Molly Ayala
Electric lawn mowers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many homeowners making the switch from gas-powered alternatives. Electric riding lawn mowers are known to be quieter, more efficient, and easier to use than their gas-powered counterparts. They also require less maintenance and are often lighter and more manoeuvrable. However, they come with a hefty price tag, and it is not yet possible to judge their long-term reliability. So, are electric riding lawn mowers worth it?
Are electric riding lawn mowers worth it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Easier to use than conventional mowers |
| Noise | Much quieter than gas mowers |
| Maintenance | Require virtually no maintenance |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than gas mowers |
| Charging time | Takes an hour and a half to get back to a full charge |
| Reliability | Unknown long-term predicted reliability |
| Performance | Electric mowers are just as capable as gas mowers |
| Runtime | Sufficient for average-sized lawns |
| Evenness of cut | Gas mowers perform slightly better than electric mowers |
| Mulching | Electric and gas mowers are tied |
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What You'll Learn
Electric riding lawn mowers are more expensive than gas mowers
Electric riding lawn mowers are generally more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. While prices vary depending on the model and manufacturer, electric riding mowers can cost thousands of dollars. For example, a Craftsman electric riding mower costs around $3,000, which is a significant investment. At this price point, consumers could purchase professional-grade gear that would cut their lawn much faster.
The high cost of electric riding mowers is a significant factor to consider when deciding whether to purchase one. While they offer benefits such as reduced noise and reduced maintenance, the high price may deter some consumers. It is worth noting that the technology for electric riding mowers is still relatively new, and prices may decrease as the technology becomes more widely adopted.
Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of replacement batteries for electric riding mowers. Batteries can range from $100 to $300 or more, adding to the overall cost of ownership. On the other hand, gas mowers require fuel and regular oil and filter changes, which can also contribute to long-term costs.
When deciding between an electric or gas-powered riding lawn mower, it is essential to consider the specific needs and budget. Electric riding mowers may be worth the investment for those seeking a quieter, more environmentally friendly option with reduced maintenance needs. However, the higher upfront cost may be a barrier for some.
It is also worth noting that electric riding mowers are improving in terms of runtime and cutting power. For example, the EGO Power+ T6 Lawn Tractor is an electric riding mower that delivers the size and power of a gas model without the maintenance hassles. It runs on rechargeable batteries, offering enough strength to handle large yards without the fumes, oil changes, or loud engine noise associated with gas mowers.
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They are quieter than gas mowers
Electric riding lawn mowers are quieter than gas mowers. They skip the traditional engine, so the loudest part of the machine is the blades themselves. You may not even need hearing protection as you do with conventional mowers. For example, the Ego Power+ T6 Lawn Tractor is an electric riding mower that delivers enough strength to handle a large yard without the loud engine noise.
The quiet operation of electric lawn mowers is one of the reasons for their growing popularity. Mainstream brands such as John Deere have debuted battery riding mowers in recent years, joining established brands like Ego, Greenworks, and Ryobi.
The absence of a loud engine also means that electric riding lawn mowers are easier to use. You don't have to deal with the frustration of pulling the chain of a gas mower multiple times to start it.
While electric riding lawn mowers are generally quieter than gas mowers, it's worth noting that the noise level can vary depending on the specific model and its features. Some electric mowers may have slightly louder motors or blades, while others may be designed for quieter operation.
In addition to being quieter, electric riding lawn mowers offer several other advantages. They require less maintenance, are often lighter and more manoeuvrable, and are more environmentally friendly since they don't use gasoline.
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They are easier to maintain than gas mowers
Electric riding lawn mowers are easier to maintain than gas mowers. They do not require you to keep a can of gas on hand for refills, and you do not have to deal with oil and filter changes. They are also more environmentally friendly since they do not require gasoline. Electric mowers are also quieter than gas mowers, and you may not even need hearing protection.
The EGO Power+ T6 Lawn Tractor is an example of an electric riding mower that requires less maintenance than a gas mower. It runs on rechargeable batteries instead of fuel, delivering enough strength (21 horsepower) to handle a large yard of up to 1.5 acres with slopes up to 15 degrees, all without the need for fumes, oil changes, or loud engine noise.
The maintenance of electric mowers is also made easier by their lightweight and manoeuvrability. Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping, notes that electric mowers "require virtually no maintenance and are often lighter and more manoeuvrable". This makes them easier to store, push, and steer than gas mowers.
