The Benefits of Switching to Electric Lawn Mowers & Our Top 4 Pick (2023)

Have you seen electric lawn mowers in action? Imagine mowing your lawn without the nasty smell and noise pollution. Among many spheres where we can contribute as green residents, lawncare is one surprising area that has seen a green revolution: enter the electric lawn mower.

Let’s explore the benefits of these machines and some top picks across various price points.

average lawn care costs in America

The average American homeowner spends over $500 per year on lawn care. However, prices vary across the nation, and prices in small rural towns will differ vastly from those in urban metropolises.

Lawn care: $540 per year for bi-weekly trim, fertilizing, and cleanup (you need to double the cost if you are paying for weekly mowing and trimming)
Lawn mowing: $30 to $85 per visit for a ⅛ to ¼ acre yard
Fertilizing: $88 to $544, with most homeowners spending $380
Basic lawn care: $0.01 to $0.06 per square foot

The average hourly rate for lawn care is $40 to $80. Full-service lawn care costs $100 to $400 per month for ⅛ to ¼ acre. These costs do not include the usual spring and fall clean-up either, which can easily cost $350, $500 or more each time.

Environmental Impacts of Gas Lawn Mowers

1. Air Pollution:

Emissions: Gas-powered lawnmowers release harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides, contributing to smog and air pollution.

Carbon Footprint: These mowers also have a significant carbon footprint due to the burning of fossil fuels.

2. Noise Pollution:

Loud Operations: Gas mowers are notoriously loud, contributing to noise pollution in residential areas.

3. Water Pollution:

Chemical Runoff: Frequent mowing encourages the use of fertilizers and pesticides to maintain lawns, which can lead to chemical runoff into waterways, affecting aquatic life and water quality.

These are just a few points that come to mind, but the list can go on related to biodiversity loss, energy use, and yard waste.

Benefits of Electric Lawn Mowers

Eco-Friendly: Electric mowers produce zero emissions during use, making them environmentally friendly compared to their gas-powered counterparts, which emit harmful pollutants.
Quiet Operation: Electric mowers are significantly quieter than traditional ones. This means less noise pollution and a more peaceful experience for you and your neighbors.
Cost-Effective: Although the initial purchase price might be higher, electric mowers save money in the long run as they eliminate the need for gas, oil changes, and frequent maintenance.
Lightweight & Compact: Most electric models are easier to maneuver and store thanks to their lighter weights and compact designs.
Instant Start: With the push of a button or turn of a key, electric mowers spring to life without the hassle of pull-starts.
Fewer Maintenance Requirements: No oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters mean fewer parts to replace and less overall maintenance.

Cost Savings for electric lawn mowers

Fuel Savings: With the fluctuating prices of gasoline, owning a gas-powered mower can be expensive in the long run. Electric mowers run on electricity, which is generally cheaper and more stable in price.
Maintenance Costs: Electric mowers don’t require oil, filters, or regular servicing like gas mowers, which can lead to significant savings over the life of the mower.

Best Electric Lawn Mowers in Different Price Ranges

Budget-Friendly

Greenworks 40V 20-Inch Cordless Twin Force Lawn Mower ($650-$700): Renowned for its battery life and efficiency, this model offers a great balance of performance and affordability.

Mid-Range

EGO Power+ LM2142SP 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower ($800): With a robust build and excellent battery life, it offers a self-propelled mechanism, making mowing a breeze.

EGO Power+ LM2102SP (~$1,000) 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 7.5Ah Battery and Rapid Charger Included. Up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge with the included 56V 7.5Ah ARC Lithium Fuel Gauge battery. EGO has great products with many options and price ranges. Be sure to take a look at their product catalog!

Premium

EGO POWER+ ZT4205S 42-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Zero Turn Radius Mower with e-Steer™ Technology with (4) 12.0Ah Batteries and Charger Included. Priced at around $6,000, this is the ultimate electric lawn mower that’s going to meet your every need. Because of its price tag, this machine may not be accessible to most families but it’s worth the consideration down the road.

Downsides of using and maintaining electric lawnmowers

Battery Life: Cordless electric mowers run on batteries, and depending on the model, you might find yourself recharging before completing larger lawns. This can mean either waiting for the battery to recharge or investing in a spare.
Reduced Power: Generally, gas-powered mowers are more powerful than electric ones. For exceptionally thick or tall grass, an electric mower might not perform as efficiently.
Corded Limitations: If you choose a corded electric mower (to bypass battery issues), you’ll have the limitation of the cord’s length and the potential hazard of mowing over it.
Upfront Cost: Often, a good electric mower might cost more upfront than a gas-powered counterpart. While you may save in the long run, the initial investment can be a deterrent for some.
Battery Replacement: Over time, rechargeable batteries lose their capacity. This means that after several years, you might need to replace the battery, which can be an added cost.
Durability Concerns: Some users believe that electric mowers aren’t as robust or durable as traditional gas-powered ones, though advancements in technology are rapidly bridging this gap.
Area Coverage: Electric mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. For expansive lawns or commercial applications, gas-powered mowers might still be preferred due to their power and unlimited run time.

Conclusion

The transition from gas to electric lawnmowers is not just a trend but a necessary step toward a sustainable future. Not only are you contributing to a cleaner environment, but you’re also opting for a quieter, more cost-effective, and efficient mowing experience. With options available across all price ranges, making the switch has never been easier. So the next time you think of upgrading or buying a new mower, consider going electric. It’s a small change in your backyard that can make a big difference to the planet.