A couple of summers ago, I gave up my old gas mower. It was loud, heavy, and smelled like fumes. I wanted something easier and cleaner. That’s when I asked myself, do electric lawn mowers use a lot of electricity? I had no clue what to expect. Since then, I’ve tested one out and learned a lot. In this post, I’ll share how much power it really uses, what it costs, and if it’s worth the switch. Stick around—this could help you save time, money, and maybe even your back.
How Much Electricity Does an Electric Lawn Mower Use?
Electric mowers are simple. They run on a battery or plug into a wall. No gas. No oil. Just press a button and go. It’s quiet, clean, and easy.
So, how much electricity does an electric lawn mower use? Not much at all. Most use 0.3 to 0.6 kWh per mow. That’s about 5 to 9 cents on your power bill if you live in the U.S. That’s it. For most homes, that’s less than your fridge uses in a day.
When I mow my yard, I pay around 7 cents per session. That’s cheaper than a cup of coffee. I thought my bill would go up. But it didn’t. Even after mowing all summer, I saw no change.
So, does a lawn mower use a lot of electricity? Not even close. It’s one of the most low-cost tools in my shed. Clean, cheap, and hassle-free.
Electric Mowers vs Gas Mowers: Which Costs More to Run?
Let’s get straight to the point. Electric mowers are cheaper to run than gas ones. I didn’t believe it at first, but once I saw the numbers, it made sense.
A gas mower needs fuel every time you mow. Depending on the price of gas and the size of your yard, that could be $2 to $5 per mow. On the flip side, my electric mower uses about 7 cents worth of power. That’s less than the price of a stick of gum.
So if you’re comparing electric mowers vs gas mowers, the electric one wins on fuel cost alone.
But what about maintenance? Gas mowers need oil changes, spark plugs, and the occasional pull-cord tantrum. They’re loud and messy. Mine used to rattle my hands and leave me smelling like fumes. With an electric mower, there’s no oil, no gas, and no fuss. Just charge and go.
This is where lawn mower electric vs gas really shows a difference. Less mess, less work, and way fewer trips to the hardware store.
There’s also the noise and pollution side of things. Gas mowers can wake the neighbors. Electric ones? They hum—quietly. I’ve mowed early in the morning without bothering anyone. Plus, no smoke, no fumes, and less harm to the air.
If you’re asking, is gas or electric lawn mower better, think about what matters most to you. If you want power for tough, uneven lawns, gas might still be the go-to. But if you care about ease, savings, and cleaner air, electric is the way forward.
Are Electric Lawn Mowers Worth It?
Let me be honest—I wasn’t sure if electric lawn mowers were worth it when I first made the switch. The upfront cost gave me pause. I paid more than I would’ve for a basic gas mower. But after one full season? I’d say yes. Every penny paid off.
Here’s why: you save money over time. No more gas, no oil changes, no tune-ups. I plug mine in, mow, and that’s it. Most electric mowers cost just a few cents per mow. Over a summer, that adds up to serious savings.
Short answer: Yes, electric mowers are worth it—especially if you want to save money long-term.
Durability was another question on my mind. Would it last as long as my old gas beast? Turns out, yes. I’ve had mine for two years now, and it still runs smooth. The blade stays sharp, the motor’s strong, and I’ve had zero breakdowns. No smoke, no leaks, no headaches.
And the performance? Honestly, it surprised me. My mower handles thick grass and uneven patches without stalling. It’s light, easy to push, and starts instantly—no yanking cords or fussing with choke levers.
Quick answer: Electric mowers are durable and perform well, even in tough spots.
But they’re not one-size-fits-all. Before you buy, think about your yard. If you’ve got a small to medium lawn, electric is perfect. Battery-powered models usually run 30–60 minutes on a full charge. That’s plenty for me, but if you’ve got a large yard, you might need a spare battery or a corded option.
And don’t forget your local electricity rates. I live in an area with average prices, so it costs me about 7 cents per mow. If rates are higher where you live, it could cost a bit more—but still far less than gas.
Fast fact: For most homes, electric mowers cost less than $1 a month to run.
