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.
If you are tired of buying gasoline, untangling extension cords, and spending your weekends pushing a mower around the yard, Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care pros who bring their own commercial-grade equipment to keep your grass perfect.
| Key takeaways |
|---|
| • Gas mowers work best for yards over half an acre and thick grass. • Battery mowers are best for small to medium yards because they are quiet and low maintenance. • Corded mowers are the cheapest choice for tiny yards with easy outlet access. • Operating costs favor electric: gas runs ~$1.50/mow for half an acre; battery runs ~$0.10. |
Electric vs gas lawn mower: quick comparison
Here is a head-to-head comparison of all mower options to help you find the perfect fit for your yard:
| Feature | Battery electric | Corded electric | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Easiest | Easy | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Minimal | High |
| Power | Moderate | Low | High |
| Price | $250–$8,000 | $150–$225 | $250–$5,200 |
| Operating cost | ~$0.10/mow | Very low | ~$1.50/mow |
| Runtime | 20–120 min./charge | Unlimited (plugged in) | 1–5 hours/tank |
| Noise | Quiet | Quiet | 85–100 dB |
| Emissions | None | None | Yes |
| Weight | Light | Light | Heavy |
Gas lawn mowers: best for large yards and thick grass
Gas lawn mowers are the traditional American choice. Their popularity is partly out of habit, but mostly because gas power is incredibly reliable and efficient for heavy-duty work.
They deliver the best power-per-dollar at every price point, especially for riding mowers. The trade-off: they’re loud, need regular maintenance, and emit exhaust.
| Feature | Gas walk-behinds | Gas riding mowers |
| Price | $250 to $1,000 | $2,200 to $5,200 |
| Deck size | 21- to 30-inch deck | 30- to 54-inch deck |
| Power | 2 to 7 hp | 10.5 to 26 hp |
| Fuel tank | .25- to 2-gallon fuel tank | 1.5- to 7-gallon fuel tank |
Some budget gas mowers have oversized engines with greater displacement than the mower needs. Horsepower is a better measure of real-world performance than engine displacement (cc).
Pros of gas mowers
Superior cutting power. Gas-powered lawn mowers are still the kings of raw cutting power. On wet, overgrown, or dense grass, they hold blade speed better and usually leave a cleaner cut than most battery mowers.
Kevin Thompson, founder of Sylvan Scapes in Staunton, VA, says that this is especially true on large residential properties with mature trees. “Electric mowers bog down in dense, shaded turf under tree canopies,” he explains. “Gas mowers slice through reliably without bogging.”
Long runtime. Most gas lawn mowers run 1-5 hours on a single tank of gas, with refills taking only a few minutes, meaning zero downtime. For large yards, this is a decisive advantage over battery mowers that may need mid-mow recharges.
Best value for large yards. Gas riding mowers often offer twice the power at a fraction of the cost of an electric riding lawn mower. For homeowners mowing more than half an acre, gas usually wins on cost per cut.
Wide cutting path. Gas mowers tend to offer more wide deck options than electric models, so you’ll see everything from compact 21‑inch push mowers up to 30‑inch walk‑behinds and big 42‑ to 60‑inch riders.
Most electric walk‑behind mowers cut in the 19‑ to 22‑inch range, so they still cover plenty of ground but don’t have as many extra‑wide deck choices as gas.
Cons of gas mowers
High-maintenance. Keeping a gas engine in top shape requires the following lawn mower maintenance: regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, air filter cleaning, and carburetor maintenance.
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.
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.
Here are some common gas mower operating expenses:
| Item | Cost |
| 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 $25 each |
| Fuel additive | $5 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 |
Gas lawn mowers either run on ethanol-free gas or specialty 4-stroke fuel. Adding a fuel additive to ethanol-free gas improves engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Noise and emissions. Gas mowers run at 85 to 100 decibels, making hearing protection essential. A study from Sweden found that running a standard gas push mower for an hour can pollute the air about as much as driving a modern car close to 100 miles, due to all the pollutants small engines give off.
Laws and regulations. Some states and municipalities restrict the sale and use of gas lawn mowers:
- California has passed a law that bans the sale of new off‑road gas engines (including most gas lawn mowers and leaf blowers) since 2024. Existing gas mowers can still be used and repaired; the ban applies only to new sales.
- New York State has introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale of new gasoline‑powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers statewide by Jan. 1, 2027.
- Connecticut is not yet banning gas mowers outright, but a 2026 bill would require state agencies and many local governments to replace gas‑powered landscaping equipment with electric tools once existing gear wears out.
Battery (cordless) lawn mowers: low maintenance, rising popularity
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. Market research shows that the electric lawn mower sector is expected to grow from $5.55 billion in 2025 to $6.20 billion in 2026.
Today’s cordless electric mowers typically run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and feature brushless motors, which are lighter, quieter, and more efficient.
“If you want electric that can hang with gas torque, I’d look for a high-output platform with a true brushless motor and a controller that can deliver sustained current without tripping; ‘higher voltage’ alone doesn’t save you if the electronics are current-limited,” explains Clay Hamilton, president of Grounded Solutions in Indianapolis.
Hamilton recommends platforms like EGO’s 56V brushless self-propelled line because “the motor/controller package is built for load, not just light trimming.”
| Feature | Battery walk-behinds | Battery riding mowers |
| Price | $250 to $800 | $3,200 to $8,000 |
| Deck size | 13- to 21-inch deck | 30- to 52-inch deck |
| Battery | 18- to 80-volt battery | Multiple 56- to 60-volt batteries |
| Runtime | 20- to 50-minute runtime | 60- to 120-minute runtime |
Pros of battery mowers
Low maintenance. Cordless electric mowers require minimal maintenance due to their brushless motors: only simple cleaning and connection checks.
