Electric lawn mowers are a practical alternative to gas mowers for many reasons. They’re ideal if you have minimal storage space and don’t want to deal with the hassle of storing gasoline and oil. Electric mowers tend to weigh much less than their gas-powered counterparts, so they can also be easier to transport and use.

One huge advantage is their push-button start. The fact that I wouldn’t have to deal with a pull-cord, an engine that is reluctant to turn over, or gas that had simply gone bad was one of the driving factors behind my first electric mower purchase. I have nerve damage in both hands, so a lightweight mower that was easy to start turned out to be the perfect solution for my small yard. And unlike gas-powered lawn mowers, the electric variants are quieter and do not pollute.

The mowers on this list come in battery-powered or corded design. The corded mowers are really suitable for smaller yards because you will need to use an extension cord to run the mower, while the battery-powered models are a bit more versatile, though you’ll find that battery life varies. If you have a large yard or an incline, keeping two sets of batteries charged and ready may be necessary if you want to mow the entire space in one session. Keep in mind that electric mowers may not be as powerful as gas versions, and the cut quality may be inconsistent, and they really aren’t suitable for bigger jobs.

We included the electric lawn mowers below based on a number of factors, including versatility, power, battery life, features, and overall performance. They’re available at a variety of price points, so you should be able to find something that works for your budget and needs.

Here are the best electric lawn mowers:

Prices and links are accurate as of 7/21/20. We removed our recommendation of the Earthwise 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower as the best pick for small yards because it’s out of stock. It’s also the same size as our other picks, only a little less expensive, and less powerful. You’d be better off going with our budget pick from Greenworks, which is more affordable. We’re currently researching other models to test, and we’ll report back when we do. Until then, we stand by our current picks.

The best electric lawn mower overall

The EGO Power+ 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower offers plenty of power, a push-button start, and a bagger for versatility.

The Ego Power+ 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower offers the performance of gas but in a convenient cordless electric design. The mower creates 30% less noise than an average gas-powered model, making it more pleasant to use.

Though this mower is electric, it doesn't sacrifice power or functionality. The three-in-one function allows you to mulch, bag, or use the side-discharge chute. The push-button start is easy to operate and incredibly convenient, and the LED headlights allow you to mow anytime, provided you have no qualms about disrupting your neighbors after dark.

This 56-volt, 600-watt high-torque magnetic motor runs on a lithium-ion battery that offers about 55 minutes of runtime, and the 20-inch cut-capacity allows you to quickly progress through your mowing, meaning fewer trips around the yard. The rapid charger will fully charge a battery in approximately 30 minutes, so for jobs that do require recharging, you'll be back to work quickly. The other option is to stock multiple batteries, which is great if you are an Ego devotee because the battery and charger are compatible with all Ego tools, you can use a single battery to power the Ego blower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, chain saw, and this mower.

This Ego Power+ even folds up in just seconds and can be stored upright, saving you valuable garage or shed space. At 56.2 pounds, it's relatively easy to maneuver and use though we suggest getting a partner to help if you need it.

This mower comes with a five-year tool warranty and a three-year battery warranty, which is slightly on the generous side compared with others.

Pros: Powerful motor, quiet operation, rapid-charging battery, foldable upright storage, headlights, five-year tool warranty, three-year battery warranty (kits only)

Cons: Batteries are expensive to replace (or stock spares)

The best electric mulching lawn mower

Foto: Source: Home Depot

The DeWalt 20-Inch 20V Cordless Lawn Mower is easy to use and easy to store, and it offers mulching, bagging, or a rear discharge option.

When it comes to mulching, the DeWalt 20-Inch 20V Cordless Lawn Mower offers top performance and plenty of features that make it easy to use.

Mulching your grass allows you to reuse those clippings in a practical way, returning nutrients to your lawn and making for healthier grass in the process. This mower has a mulching feature, but you can also use the bagger or discharge clippings out of the back of the mower. In short, you can use this mower in a variety of ways, depending on the chore.

The brand claims that the battery life lets you cut up to a quarter-acre per charge, which is probably about right, but keep in mind that run time out of the box is only 25 minutes, and it's only going to drop from there. With a brushless motor with high-power output, this mower is ideal for smaller areas and jobs. It also takes two and a half hours to charge.

As for power, we can't quite be sure of the output of this mower because it bears two 20-volt batteries, which often dampens the power some. Ultimately, this mower probably runs somewhere a little south of 200 watts. Again, this is a good mower for a small lawn.

Adjusting this mower is easy, with a single-lever adjustment system. With deck heights from 1.5 to 3.4 inches, you can tackle uneven ground with the higher setting or set the deck low for a fine, low cut. The folding handle and lift handles make the mower easy to transport, but you can also hang it from the handles to get it off the ground and free up floor space in your shed or garage.

This mower comes with a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee, which is all about the standard for a machine like this.

Pros: Powerful brushless motor, easy height adjustment, folding handle for transport and storage

Cons: Limited battery capacity, slow to charge (2.5 hours)

The best budget electric lawn mower

Foto: Source: Amazon

Highly affordable yet plenty powerful, the Greenworks 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower is equipped with plenty of great features.

Electric mowers don't have to be costly, and the Greenworks 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower is proof of that. This mower, offered at a budget-friendly price, still has plenty of bells and whistles and puts in an impressive performance. Its 20-inch steel deck offers durability, and the 12-amp, 120-volt motor (effectively 1440 watts) is powerful enough for easy mowing.

This mower includes three-in-one mulching, side discharge, and rear bag functions. It also offers a seven-position height adjustment, allowing you to choose cutting heights between 1.5 and 3.75 inches. The push-button start makes for easy operation, and foldable handles allow for convenient storage or transportation.

This mower weighs just 56 pounds, so it's relatively easy to push. While it's a fairly basic design, this mower is suitable for homeowners or renters with smaller lawns, provided there's access to a power outlet. It comes with a limited four-year warranty.

You can see the mower at work in this video.

Pros: Seven-position height adjustment, foldable handles, four-year warranty

Cons: Corded design limits reach

The best electric riding lawn mower

Foto: Source: Home Depot

The Ryobi 38-Inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower offers all of the benefits of a traditional gas-powered ride-on.

The Ryobi 38-Inch Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower is a quality piece of equipment that pairs durable construction with the benefits of electric power. The steel frame houses a generous 38-inch blade deck, and three high-torque brushless motors provide maximized cutting power.

Assessing power is a little bit trickier here because Ryobi doesn't offer the same information that the other brands featured within this guide do, but the 48-volt battery can last about 2 hours or 2 acres of mowing time on a single charge, so you can get plenty of work done, quickly.

This mower is full of features that you're sure to love. The seat is adjustable for your comfort, and the control panel is conveniently located for accessibility. The 12-point deck height adjustment gives you nuanced control over your mowing height, and LED headlights allow for evening work. Enjoy cruise control and USB charging, while a cup holder and cell phone holder round out this machine's excellent design.

This mower offers plenty of advantages over traditional gas-powered variants. It has no carbon emissions, and with no belts, spark plugs, or filters, it's a low-maintenance option. It's backed by a three-year warranty.

If you're looking for an alternative to gas-powered riding mowers, the Ryobi is reliable, powerful, and quiet.

This mower comes with a middle-of-the-road three-year warranty for personal use and a 90-day warranty for businesses (including rentals).

See the mower at work in this video.

Pros: Excellent battery power, full of features, capable of large jobs

Cons: Requires more storage space than push mowers, higher price point