The 8 Best Electric Start Lawn Mowers
Updated by · How we research
Eight push-button-start mowers compared on run time, drive, cut and battery cost. The EGO Power+ LM2135SP leads for most yards; Greenworks wins on value. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Nearly every battery mower now starts with a button, so electric start mostly means cordless, and the real limit is run time: one pack usually lasts 40 to 75 minutes. Past about a third of an acre, plan on a second battery. Gas mowers with a push-button starter still make sense for big, rough lots and for anyone who wants to refuel in seconds.
Editor's Notes
October 23, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Admin:
The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is the new pick for most lawns. EGO mowers keep coming out on top in published test rounds by Popular Mechanics, Pro Tool Reviews and TechGearLab, and this kit brings that cut to a 21-inch deck with a big battery, for far less than the brand's flagship.
Nothing from the old list survived. The Snapper XD and Makita XML03PT1 are gone, the Greenworks Pro is out of stock, and the corded and early battery models had all been passed by. The Greenworks 60V MO60L424 takes the value spot with two batteries in the box, and the Greenworks 40V 25322 stays the cheap answer for a small yard.
Most readers who search this page want a cordless mower, but some want a gas engine that starts with a button, so the YARDMAX YG4761 is here for them, with a warning that few owners have reported on it yet. We'd have liked to include the Toro Recycler, but we couldn't find a current listing to link, so it's a special honor. We also checked each brand against the CPSC recall list, which turned up older SKIL batteries and a Greenworks recall limited to Kobalt-branded tools.
August 03, 2020:
When it comes to lawn care, there is no shortage of available mower types to help you keep your property well manicured, regardless of its size. You can invest in anything from riding or zero turn machines, for maneuvering around obstacles in a large field, to the more traditional walk-behind models for cutting the grass in your backyard. A key benefit to our list of electric start mowers is that they eliminate the physical strain of tugging on a pull cord over and over just to get them going.
The Honda, Husqvarna, Poulan Pro, and Remington models have been removed due to availability concerns.
We've added the Greenworks Pro for its 21-inch cutting deck, large wheels, and self-propelled operation.
Also newly added this year is the Makita XML03PT1, which is equipped with a protective inner seal to keep water and dust away from its motor. Depending on their construction, some mowers may have a tendency to clog, especially around their motors and/or collection bags, so this one provides some additional assurance when landscaping large areas. Its battery system also provides automatic overload protection.
While the Lawn-Boy 17734 is one of the few gas-powered models we've included, it is CARB-compliant with a rear-wheel drive system that gives you plenty of traction when maneuvering over rough terrain or mowing uphill.
We've also included the Tacklife KALM1340A for its integrated safety feature for preventing accidental startups.
The LawnMaster 60V offers several intuitive controls, not least of which include a choice of three power levels for tackling both light and heavy-duty mowing jobs.
Finally, we've added the Scotts 60040S due to its telescoping and folding handles (for vertical shed storage) and twin LED headlights, making it a convenient option for nighttime use.
March 29, 2019:
While the range of models available with electric start is somewhat limited when compared to pull-crank selections, you still have a healthy number of options to choose from. If you’re looking for an electric choice, the Poulan Pro and Black & Decker models are known for their reliable battery performance, easy operation, and compact size for easy storage.
If you prefer the power of a gas model but without the pull-cord, the Husqvarna on our list is easy to maneuver around obstacles and when making turns, thanks to its front-wheel-drive design. Rather, if rear-wheel-drive is your thing, look to the rugged Snapper 3-N-1, which delivers impressive traction. Or if you want one with multiple starting options, the Remington RM220 also comes with a manual pull cord that can be used as backup.
No matter which you ultimately select, make sure it has a cutting deck size that you feel is appropriate for your yard, along with any extra bells and whistles you prefer that’ll help you achieve a healthy, well-manicured lawn.
Special Honors
Toro 60V Recycler Toro's 21-inch battery Recycler isn't in our main list only because we couldn't find a current listing to link. Pro Tool Reviews called the 22-inch version the best for the money, and Popular Mechanics found it the most efficient battery mower in its runs. Toro sells it with a self-propelled option through its own site and dealers. toro.com
Electric Start, Battery Or Gas
Electric start used to mean a gas mower with a small starter motor and a key or button.