However, there is some hidden maintenance to keep in mind. Hamilton advises to “keep the battery bay and vents free of grass fines, check the blade adapter/hub for wobble (it beats up bearings fast), and inspect wiring at the handle-fold points for chafing.”
Quiet and easy to use. Battery mowers start with a button push, weigh less than gas models, and run quietly enough not to disturb neighbors. They’re ideal for beginners or anyone who finds gas mower maintenance intimidating.
No emissions. Battery-powered mowers are emissions-free at the point of use and are the quietest option on the market.
Cons of battery mowers
Shorter overall lifespan. While brushless motors are incredibly durable, the surrounding electronics often are not.
“The shorter lifespan on electric mowers is usually the stuff people don’t think about: switchgear and harness connections, safety interlocks, and control boards that live in vibration and moisture,” Hamilton says.
“It’s the same failure pattern as outdoor electrical—loose terminations and water intrusion create intermittent issues that look like ‘the mower is weak,’ then become ‘it won’t start,’” he says.
Limited runtime. Battery mowers have the shortest runtime. Most cordless electric push mowers run, at most, 20-120 minutes per battery charge. Then, it takes 1-5 hours to charge the batteries.
Higher upfront cost. Battery riding mowers cost 40%–50% more than gas equivalents for less power. Quality battery walk-behinds run $400–$800; comparable gas mowers start around $250.
High battery replacement cost. Li-ion runtime slowly decreases. After 3-5 years, mower batteries must be replaced, and they aren’t cheap. Most Li-ion tool batteries cost $85 to $330.
To extend their life, Hamilton advises against storing them fully charged or dead.
“Store them mid-charge and keep the contacts clean and tight like we do on EV charger maintenance,” he says.
If you use them commercially, Thompson’s strategy is to “charge batteries fully post-job then store in our stable conditions through snow removal season; rotate with quick top-offs monthly.”
Corded electric lawn mowers: best for tiny yards on a budget
Corded mowers are the most affordable option at around $150 to $225, and need almost no maintenance. They’re lightweight, emissions-free, and never run out of power as long as they’re plugged in.
The catch: an extension cord limits your range to 50–150 feet from an outlet, they only come as push mower models, and they bog down in thick or wet grass.
If you have a yard under 1/4 acre with easy outlet access and flat terrain, a corded mower is worth a look.
| Price | $150 to $225 |
| Deck width | 13 to 21 inches |
| Motor | 11 to 13 amp |
| Max extension cord length | 50 to 150 feet |
Which mower is right for you?
The best electric vs. gas mower choice comes down to lawn size, terrain, and budget.
Yard size
- Under 1/4 acre: Corded push mower (cheapest) or battery push mower (most convenient)
- 1/4 to 1/2 acre: Gas or battery self-propelled walk-behind; small gas or battery rider
- Over 1/2 acre: Gas lawn tractor or zero-turn mower. Electric riding mowers are available, but significantly more expensive and less powerful
Terrain
- Flat, even lawn: Any mower type works; choose based on budget and preference.
- Hills: Gas or battery-powered self-propelled lawn mowers and gas-powered lawn tractors are the best for hills. Hills quickly burn through battery life, so consider buying a spare battery for longer runtime.
- Thick or warm-season grass (St. Augustine, centipedegrass): Gas, for the torque and blade speed.
- Wet or overgrown grass: Gas. Most electric motors simply bog down when the grass is overgrown, and work best when the turf is no more than 6 inches. Corded mowers also bog down and are unsafe to use in wet conditions.
Budget
| Type of mower | Typical cost |
| Manual reel push mower | $95 to $170 |
| Corded push mower | $150 to $225 |
| Gas push mower | $180 to $430 |
| Battery push mower | $250 to $450 |
| Gas self-propelled mower | $265 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 |
Ease of use
Electric mowers, especially battery models, are the best fit if you’re new to mowing, prefer a push-button start, or want minimal ongoing maintenance. Gas mowers are easier to use on large, dense, or overgrown lawns, where the extra power turns a 2-hour slog into a 45-minute mow.
FAQs
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.
Yes, with the right equipment. A high-voltage (56- to 80-volt) self-propelled walk-behind can handle half an acre, but you may need to recharge mid-mow or carry a spare battery.
“If you’re regularly cutting tall or wet growth, I’d plan like we do with job uptime—have two packs plus a fast charger staged, or stick with gas if you can’t tolerate mid-mow downtime,” Hamilton says.
Yes, but these changes are happening mainly through restrictions on new sales rather than outright bans on your existing equipment. Several states are moving to block the sale of new gas-powered lawn mowers and other small off-road engines.
This change is consumer driven as battery-powered mowers are now the fastest-growing segment in the market (6.7% CAGR through 2035), with 44% of consumers planning to go battery on their next purchase.
Ditch the mower and reclaim your weekend
Whether you prefer the raw, reliable power of a gas engine or the quiet, push-button convenience of a battery-powered mower, maintaining a pristine lawn requires a serious investment of both money and time. Buying the mower is just the beginning, as you still have to spend your Saturdays sweating in the yard.
If you are ready to reclaim your free time, Lawn Love can connect you with a lawn care pro who will bring his own commercial-grade equipment to keep your yard looking perfect all season long.
Main Image: Side by side image of Electric lawn mower and Gas lawn mower. Image Credits:
Electric Lawn Mower: Michelle Selzer / Lawn Love
Gas Lawn Mower: Dusan Kostic / Adobe Stock Free / License
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