When comparing electric vs. gas lawn mowers, gas gives homeowners with large lawns the most bang for their buck. However, electric mowers are the best for small lawns because they’re low maintenance, lightweight, and user-friendly.
With the help of industry experts, we take a deep dive into the advantages and disadvantages of gas, battery, and corded electric lawn mowers. Then, we provide advice on choosing the best lawn mower for your yard and budget.
- Types of lawn mowers
- Advantages of gas lawn mowers
- Disadvantages of gas lawn mowers
- Advantages of cordless electric mowers
- Disadvantages of cordless electric mowers
- Advantages of corded electric mowers
- Disadvantages of corded electric mowers
- How to choose the right mower for you
- FAQ about gas vs. electric lawn mowers
- When to call a lawn care pro
Types of lawn mowers
Gas and electric are the two types of powered lawn mowers. However, electric mowers can be corded or cordless. Cordless electric mowers usually run on lithium-ion batteries, and corded electric mowers are plugged into an electrical outlet.
The chart below outlines key factors you should consider when choosing between electric and gas lawn mowers. We will explore each type of mower in greater detail later in the guide.
| Electric | Gas | |
| Ease of use | Easier | Harder |
| Maintenance | Less | More |
| Power | Less | More |
| Price | Higer initial, lower longterm | Lower initial, higher longterm |
| Runtime | Limited | Extended |
| Sound | Quieter | Louder |
| Storage | Less space | More space |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
Gas lawn mowers
The U.S. started making gas-powered lawn mowers over a century ago, but they became an American tradition after World War II. The tradition continues today, with most Americans choosing gas mowers. Their popularity is partly out of habit, but also because gas power is reliable and efficient.
Most lawn mowers have 4-stroke engines that generate power via internal combustion. The engine’s carburetor draws in fuel from the gas tank and mixes it with air. Pistons compress the fuel-air, increasing temperature and pressure. Then, the spark plug ignites the fuel-air, causing combustion.
Gas engines with higher engine displacement have greater power potential, because they can hold more air. Engine displacement states the volume of an engine’s cylinders in cubic centimeters (cc). However, horsepower (hp) measures the actual power that an engine produces.
My tip: Some budget gas mowers have oversized engines with greater displacement than needed to maximize the mower’s performance. If the engine is unnecessarily large, it will waste fuel instead of being more potent. Thus, horsepower is a better measure of potency.
The following table describes typical gas-powered residential mowers.
| Gas walk-behinds | Gas riding mowers |
| $250 to $1,000 | $2,200 to $5,200 |
| 21- to 30-inch deck | 30- to 54-inch deck |
| 2 to 7 hp | 10.5 to 26 hp |
| .25- to 2-gallon fuel tank | 1.5- to 7-gallon fuel tank |
Battery-powered lawn mowers
Although early battery mowers were lackluster, the technology has skyrocketed over the last decade. Today, the best battery-powered lawn mowers perform like low- to mid-grade gas mowers. Since they’re low-maintenance and emissions-free, their popularity is on the rise. Between 2010 and 2020, the electric push mower market share grew by over 60%.
Today’s cordless electric mowers typically run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They’re more efficient and have a longer lifespan than yesteryear’s lead-acid batteries. Also, most have brushless motors, which are lighter, quieter, and more efficient than brushed motors. These advancements give battery tools more might and a longer battery life.
Higher voltage (volt) batteries have greater power potential and batteries with higher ampere hours (Ah) have a longer runtime. However, higher voltage batteries need more Ah to reach the same runtime as lower voltage batteries.
My tip: Some budget mowers run on batteries that are too big. If the mower’s motor is too weak to utilize the battery’s voltage, it’ll be a weak mower with a short battery life. Thus, be leery of low-priced 80-volt mowers.
The following table describes typical battery-powered lawn mowers.
| Battery walk-behinds | Battery riding mowers |
| $250 to $800 | $3,200 to $8,000 |
| 13- to 21-inch deck | 30- to 52-inch deck |
| 18- to 80-volt battery | Multiple 56- to 60-volt batteries |
| 20- to 50-minute runtime | 60- to 120-minute runtime |
Corded electric lawn mowers
Although lightweight and affordable, corded electric mowers are the least popular. Instead of getting power from a battery, they drink straight from the tap. Electricity from an outlet powers the mower’s brushed motor. Since they must stay plugged in to work, homeowners use extension cords to widen their reach.