Electric start used to mean a gas mower with a small starter motor and a key or button. Today almost every battery mower starts that way, and battery models now make up most of what people buy. In TechGearLab's comparison, battery mowers measured roughly 66 to 74 decibels at the ear, while gas mowers came in around 79 to 81, which is a big difference for you and the neighbors. Battery mowers also skip oil changes, spark plugs and stale fuel.
Gas still has a place. A gas mower runs as long as you keep the tank filled, and a push-button starter like the one on the YARDMAX YG4761 removes the worst part of owning one. The trade-off is noise, fumes, and the engine upkeep every spring. Some towns and homeowner associations limit gas yard equipment, so check local rules before you buy.
Riding mowers, lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers are a different purchase. They make sense past about an acre, and this list sticks to walk-behind mowers for typical suburban yards.
Matching Deck, Drive And Batteries To Your Yard
Start with the size of the lawn. A 16-inch push mower like the Greenworks 40V 25322 handles up to about a third of an acre on one battery. Most homes up to half an acre do best with a 21-inch self-propelled mower, and bigger lots need either a wider deck or a second battery. Pro Tool Reviews rates battery mowers by the gas engine they match: a 160 cc class is plenty for most homeowners, and you want something closer to 200 cc for thick or overgrown grass.
Self-propelled drive matters more than it sounds. Rear-wheel drive grips better on slopes, but it adds weight and cost. Popular Mechanics found that efficiency varies a lot: in its runs, the Toro 60V Recycler cut far more lawn per amp-hour of battery than EGO or Ryobi models.
Batteries are the expensive part of any kit, and they only fit one brand. If you already own an EGO or Greenworks trimmer or blower, buying a mower on the same platform saves money. Steel decks are tough but heavy and can rust; composite decks are lighter and can't rust.
Safe Mowing And Battery Care
Blades cause most mower injuries. Pull the battery, or the key or spark plug lead on a gas mower, before you clear a clog or tip the deck. Wear closed shoes, keep kids and pets inside, and don't mow wet slopes. Sharpen or replace the blade every season; a dull blade tears grass and leaves brown tips.
Charge batteries indoors on a hard surface, away from anything that burns, with the maker's charger. Let a hot battery cool before charging, and store batteries inside over winter, because cold saps lithium run time and can shorten pack life.
Check recalls before you buy used or pull an old battery off a shelf. The CPSC has recalled older SKIL 40V 5.0Ah batteries made before May 2021 for fire risk, and Greenworks recalled Kobalt-branded 24V and 48V tools with USB-C batteries. Ryobi and DeWalt have also recalled some battery mowers in recent years, so look up date codes on any secondhand machine.
How we researched this
We compared 22 walk-behind mowers, including every current kit from EGO, Greenworks and SKIL we could price, read the makers' specs for the eight finalists, used three published test rounds (Popular Mechanics, Pro Tool Reviews and TechGearLab), analyzed owner feedback patterns, and checked every brand against CPSC recall records.
Frequently asked questions
Is electric start worth it on a gas mower?
For many people, yes. A push-button starter removes the pull cord, which is hard on shoulders and backs. It adds a small battery to keep charged, so check the manual for how to top it up.
How long does a battery lawn mower run on one charge?
Most run 40 to 75 minutes per battery, depending on the pack, the grass and the self-propel speed. TechGearLab measured about 75 minutes from an EGO 22-inch mower. For more than about a third of an acre, plan on two batteries.
Are battery mowers quieter than gas?
Yes. Measured at the operator's ear, battery models run roughly 66 to 74 decibels and gas models about 79 to 81, a big jump in loudness.
Can I use one brand's battery on another brand's mower?
No. Batteries are locked to each maker's platform, and adapters can void the warranty. Pick the brand whose other tools you want too.
Should I choose EGO or Greenworks?
EGO mowers tend to cut better and have more independent test wins. Greenworks kits cost less, often include two batteries and carry a four-year tool and battery warranty.
Can I mow wet grass with a battery mower?
It's best not to. Every mower clumps in wet grass, run time drops, and wet slopes are a slipping hazard. Wait until the lawn dries.
