Why Should You Switch to Electric Lawn Care?

The equipment that traditionally takes care of our properties includes lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and various other tools. Most homeowners and property management companies still use noisy, odorous, and maintenance-demanding lawn care equipment.

Human-powered lawn mowers or corded electric models are more environmentally friendly options and are worth considering for small lawns. However, for most people, battery-powered lawn care equipment is more appealing and is becoming increasingly popular. As we have seen with electric vehicles over the past decade, electric lawn equipment is becoming more reliable and affordable.

And this is not just about lawn mowers: there are battery-powered chainsaws, leaf blowers, trimmers, and more. Currently, more than 20 brands are available, and some offer both residential and professional models.

What to expect from electric lawn equipment

There are many manufacturers offering electric lawn care equipment with different capabilities and price ranges. Here’s what you can expect from most of these devices:

Easy and reliable start

Start your device with the push of a button. No more pulling cords!

Universal battery packs

Many manufacturers offer interchangeable battery packs that can be used across different tools.

Convenient charging

Charging is as simple as plugging into a wall outlet. No more trips to the gas station.

Quiet operation

Electric lawn care equipment is quieter than comparable gasoline models. Your neighbors will thank you.

Cost savings

Electric equipment usually has a higher upfront cost compared to gasoline-powered alternatives, but it offers significant savings in maintenance and servicing. Traditional lawn mowers have hundreds of moving parts that require regular maintenance and repair. In contrast, electric lawn mowers are relatively simple machines with very few moving parts that can wear out or fail. Newer lithium-ion battery chemistries and drive motors should last 10–20 years in service. If they fail prematurely, they are relatively easy to replace.

Reduced air pollution

Traditional gas and diesel lawn mowers are widely recognized as a major source of air pollution due to minimal emission controls. According to an EPA study, a typical lawn mower emits the equivalent air pollution of 3.7 cars traveling at 55 mph per hour for each 1 horsepower. Replacing each 24-horsepower mower with a comparable electric mower would prevent emissions equivalent to 88 cars traveling at 55 mph per hour.

Types of electric lawn mowers

Most battery-powered push mowers, with their narrower cutting decks and shorter runtime, are well suited for small yards. If you have a larger area to mow, there are more powerful walk-behind and ride-on mower options available. Here are some things to consider when choosing a mower type.

Battery-powered push mowers

Lower cost (starting from around $300)

Great for small lawns

Higher voltage models (36+ volts) are available for larger lawns

Easier to maintain than gas models

Self-propelled options are available

Battery packs can sometimes power other tools

Widely available in local hardware stores, home centers, and online shops

2. Battery-powered riding mowers

More expensive (residential models start at around $3,500; commercial models start at around $10,000)

Residential use: one to three hours of runtime (suitable for mowing two to five acres on a single charge)

Commercial heavy-duty use: seven or more hours of runtime