Additionally, electric mowers have improved in terms of battery technology, with longer runtimes and better performance. This means that range is less of an issue, and you can easily swap out batteries if needed.
Overall, electric riding lawn mowers offer a quieter, more efficient, and lower-maintenance alternative to gas mowers, making them a worthwhile investment for those looking for an easier lawn care experience.
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They require less storage space than gas mowers
Electric riding lawn mowers are generally more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts, but not always. For example, the top-rated battery-powered riding lawn mower in 2025 was around $1,000 less than the top-rated gas-powered option. Electric riding lawn mowers also tend to be quieter, and they save you money on gasoline. They also require less maintenance than gas-powered mowers.
One of the key benefits of electric riding lawn mowers is that they require less storage space than gas mowers. For example, the Ego Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Lawn Mower features a vertical storage design, making it easier to store in a garage or shed compared to bulkier gas models. This is especially useful if you have limited storage space available.
The Ego Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled model also has a self-propelled drive system, which makes it easier to manoeuvre, even on hills or uneven ground. This can be a significant advantage if you have a large yard or are covering a large area. The mower also comes with three interchangeable blades, allowing you to switch between mulching, bagging, or maximising battery life, depending on your needs.
Another advantage of electric mowers is that they are much quieter than gas-powered mowers. This means you may not need to wear hearing protection, and you can mow your lawn without disturbing your neighbours. Electric mowers also produce no fumes, so you can avoid inhaling harmful gases while mowing.
While electric riding lawn mowers offer several benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, they may require periodic recharging during the winter to prevent battery damage from extreme temperatures. Additionally, the initial cost of electric riding mowers can be high, and you may need to purchase additional batteries to extend the range. However, the technology is improving, and electric mowers are becoming more efficient and longer-lasting, making them a viable option for those seeking a quiet, low-maintenance, and space-saving lawn care solution.
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They are more environmentally friendly than gas mowers
Electric riding lawn mowers are more environmentally friendly than gas mowers. They are powered by batteries and do not have engines that burn gasoline, which means they produce no exhaust, have zero pollution, and put nothing harmful into the environment. Electric mowers also do not require engine oil changes, as they lack an air intake system. This means no time or money is spent checking, cleaning, or replacing air filters. Electric mowers are also quieter than gas mowers, and users may not need hearing protection.
While electric mowers do contribute to greenhouse gas emissions indirectly through the electricity used to recharge their batteries, these emissions are still a fraction of what gas mowers produce. Electric mowers also have a longer lifecycle than gas mowers because they do not have belts, pulleys, or fuel systems that wear over time. The bearings in the spindle and wheel motors of electric mowers like the Gravely Pro-Turn EV are designed to outlast any transaxle or spindle bearing, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
The ability to mulch, or leave clippings on the lawn to decompose, is another eco-friendly feature of electric mowers. Washout ports enable owners to hose out stuck clippings and debris, extending the operation and maintenance of the mower. Additionally, electric mowers with longer warranties are more likely to be repaired rather than replaced, further reducing their environmental impact.
When choosing an electric riding lawn mower, it is important to consider the brand and model. Some electric mowers are more eco-friendly than others, with certain models excelling at energy efficiency and earning high performance and reliability ratings. The newest battery-powered riding mowers offer longer run times, with some able to run for up to 2 hours on a single charge, covering nearly 2 acres. However, the high cost of electric riding mowers, with prices ranging from $3,000 to over $4,000, may be a barrier for some homeowners.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric riding lawn mowers are quieter than gas mowers, require less maintenance, and are better for the environment. They are also easier to use and don't require gas refills or oil and filter changes.
Electric riding lawn mowers tend to be more expensive than gas mowers. They also require periodic recharging, which can take up to an hour and a half. Additionally, the technology is still relatively new, so long-term reliability is uncertain.
Electric riding lawn mowers have improved in performance and can now match the cutting power of gas mowers. They offer a range of cutting heights and widths, and some models can handle up to 2 acres on a single charge. However, gas mowers still slightly outperform electric mowers in terms of evenness of cut and mulching.
Electric riding lawn mowers offer several advantages over gas mowers, such as reduced noise, low maintenance, and environmental benefits. However, they are generally more expensive, and the technology is still evolving. Therefore, it may be prudent to wait for prices to come down and for the technology to prove its reliability over time.