Amperes (amp) measure the strength of the electric current that powers the motor. Thus, higher amp corded mowers have greater power potential. However, corded mowers only come in push mower models.
The following table describes typical corded electric push mowers.
| Price | $150 to $225 |
| Deck width | 13 to 21 inches |
| Motor | 11 to 13 amp |
| Max extension cord length | 50 to 150 feet |
Advantages of gas lawn mowers
Gas engines pack a lot of power in a small, durable package. Thus, the best gas lawn mowers provide the greatest value to homeowners with big yards. They quickly make high-quality cuts without much elbow grease. When properly maintained, gas mowers last as long as a decade.
✓ Superior cutting power
Gas-powered lawn mowers are faster and more potent than electric mowers. With a faster blade speed, they tend to give a better quality cut. Gas mowers beat electric at cutting wet, overgrown, and dense grass.
“Gas mowers are better at generating horsepower and torque in a small package. It takes a much larger electric motor to generate the same horsepower and torque. It also takes more energy to run a battery-powered motor,” explains Mechanical mastermind Jeff Yochum of Ring Container Technologies in Valdosta, GA.
✓ High durability and longevity
Gas-powered mowers are typically made from heavy-duty metal, while many electric mowers utilize plastic. Additionally, parts are affordable, and gas engines are easier to repair than electric motors. As a result, the average gas mower has an 8- to 10-year lifespan, but the average electric mower only lasts 5 to 7 years.
✓ Wide cutting path
Gas mowers tend to have a wider cutting width than electric mowers, so they cover more ground with each pass. The average gas mower has a 30-inch cutting width, while the average electric mower is 22 inches.
✓ Long runtime
Most gas lawn mowers run 1 to 5 hours on a single tank of gas. Since gas mowers are potent and wide, it takes less than an hour to mow most yards. Additionally, refilling a gas tank only takes a few minutes.
✓ Best bang for your buck
Homeowners with large lawns, rugged terrain, or thick warm-season grass appreciate cost-effective gas performance. Especially since the price difference is more pronounced with riding lawn mowers. Gas riding mowers often offer twice the power at a fraction of the cost of an electric riding lawn mower.
Disadvantages of gas lawn mowers
Even with all their power, gas mowers can be a headache. They’re loud and high-maintenance. They also emit harsh fumes. Due to environmental concerns, some states even regulate their use.
✗ High-maintenance
Keeping a gas engine in top-top shape either costs a bunch of money or elbow grease. The cost of lawn mower service isn’t bad if you do it yourself, but it still takes time and effort. Additionally, I don’t like getting grease on my manicure.
Gas models require the following lawn mower maintenance:
- Oil changes
- Spark plug replacement
- Air filter cleaning/replacement
- Carburetor cleaning
- Inspecting/replacing belts
✗ Environmental impact
Gas lawn mowers cause carbon emissions and noise pollution. Running on fossil fuels, they emit toxic carbon gasses. These fumes pollute the air, infecting the operator’s lungs and Earth’s atmosphere. The EPA says mowing with a gas mower for an hour can cause as much pollution as driving a car for 100 miles.
Gas mowers are also the loudest, thus prone to annoying neighbors, waking up children, and damaging the operator’s hearing. Most are 85 to 100 decibels, making hearing protection essential.
✗ High operating cost
Between oil changes, spark plugs, and gasoline, the bills keep stacking. The cost of operating a gas mower often isn’t worth it for small suburban homes.
The table below shows the cost of common gas mower operating expenses.
| Carburetor cleaner | $4 to $12 per bottle |
| Ethanol-free gas | $4.50 to $6 per gallon |
| Engine Oil | $4 to $8 per quart |
| Filters (air, oil, fuel) | $6 to $20 each |
| Fuel additive | $6 to $20 per bottle |
| Pro mower tune-up | $85 to $350 |
| Spark plugs | $4 to $12 each |
| Specialty 4-stroke fuel | $20 to $30 per gallon |
My tip: Gas lawn mowers either run on ethanol-free gas or specialty 4-stroke fuel. Adding fuel additive to ethanol-free gas improves engine performance and fuel efficiency.
