Best Electric Lawnmowers for 2020

Perhaps you’ve set a new goal to save money, or make some eco-friendly changes in your life, or maybe you just despise toting the gas can to the nearest gas station for a refill. Whatever your reasons, making the switch to an electric lawn mower has never been easier. That’s because in the zeitgeist of sustainability, more and more companies are providing quality options for you to consider.

We will get into brands and specific models, but your first decisions will be in regard to performance. If you have a very small yard a short blade such a 14 inches will be sufficient, but if you have a large space to mow, consider something up to 21 inches which cut down on the required passes back and forth while mowing. Once you’ve narrowed down your ideal blade size, check out the power.

Most electric lawn mowers offer 40-volt power and some come with an extra battery for a quick swap when you run out of juice. Another measure of performance is run time. This is how long you can expect to run the lawn mower without having to recharge the battery. Again, larger yards require more battery life. Sorry, we can’t do much to speed the process up—bigger yards still take longer to mow.

One more thing to consider is whether you have other tools by the same brand. Having the ability to swap batteries between the lawn mower and an electric trimmer, for example, can save you money and offer convenience.

Ryobi RY40180

Ryobi has been a competitive brand in the tool world for a long time and has earned a good reputation for both durability and performance. While the load sensing technology auto-sets the best power requirements to optimize battery use, the 19-Inch 40-Volt mower has a run time of about 45 minutes and requires 90 minutes to recharge. If you have a large yard you may need an additional battery.

Greenworks MO40L2512

Greenworks is another brand that has made a name for itself in the electric products realm. This one comes in with a moderately high price tag, but also provides two 40-volt, 2.5Ah batteries to meet performance needs. Actually, it’s kind of a requirement since the batteries take around two hours to reach a full charge. Run time is fairly high at about 70 minutes. The Greenworks 25142 10 amp, 16-inch mower also has great reviews and is touted as adequately powerful, easy to store, and durable.

EGO Power+ LM2001-X

Arguably a market leader, this model is an investment at around $600. However, it’s easy to use and the 20-inch motor will suit just about every need. Plus, it has a remarkable 90-minute run time and is quiet during use so you don’t have to worry if you’re eager to mow at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning. This model is also foldable for quick and easy storage.

Sun Joe MJ401E

For smaller yards, the Sun Joe has earned high marks. At a considerably lower price point than most other options you can expect to make some concessions like a 12-13 amp motor and small 14-inch cutting deck. However, it is built tough with steel blades, three-position height control, and a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. For best results, mow frequently to avoid overtaxing the motor with long, thick grass.

Earthwise

Another brand aimed at sustainable solutions, Earthwise electric lawn mowers earn high marks for features and durability. A steel deck, six height adjustments, bag and mulching accessories, and ultra-quiet motor give the 60420 and the more economic 50220 models solid performance reviews.

Ryobi Ride-on Mower

If your “yard” is actually acres of land, a ride-on mower is the best solution and you don’t have to give up on your dreams of ditching the gas guzzling options. Instead, the Ryobi 38 inch with 100 Ah Battery is the alternative. Hovering at around $3000, it adds a zero to the cost of typical push models, but who can put a price on the convenience of mowing from a seated position? Two and a half hours of runtime give you ample opportunity to get the job done. Plus, it’s equipped with LED headlights, a USB phone charger and a cruise control feature.