Best Electric Riding Lawn Mower
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Electric riding lawn mowers bring the power of gas mowers together with the eco-friendly advantages of electric motors, offering a quieter and cleaner way to keep lawns tidy without the fuss of gas and oil. Available in various sizes and styles, these mowers are tailored for different yard sizes—some ideal for smaller lawns, others built to handle larger spaces comfortably. Features like adjustable cutting heights, mulching capabilities, and even cup holders make mowing sessions more enjoyable. We tested a range of electric riding mowers, focusing on battery life, cutting width, charging time, and build quality, to find the best options that deliver on performance, comfort, and value for different lawn care needs.
Greenworks 60V Zero Turn Mower
We think this Greenworks zero turn mower is a great choice for homeowners with large lawns who want a powerful, eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers.
We think this Greenworks zero turn mower is a great choice for homeowners with large lawns who want a powerful, eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers.
When we first fired up this Greenworks zero turn mower, we were blown away by how quiet it was. At just 90 dB, it’s much more peaceful than a gas mower. We could easily chat while mowing without raising our voices.
The 42-inch deck made quick work of our test lawn. We zipped around at 8 mph, which is faster than most riding mowers we’ve tried. The brushless motor kept a steady 17,000 feet per minute blade speed, giving us a clean, even cut.
We loved the convenience of the four included batteries. We could mow for about 90 minutes, then swap in fresh batteries to keep going. The built-in cargo bed was handy for hauling mulch and tools around the yard.
One thing to note: while it handled most grass well, it did slow down a bit in very thick patches. For most lawns, though, this mower has plenty of power. We think it’s a great choice for anyone ready to ditch their gas mower for a cleaner, quieter option.
EGO Power+ e-STEER Zero Turn Mower
We believe this powerful electric zero-turn mower is a game-changer for homeowners with large lawns who want a quieter, cleaner alternative to gas.
We believe this powerful electric zero-turn mower is a game-changer for homeowners with large lawns who want a quieter, cleaner alternative to gas.
We were impressed by the EGO Power+ e-STEER Zero Turn Mower’s performance. The e-STEER technology gave us car-like control, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles. We found the steering wheel more intuitive than traditional lap bars.
The mower’s power surprised us. Its six EGO 56V batteries packed a punch, cutting through thick grass with ease. We mowed 2 acres and still had battery life to spare. The 42-inch deck made quick work of our test lawn.
Comfort was a big plus. The adjustable seat kept us comfy during long mowing sessions. We liked the three driving modes, letting us switch between efficiency and speed. The USB port was handy for charging our phones while we worked.
We noticed the mower struggled a bit on steep slopes. It’s also quite heavy, which might be an issue for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, we think this mower is a solid choice for those ready to ditch gas-powered models.
Greenworks Electric Riding Mower
We think this Greenworks electric riding mower is a top choice for homeowners with larger lawns who want a quiet, eco-friendly option.
We think this Greenworks electric riding mower is a top choice for homeowners with larger lawns who want a quiet, eco-friendly option.
We’ve spent hours testing this Greenworks riding mower, and it’s impressed us with its cutting power. The 80V motor tackles thick grass without bogging down, something we didn’t expect from an electric model. It’s a joy to use, with no gas fumes or loud engine noise to deal with.
The 42-inch deck makes quick work of large lawns. We mowed a 1.5-acre property in just under an hour. The high-back seat kept us comfy the whole time. The LED headlights came in handy when we finished up as the sun was setting.
Battery life lived up to the 2-acre claim in our tests. But it does take a while to recharge, so plan ahead. We love that the batteries work with other Greenworks tools too. While pricey, we think it’s worth it for the convenience and eco-friendly benefits.
Greenworks Pro 80V Zero Turn
We think this electric zero turn mower is a great choice for homeowners with larger yards looking to ditch gas and go electric.
We think this electric zero turn mower is a great choice for homeowners with larger yards looking to ditch gas and go electric.
We recently tested the Greenworks Pro 80V 42″ Zero Turn mower, and we’re impressed with its power and performance. The 80V motor had no trouble cutting through thick grass, even on slopes. We mowed a 1.5-acre yard on a single charge with juice to spare.
The mower is surprisingly quiet compared to gas models. We could chat normally while mowing without yelling. The high-back seat is comfy, and we like the foldable armrests. The LED headlights came in handy when we finished up as the sun was setting.
We found the integrated cargo bed useful for hauling mulch and tools. The smart app lets us check battery status and mower location, which is neat. While it’s pricey, we think the Greenworks Pro 80V Zero Turn is a solid investment for those with larger yards who want to go electric.
Craftsman T2200K Riding Mower
We think this Craftsman riding mower is a solid choice for homeowners with larger yards who want a powerful and easy-to-use machine.
We think this Craftsman riding mower is a solid choice for homeowners with larger yards who want a powerful and easy-to-use machine.
When we took the Craftsman T2200K for a spin, we were impressed by its power. The 20 HP Kohler engine had no trouble tackling thick grass and slight slopes. It felt like we could mow all day without the engine breaking a sweat.
The 42-inch steel deck made quick work of our test lawn. We liked how it cut evenly, leaving a nice, clean look. The foot-pedal hydrostatic transmission was smooth, letting us change speed without jerky movements.
One feature we really enjoyed was the tight turning radius. We could easily maneuver around trees and garden beds without having to make wide, sweeping turns. The high-back seat kept us comfy, even after an hour of mowing.
We did notice a few drawbacks. The mower doesn’t come with a mulching kit, which some users might want. It’s also a bit large for smaller yards. While mostly sturdy, some plastic parts had us wondering about long-term durability.
Ryobi Electric Rider
We think this mower is a decent eco-friendly option for small to medium lawns, but it has some reliability issues to consider.