✗ Laws and regulations
Some states and municipalities restrict the sale of gas lawn mowers. California is the first state to outright ban the sale of gas mowers. Vermont prohibits purchasing gas mowers to maintain state buildings if an electric mower is just as capable of getting the job done.
Advantages of cordless electric mowers
Battery-powered lawn mowers are quiet, low-maintenance, and user-friendly. They come in compact designs and don’t expel carbon emissions.
✓ Low maintenance
Cordless electric mowers require minimal maintenance due to their brushless motors, which only need simple cleaning and connection checks. The best part? You won’t need to do oil changes anymore.
✓ User-friendly
Battery mowers are the most user-friendly. In addition to being low-maintenance, they’re lightweight, quiet, and cordless. They’re also easy to start, typically by pushing a button.
✓ Environmental benefits
Battery-powered mowers are great for your local environment. Out of all lawn mowers, battery models tend to be the most quiet. They’re also typically emissions-free.
✓ Compact design
Many walk-behind battery mowers come in compact designs that easily mow around landscaping and fit in small storage spaces. They’re also lightweight, making them easy to handle.
Disadvantages of cordless electric mowers
Despite being user-friendly and advantageous to local environments, cordless electric mowers have their faults. Their production has a heavy carbon footprint, and they’re less efficient than gas mowers.
✗ Limited runtime
Battery mowers have the shortest runtime. Most cordless electric push mowers run, at most, 20 to 60 minutes per battery charge. Then, it takes 1 to 5 hours to charge the batteries.
✗ Least bang for your buck
Battery-powered lawn mowers give you the least bang for your buck. Corded mowers are the best budget buy for small yards, and gas gives homeowners with large yards the best value. In contrast, battery mowers are more of a luxury tool. They’re best for homeowners with wiggle room in their budgets.
✗ High battery replacement cost
Li-ion runtime slowly decreases. After 2 to 5 years, mower batteries must be replaced, and they aren’t cheap. Most Li-ion tool batteries cost $85 to $330.
✗ Environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries
Lawn mower batteries contain minerals such as lithium and cobalt. Unfortunately, mining these minerals menaces Mother Earth. Guillermo Gonzalez, a top lithium-ion expert, said, “Like any mining process, it is invasive, it scars the landscape, it destroys the water table, and it pollutes the earth and the local wells.”
For example, mining one metric ton of lithium emits 15 metric tons of CO2 and consumes 500,000 gallons of water. It also pollutes local water and soil with dangerous chemicals. A more heartbreaking example is the working environment of children in Congo’s Chinese-owned cobalt mines. Terry Gross, the host of NPR’s Fresh Air, calls it slavery.
After the minerals are mined, China has a heavy hand in battery production. Since they get over 60% of their energy from coal, their production plants produce profound pollution. Coal energy causes twice as much CO2 fumes as natural gas. In contrast, America only gets about 9% of its energy from coal.
Advantages of corded electric mowers
They might be less popular than their cordless cousins, but corded electric mowers provide tremendous value to homeowners on a budget. Moreover, many of the best lawn mowers for small yards are corded.
✓ Affordable
The average corded lawn mower costs less than $200, making them the best budget mowers. Additionally, electricity is cheaper than gas, making corded mowers cheap to operate. Many homeowners in urban areas have small yards that don’t require gas-powered potency. Thus, corded mowers are the perfect pick for city dwellers on a budget.
✓ Low maintenance
Electric mowers don’t need much maintenance. Unlike gas mowers, they don’t require belts, engine oil, or air filters. Additionally, they don’t require expensive Li-ion batteries.
✓ Unlimited runtime
As long as the cord’s connected, the mower has power. So you never have to stop to refuel.
✓ Easy to start
Electric lawn mowers typically have a push-button starter. That sure beats tugging on a gas mower’s pull cord.
