/4 acre in size. To set it up, you’ll need to put down a boundary wire around your yard and connect the mower to the app. You can start or stop the machine, set up a mowing schedule, and check the mowing progress via the app. The Landroid is equipped with an 8-inch cutting width, the height of which can be adjusted between 1.9 and 3.5 inches. Two brushless wheel motors give it enough traction to navigate 20-degree slopes.

If the mower encounters an obstacle, it will simply back away. For more precise detection, an additional collision is available at an additional cost. It can also be programmed to avoid certain areas of your yard. When the Landroid detects rain or the battery runs low, it will return to the docking to either recharge or wait until the lawn is dry. With all of these features, the Landroid Robotic Mower is certainly worthy of its steep price tag. One thing worth noting is that even though this robotic option gets fairly close to the edges of a yard, you’ll likely need a string trimmer for touch-ups every so often.

Price at time of publish: 1,159

Cutting Width: 8 inches | Weight: 48.5 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: None

Compare

After testing this mower in our own backyard, the EGO LM2102SP POWER 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower earns our top spot. This powerful mower offers up to an hour of uninterrupted runtime and is easy to use, thanks to self-propelled technology. We also love the adjustable and foldable handle for compact storage. If you’re looking for a more affordable option for your small yard, we found the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower to be compact and lightweight enough to navigate around obstacles with ease, and offers unlimited runtime, as long as you don’t mind a cord.

How We Tested the Electric Lawn Mowers

We tested eight walk-behind lawn mowers including gas, electric corded, and cordless, battery-powered models in our own yards across the country. After putting them to the test on our own lawns—ranging from small to large—we evaluated them on setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value. For the first use, we timed setting up the lawn mower and noted what assembly, if any, was required, and if the instructions were detailed and easy to follow. We also recorded the battery charging time if it was a cordless model. We then used the mowers on three separate occasions when the weather and growing conditions allowed and recorded the length of grass cut, the surface area of the yard mowed, and the time it took to accomplish the task. We noted how easy (or not) it was to start the mower, adjust the handle, adjust the speed (if self-propelled), and change the cutting heights. We also evaluated the different features including bagging, mulching, and side-discharge options (if included) for the grass clippings. Aside from evaluating each mower’s set up and features, after use, we noted how easy it was to navigate around obstacles, up slopes, and other challenging areas including uneven or tall grass. We then looked at the appearance of the lawn and noted if it looked evenly cut. We also noted all of the safety features as well as any extra features such as LED headlights, foldable handles for storage, cord management systems, and more. After testing, the top electric mowers were added to this list. In our latest round of testing, we tested six riding lawn mowers in our yards and evaluated them on the same criteria explained above. We conducted thorough testing and compared the results with our previous product recommendations in order to provide the best suggestions possible. We made adjustments to the categories based on standout performance, either by swapping out or adding new options.

What to Look for in an Electric Lawn Mower

Mower Type

Electric mowers fall into four main categories: push, self-propelled, riding, and robot mowers. Choosing the right model depends on the size of your lawn, budget, and how much labor you’re willing to put in. Push mowers require that you walk behind them and manually propel them. Since they lack many of the features that you’ll find on more advanced electric lawn mowers, push mowers tend to cost significantly less. Push mowers also require the most amount of labor, making them an ideal choice for small to medium-sized yards with relatively flat terrain. We like the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower because it is very easy to navigate around your yard and comes at a very budget-friendly price. Self-propelled mowers are equipped with technology that propels the wheels as you mow. These mowers are often significantly pricier than push mowers, but they require a lot less effort on the user’s part. A self-propelled mower like the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is a great choice for medium-sized to large lawns with sloped or uneven terrain. An electric riding mower is the most powerful option—and likewise the most expensive. Users must either sit or stand on the machine in order to operate it. With an ultra-wide cutting swath and the ability to navigate difficult terrain, a riding mower is well-suited for large yards with steeper slopes. We love the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor because it can cut up to two acres on a single charge and offers plenty of great features. Robot lawn mowers are typically programmed through an app, allowing them to operate autonomously with little to no effort. Some initial setup is required, but a robot mower can be programmed to mow your lawn automatically, avoid collisions and inclement weather, and more. Although they’re incredibly convenient, robotic models also have a shorter runtime and a smaller cutting width swath, limiting their use to smaller yards. Our top choice in this category, the Worx WR147 Landroid Robotic Mower, is almost 100 percent autonomous once it’s been set up.