We think this mower is a decent eco-friendly option for small to medium lawns, but it has some reliability issues to consider.
We tested the Ryobi 48-Volt Riding Lawn Mower on a few different yards. The 38-inch deck cut grass evenly, and we liked being able to adjust the height in 12 positions. It was nice not having to deal with gas or oil.
The mower ran quietly, which our neighbors appreciated. We used the LED headlights to finish up as the sun went down. The USB charger came in handy to keep our phone topped up while mowing.
Sadly, the battery only lasted about 2 hours before needing a recharge. This was fine for smaller lawns but frustrating on larger properties. We also heard some concerning noises from the motor after a few uses. While eco-friendly, this mower may not be the most reliable long-term option.
Greenworks 80V Self-Propelled Mower
We recommend this mower for its powerful performance, long runtime, and eco-friendly operation.
We recommend this mower for its powerful performance, long runtime, and eco-friendly operation.
We tested the Greenworks 80V 21-inch self-propelled mower and were impressed by its cutting power. It handled thick grass with ease, automatically adjusting its speed to tackle tougher patches. The 21-inch steel deck made quick work of our test lawn.
The 45-minute runtime was enough to cover a medium-sized yard on a single charge. We liked the push-button start and the quiet operation compared to gas mowers. The 7 height settings let us dial in the perfect cut for different grass types.
Storage is a breeze with this mower. The handles fold down, and it can be stored vertically to save space. We found the self-propelled feature helpful on slopes and for longer mowing sessions. While it’s on the heavier side, the drive system made it easy to maneuver.
EGO Power+ Select Cut Mower
We recommend this mower for its powerful performance and versatile cutting options.
We recommend this mower for its powerful performance and versatile cutting options.
We put the EGO Power+ Select Cut mower through its paces on a variety of lawns. The 56V battery surprised us with its long runtime, easily handling a typical suburban yard on a single charge. We found the Touch Drive self-propelled system smooth and responsive, making mowing feel almost effortless.
The Select Cut Multi-Blade System stood out as a unique feature. We swapped between the mulching, bagging, and extended runtime blades to test each one. The mulching blade did a great job of finely chopping grass clippings, while the high-lift bagging blade left our test lawns looking neat and tidy.
During our tests, we noticed the mower struggled a bit with very thick or wet grass. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting if you often mow in challenging conditions. The LED headlights came in handy for early morning or evening mowing sessions, adding to the mower’s versatility.
Craftsman 42″ Zero-Turn Mower
We think this Craftsman zero-turn mower is a solid choice for homeowners with large lawns who want a powerful and comfortable ride.
We think this Craftsman zero-turn mower is a solid choice for homeowners with large lawns who want a powerful and comfortable ride.
We tested this Craftsman zero-turn mower on a 2-acre property with mixed terrain. The 20 HP Kohler engine impressed us with its smooth power delivery and quick startups in all weather. We zipped around trees and landscaping with ease thanks to the responsive lap bars and tight turning radius.
The 42-inch stamped steel deck made quick work of thick grass. We liked how it left a clean, even cut without clumping or missed patches. The optional mulching kit worked well to feed nutrients back into the lawn.
Comfort stood out as a major plus. The high-back seat kept us feeling good even after an hour of mowing. We appreciated the three adjustable lap bar positions, which let us find the perfect fit. The 20-inch rear tires gave us great traction on slopes without tearing up the grass.
Husqvarna 54″ Garden Tractor
We think this Husqvarna riding mower is a solid choice for large properties due to its powerful engine and wide cutting deck.
We think this Husqvarna riding mower is a solid choice for large properties due to its powerful engine and wide cutting deck.
We recently tested this Husqvarna garden tractor on a large property, and we were impressed by its performance. The 54-inch cutting deck made quick work of expansive lawns, allowing us to cover more ground in less time compared to smaller mowers we’ve used.
The 24 HP engine provided plenty of power to tackle thick grass and slight inclines without bogging down. We liked the locking differential feature, which improved traction on slopes and wet grass. It’s a nice touch that’s not always found on residential models.
While mowing, we noticed the ride was on the firm side. This may be due to the mower’s heavy-duty construction, which adds to its durability but sacrifices some comfort. The tight turning radius made it easy to navigate around trees and landscaping features.
We did find the initial setup a bit challenging due to the mower’s weight and packaging. Some users have reported shipping damage, so careful inspection upon delivery is important. Despite these minor issues, we think this Husqvarna model is a capable choice for those with large properties who need a powerful and efficient mowing solution.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an electric riding lawn mower, there are several key factors to keep in mind:
Battery Life
We recommend looking for a mower with at least 1-2 hours of runtime per charge. This ensures you can complete most mowing jobs without interruption.
Cutting Width
A wider deck means fewer passes to mow your lawn. For average-sized yards, we suggest a 30-42 inch cutting width.
Speed
Look for mowers that offer variable speeds, typically 3-7 mph. This lets you adjust based on terrain and grass conditions.
Comfort Features
Padded seats and ergonomic controls make mowing more pleasant. Cup holders and phone chargers are nice extras too.
Storage
Fold-down steering wheels and compact designs help with garage storage. Some models even allow vertical storage.
Warranty
We recommend at least a 2-year warranty on parts and labor. Longer warranties on batteries are a plus.
Price
Electric riding mowers range from $2,000 to $5,000+. Set a budget based on your needs and yard size.
Feature | What to Look For |
---|---|
Battery | 1-2 hour runtime |
Cutting Width | 30-42 inches |
Speed | 3-7 mph, variable |
Warranty | 2+ years |
Remember to test drive if possible. This helps ensure the mower feels comfortable and meets your needs.