✓ Environmental benefits
Out of all powered mowers, emissions-free corded models are the best for the environment. They don’t emit gas fumes that pollute the air and cause respiratory illnesses. They also don’t require endlessly mined minerals like battery mowers.
My tip: Manual mowing is the most eco-friendly. Consider renting a goat or buying one of the best reel mowers to minimize your carbon footprint even more.
✓ Compact and lightweight
Size only matters if you have a big yard, and corded electric mowers are light and compact. In addition to being the lightest mowers, their decks are only 13 to 21 inches wide. As a result, they’re easy to maneuver and don’t take up a lot of storage space. They also mow narrow passages around landscaping and walkways.
Disadvantages of corded electric mowers
Corded lawn mowers are an affordable option for light-duty yards, but they aren’t ideal for heavy-duty mowing.
✗ Restricted range
The main con of corded is that they keep you on a leash. Your entire lawn must be within reach of a power outlet. Additionally, cords are cumbersome to work around.
✗ Weakest mowers
Corded lawn mowers are the least potent, so they aren’t ideal for heavy-duty mowing. Furthermore, long extension cords lower their cutting power.
✗ Limited selection
All corded mowers are push mowers, which require the most elbow grease. If you want a self-propelled or riding lawn mower, you must cut the cord and go with a battery or gas mower.
How to choose the right mower for you
Next, we provide helpful tips for buying the best lawn mower for your yard, budget, and personal preferences.
Lawn size
The best lawn mowers for small yards are walk-behind mowers with a cutting width that’s no more than 21 inches:
- Manual reel push mowers are the most eco-friendly and affordable. They also make the crispest cuts. However, they use a lot of elbow grease.
- Corded electric push mowers are the next most affordable and eco-friendly. They require much less of the operator’s strength than manual mowers.
- If you have wiggle room in your budget, battery-powered, self-propelled lawn mowers take the least effort to mow.
The best lawn mowers for medium yards are self-propelled walk-behinds or small riding mowers with a cutting width between 21 and 36 inches:
- Gas-powered, self-propelled lawn mowers are the most affordable mowers for medium yards.
- Battery-powered self-propelled mowers cost more than their gas-powered counterparts and require more effort. However, they need less maintenance, and their operation is often more intuitive.
- Gas-powered rear-engine riding mowers and small tractors quickly mow medium-sized yards without much elbow grease.
- If you have money to burn, consider a battery-powered riding mower. They cost a pretty penny and are less potent than gas-riding mowers, but they quickly cut medium lawns.
The best lawn mowers for large yards are gas-powered lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers with a cutting width between 42 and 60 inches. Although a handful of electric riding mowers handle large lawns, they are very expensive and still much weaker than gas.
Terrain
The best lawn mower for your yard also depends on the terrain.
Hills: Gas or battery-powered self-propelled lawn mowers and gas-powered lawn tractors are the best for hills. However, hills quickly burn through battery life, so consider purchasing an extra battery for longer runtime. In contrast, zero-turn and rear-engine riding mowers can overturn on hills.
Thick grass: Gas-powered lawn mowers tend to have more torque and faster blade speed, making them the best choice for thick grass.
Wet grass: I don’t recommend mowing wet grass, because it causes grass clippings to clump, which smothers the lawn. However, since wet grass is heavy, potent gas mowers have the cutting power to slice through it. Battery-powered mowers often bog down and stall when the grass is wet. Corded mowers also bog down and are unsafe to use in wet conditions.
Overgrown grass: Gas-powered lawn mowers are best at cutting overgrown grass. Although some battery mowers cut through tall grass, it typically takes a lot of effort. Most electric motors simply bog down when the grass is overgrown, and work best when the turf is no more than 6 inches. However, the Wild Badger Power Self-Propelled Mower handles tall grass like a champ.
Ease of use
The homeowners that most appreciate electric lawn mowers usually fall into one or more of the following categories:
- New at cutting grass
- Don’t like getting their hands dirty
- Struggle to maneuver heavy gas mowers
- Aren’t familiar with engine maintenance
Electric lawn mowers are simple to start, low-maintenance, lightweight, and compact. Best of all, most models are made to be beginner-friendly. Since extension cords get in the way while mowing, battery-powered mowers are the easiest for light- to medium-duty mowing.