Power Source

Cordless electric lawn mowers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. A cordless model gives you more flexibility and portability because it doesn’t restrict your movement. However, you will have to be mindful of the battery life, which typically runs down between 30 and 60 minutes. Some cordless electric mowers come with extra batteries that can be swapped out to extend their runtime. You could also purchase a second battery to increase the operating time. That way, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-task. Our top choice for a cordless model, Makita 18-Volt X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower, includes an extra set of batteries so users can mow longer without having to recharge. The biggest advantage to a corded electric lawn mower is that it provides unlimited power. Corded models typically cost less than their battery-operated counterparts. However, your movement is restricted to the cord’s length. A corded mower must be used with a heavy-duty extension cord, which is often sold separately. Most manufacturers recommend a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord, but you should always refer to the owner’s manual to ensure safe operation.

Deck Size

Deck size refers to the width of the mower, and determines how wide a path it can cut. A wider deck size results in a wider cutting swath, allowing you to cover a larger area in one pass. The standard deck size on both push and self-propelled mowers typically ranges from 13 to 22 inches. Robotic mowers usually have a much smaller cutting deck between 5 and 10 inches. Riding mowers, on the other hand, can have a deck size as wide as 54 inches. A riding mower is best-suited for large lawns that normally take a good deal of time to mow. Our top pick for zero-turn, the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower has a 42-inch deck and 12 cutting heights to make short work of a big job, navigating around obstacles with ease.

Motor Power and Type

Cordless electric mowers that run on batteries produce anywhere from 18 to 20 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the motor will run on a single charge. Likewise, a mower with a higher voltage will allow you to cover more ground in one pass. Higher voltage is usually necessary to mow large lawns and generate enough torque to cut through tall, dense grass. The amp rating is also important in determining how powerful an electric lawn mower is. For example, a 12-amp electric mower can power through tough grass, while a 6-amp model would struggle. A corded electric lawn mower typically draws between 6 and 13 amps from a standard outlet. The battery on most cordless models delivers about 18 amps per hour.

Brushless vs. Brushed Motor

Brushless motors are more efficient, because they don’t lose much energy through friction and heat, both of which could potentially damage the motor. Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing brushes when they wear out. All of these factors contribute to a more reliable performance and less maintenance. Brushed motors, on the other hand, generate more heat, which explains their tendency to stall and overheat. Although brushed motors are more affordable upfront, you may pay more for maintenance in the long run. You’ll also need to replace worn-out brushes as needed, which is an additional expense.

Standout Features

Grass Bag Catcher

A grass bag catcher attaches to the side or rear of a lawn mower and collects grass clippings. While the grass is being cut, clippings are automatically transferred into the bag. This is a convenient feature because it saves you from having to bag or clean up the clippings yourself. With a grass-catching bag, your lawn will look neat and well-maintained after mowing.

Mulcher

An electric lawn mower with mulching capabilities will chop grass up finely and drop the clippings back onto the lawn. As the clippings decompose, they release nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, into the soil. Since mulching naturally improves the health of your lawn, it may need fewer fertilizer treatments.

Adjustable Cutting Height

Most electric lawn mowers have an adjustable cutting height, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, which allows users to cut a variety of grasses and tackle tall, overgrown lawns. As a general rule of thumb, the ideal height for cool-season grass is about 2 1/2 inches. When mowing, you should only remove about the top third of the grass blades.

“The lifespan of an electric lawn mower varies, based on make, model, and consumer care practices,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Just like other outdoor equipment, with proper maintenance, charging, and battery storage practices, then the electric lawn mower can easily meet the user’s expectations.”

• Regularly inspect the cords for nicks and frays, as well as the batteries for any damage or deformities.
• Confirm that all of the vents are free from debris.
• Be sure to only use batteries and chargers in conjunction with manufacturer recommendations.

In the case of electric lawn mowers, convenience comes with a cost. Push mowers are on the lower end of the price scale, but they also require the most amount of manual labor. Self-propelled mowers typically cost several hundred dollars more than push mowers, but they reduce the amount of manual labor that’s needed. advanced models, such as robotic and riding mowers, can be quite expensive, but they essentially do all the work for you. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to put in the labor or pay more to make your life easier.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. To select the best electric lawn mowers for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their motor type, power source, cutting width, special features, and overall performance. McHugh consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For additional insight, she interviewed Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

Jenica Currie, Commerce Editor for The Spruce updated this list with insights gathered from testing various electric lawn mowers in our own backyards across the country. She also added additional picks and reporting.

What Is The Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.