So, are electric lawn mowers worth it? For me, the answer is a big yes. They’re simple, clean, and save money over time. I don’t miss trips to the gas station. I don’t miss the smell. I just press a button and go.
Still unsure? Think about what matters to you: cost, ease, power, or size. Then weigh it out. But if you’re like me and want less stress and more peace in your yard work—electric might be the better choice.
How Often Do You Need to Replace an Electric Lawn Mower Battery?
Quick answer: Most batteries last 3 to 5 years. That’s the case for most brands and users, me included.
When I got my first electric mower, I had one big question: How long will the battery last? I didn’t want to buy a new one every year.
It turns out, most batteries hold up well. If you mow once a week, you can expect 3 to 5 good years. Mine lasted just over four before I saw a drop in power.
Sign to watch for:
If your mower won’t finish your yard on one charge, your battery may be getting old.
You can help it last longer with a few simple tips:
- Unplug it when it’s done charging.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Don’t let it drain all the way.
- Clean your mower often.
Pro tip: A clean mower = less stress on the battery.
When my battery faded, I bought a new one for about $120. Not cheap—but cheaper than years of gas, oil, and spark plugs.
Swapping it was easy. No tools. No fuss. I clicked it in and kept mowing.
Real-life tip: Check your brand’s website. Some offer deals or bundles on batteries.
So, how often do you need to replace an electric mower battery? Every few years, give or take. But if you care for it, it’ll last longer—and save you money.
To me, it’s worth it. Less noise. Less mess. And fewer things to fix.
Common Concerns About Electric Lawn Mowers
Will it run long enough for my yard?
Short answer: For most yards, yes.
When I first switched to electric, this was my biggest worry. I didn’t want my mower dying halfway through the job. But here’s the thing—most battery-powered mowers run for 30 to 60 minutes on a full charge. That’s plenty for my medium-sized yard.
For small to medium lawns, one charge is usually enough.
If you have a big yard, don’t stress. Many brands sell extra batteries you can swap out in seconds. I grabbed a spare and now I never run out of juice. It’s like having a backup phone charger—handy and reliable.
“ Real talk: I used to race the clock with my old gas mower before it ran out of fuel. Now, I just swap batteries and keep going.
What if I forget to charge it?
Quick answer: It happens—but it’s easy to fix.
We’ve all been there. You plan to mow, but the battery’s dead. Ugh. The good news? Most batteries charge in under two hours. I usually plug mine in right after mowing, so it’s ready next time.
Pro tip: Set a reminder or charge it after each mow—it becomes a habit fast.
One time, I forgot to charge mine before a big backyard BBQ. I panicked… but remembered I had a backup battery. Crisis averted. Now, I treat charging like brushing my teeth—quick, routine, and no big deal.
“ Snippet-ready: If you forget to charge your electric mower, it’s not a dealbreaker—just plug it in and it’ll be ready soon.
Is it powerful enough for thick grass?
Short answer: Yes, surprisingly so.
This one shocked me. I thought electric meant weak. But when my grass got tall and thick after a rainy week, my mower handled it like a champ. It slowed down a little, but it didn’t stall.
Most electric mowers have enough power for tough grass and uneven patches.
The trick is keeping your blade sharp and mowing before things get out of hand. Honestly, it cuts better than my old gas mower did—without the smoke, smell, or noise.
“ From experience: I’ve tackled thick grass, wet grass, even a few hidden weeds—and my electric mower kept going strong.
These concerns are common, and I totally get them. I had the same doubts. But after a full season, I can honestly say: most of these worries go away after your first few mows.
It’s kind of like switching to an electric car—feels strange at first, but then you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Let me know if you’ve got more questions—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.
My Honest Opinion After a Full Season of Using One
What surprised me (in a good way)
I didn’t expect much from my electric mower. I thought it would be weak or slow. I was wrong.
The first time I used it, I was shocked by how quiet it was. No loud engine. Just a soft hum. I could hear the birds while mowing. It felt calm, almost relaxing.
Quick answer: The low noise and smooth feel were a big surprise—in a good way.
Another surprise? It’s strong. I thought thick grass would stop it. But it cut through without any trouble. Even after rain, the mower kept going.