However, an electric motor would have to be massive to compete with gas power. Thus, gas lawn mowers are the easiest to use on lawns that are large, uneven, dense, or overgrown. The amount of time and energy it takes to do heavy-duty mowing with an electric mower far outweighs their user-friendly features.
Budget
Manual reel mowers and corded electric push mowers are the most affordable for small lawns, and gas mowers are the most affordable for large yards.
The following table shows typical mower prices by mower type.
| Type of mower | Typical cost |
| Manual reel push mower | $95 to $170 |
| Corded push mower | $150 to $225 |
| Gas push mower | $250 to $360 |
| Battery push mower | $250 to $450 |
| Gas self-propelled mower | $365 to $1,000 |
| Battery self-propelled mower | $450 to $800 |
| Gas riding mower | $2,200 to $5,200 |
| Battery riding mower | $3,200 to $8,000 |
Storage capabilities
Since electric mowers tend to be lighter and narrower, they are easier to store. However, many gas and electric push mowers fold for snugger storage.
Location
Consider the location of your lawn when selecting a mower.
Winter weather: Unless you live in sunny South Florida, you’ll have to winterize your mower, and it takes more steps to winterize a gas mower than an electric model.
Grass type: Many southern lawns have dense St. Augustine or centipedegrass that grows like a bean stalk in hot, humid weather. Hence, gas-powered lawn mowers save southern homeowners much time and sweat. In contrast, northern lawns with thin grasses, such as fine fescue or perennial ryegrass, are easily mowed with electric lawn mowers.
FAQ about gas vs. electric lawn mowers
To know if it’s safe to use your mower on wet grass, check the user manual. It’s generally not safe to mow wet grass with a corded lawn mower. Although many cordless electric lawn mowers aren’t dangerous when the grass is wet, they aren’t effective either.
The mower that saves you the most money in the long run depends on your yard and your willingness to do maintenance. An electric mower is more cost-effective if you have a small yard and don’t do your own maintenance. However, gas mowers are the best budget buy for large yards.
If you live close to an authorized electric lawn mower dealer, you shouldn’t have a problem servicing your electric mower. However, independent repair shops may lack the equipment needed for some electric repairs. Still, any repair shop can complete basic services like sharpening mower blades or inspecting the battery for damage.
When to call a lawn care pro
If you don’t enjoy mowing grass, hiring a lawn care pro is the best option. Lawn Love links you to a network of pros with affordable rates, insurance, and high customer satisfaction ratings. Additionally, each pro must pass a background check before joining our community. With fast, free quotes and a user-friendly app, hiring a pro is as easy as ordering a pizza.
Sources:
“The Environmental Impact of Lithium Batteries”. (2020). Institute for Energy Research (IER)
Guillermo González, Head of the Circular Economy Office, Ministry of the Environment of Chile.
“How ‘modern-day slavery’ in the Congo powers the rechargeable battery economy” by Gross, Terry, Host of Fresh Air. (2023). Npr
“How much CO2 is emitted by manufacturing batteries?” by Iris Crawford, Climate Justice Editor. MIT Climate Portal
“Lawn Mower Care and Safety”. UF IFAS Extension
“National Emissions from Lawn and Garden Equipment” by Banks, Jamie L., PhD, and McConnell, Robert, Environmental Engineer. (2015). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
“The spiraling environmental cost of our lithium battery addiction” by Katwala, Amit, Features Editor. (2018). Wired
“This is the future of lawn mowers” by Chiu, Allyson, Climate Solutions Reporter. (2024). The Washington Post.
“Turning Over a New Leaf: Leaf Blowers and Lawn Mowers.” (2018). Washington University in St. Louis
Yochum, Jeff, lead maintenance technician at Ring Container Technologies. (2025). Personal interview.
Main Photo Credits:
Electric Lawn Mower: Photo by Michelle Selzer
Gas Lawn Mower: Dusan Kostic | Adobe Stock Free | License