No more gas. No more oil. I just charge the battery and push a button. It’s fast and easy. No stress. No mess.
It’s like going from a flip phone to a smartphone. You don’t miss the old way at all.
What I wish I’d known sooner
Here’s one thing I wish I knew: buy the extra battery early. I waited. Big mistake. A few times, the battery ran out halfway through mowing. I had to stop and charge. Not fun.
Quick tip: Get a backup battery so you can mow without breaks.
Another thing? Not all electric mowers are the same. Some are stronger. Some last longer. I bought a mid-range model. It works great. I almost bought the cheapest one. Glad I didn’t. Spending a little more saved me time and trouble.
Also, keep the blade sharp. A dull blade makes mowing harder. I thought my battery was weak—but it was just the blade.
Final recommendation: who should consider switching
So, who should switch to electric?
Quick answer: If you have a small or medium yard, electric is a smart move.
If mowing takes less than an hour, this is for you. It’s easy. It’s quiet. It costs less to run. No fuel. No oil. Just charge and go.
If your yard is big, it still might work. You may just need a spare battery. Or pick a model with a long run time.
For me, this mower changed how I feel about yard work. It’s faster. It’s cleaner. My shed smells better. My hands don’t shake from the noise. And I don’t miss the gas can at all.
If you’re thinking about switching, give it a shot. You might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
FAQs
Do electric lawn mowers use a lot of electricity?
Not at all. Most use less than $1 per mow, even if you’re mowing a decent-sized yard.
I was honestly surprised when I first checked my power bill. I thought I’d see a bump, but nope—nothing changed. For me, it’s about 7 cents per session. That’s less than a single text message used to cost back in the day.
Short answer: Electric mowers use very little electricity. You probably won’t even notice the cost.
Are electric lawn mowers cheaper to run than gas ones?
Oh, big time. Gas mowers drink fuel. Mine used to cost around $3–$5 every mow, not counting oil, spark plugs, and random fixes. Now? I just charge the battery.
No fuel, no oil, no last-minute trips to the gas station.
Quick fact: Electric lawn mowers are way cheaper to run than gas—especially over time.
How long does an electric mower battery last?
Usually 3 to 5 years. Mine made it to year four before I noticed it wasn’t lasting as long.
If you mow once a week and take care of your battery—like unplugging it after charging and storing it inside—you’ll get plenty of life out of it.
Fast fact: A well-cared-for mower battery can last years without skipping a beat.
Can I use an electric mower on a big yard?
Yes, you can! I’ve got a medium-sized yard, and one charge is plenty. For bigger spaces, just grab a spare battery. That’s what I did, and now I never worry about running out of juice.
Some models also have longer run-times, so there are options if your yard is huge.
Answer in a flash: Electric mowers can handle large yards—you may just need a backup battery.
Is a gas or electric lawn mower better?
Honestly? It depends on what matters to you.
If you want raw power for steep hills or thick weeds, gas might still win. But if you care about noise, mess, cost, or ease, electric is a game-changer.
It’s like swapping a flip phone for a smartphone. Once you switch, you don’t want to go back.
Bottom line: Gas mowers are strong, but electric wins on ease, cost, and clean operation.
Final Thoughts
So, do electric lawn mowers use a lot of electricity? Nope. Not even close. Mine costs about 7 cents per mow. That’s cheaper than a stick of gum.
They’re also easier to use. No more gas. No oil. No loud noise. I just plug it in, press a button, and get it done.
If you’re still on the fence, think about your yard. Is it small or medium? Do you like quiet? Do you hate dealing with gas cans? Then electric might be the better fit.
Want to save money? Want to skip the mess? Then yes—an electric mower is worth it.
One thing I’ve learned: don’t wait too long to switch. I put it off for years. I thought it wouldn’t cut as well or run long enough. But now? I wish I’d made the move sooner.
I hope my story helped you out. If you’ve got questions or want to share your own experience, drop a comment! I’m always happy to talk about mowers, yard tips, or anything in between.
Read More: The Hidden Disadvantages of Robotic Lawn Mowers Explained