11 Best Electric Start Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers | Guide

Easier to operate than push mowers and lighter than their gas-powered counterparts, electric self-propelled lawn mowers make mowing the lawn an easy-breezy task. 

Recently, they have soared in popularity because they require little to no assembly, have a foldable design, and require no off-season maintenance. The best electric self-propelled lawn mowers perform just like their gas-powered counterparts. 

To find out which model performs the best, we tested 11 models, and here’s how they performed. 

Listed below are the best electric start self-propelled lawn mowers:

• Greenworks 40-Volt: The Greenworks 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is notable for its lightweight and maneuverability on tough terrains but has a limited runtime of 45 minutes.
• EGO Power+ 56-Volt: The EGO Power+ 56-Volt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower excels with an 80-minute runtime and capacity to cut half an acre on one charge, albeit at the expense of a heavier build.
• Makita 36-Volt: The Makita 36-Volt Brushless Lawn Mower offers diverse features such as a high-capacity grass bag catcher and up to 10 adjustable cutting heights, making mowing around curbs somewhat difficult.
• Milwaukee 21”: The Milwaukee 21” Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower stands out with durability, ergonomic design, and a 60-minute runtime, augmented by built-in LED lights for low-light mowing. Its advanced features command a higher price.
• Ryobi 40-Volt: The Ryobi 40-Volt Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is distinguished by an innovative bag removal system and extended 70-minute runtime, with less effectiveness on wet grass.

1. Greenworks 40-volt brushless self-propelled lawn mower - Best with collapsible handles and adjustable height

Several features have made the Greenworks self-propelled lawn mower or string trimmer a cut above other electric lawn mowers. 

Among them, the first is its rear-wheel-drive power that tackles the toughest backyard terrain with ease. The 10” rear wheels, coupled with 8” front wheels, make the mower secure and stable by increasing traction. When the wheels are securely placed on the ground, mowing grasses from uneven surfaces is easy. 

This electric lawn mower packs a powerful punch because of its high-capacity 5.0Ah motor. With TRUBRUSHLESS technology, its motor is low maintenance and promises efficient operation by offering more torque. 

Where gas engine mowers make a lot of noise, this electric mower is significantly quiet. Added to that is its dual blades that cut grass into smaller pieces, producing finer clippings. 

Note that this unit provides up to 45 minutes of run time when fully charged, though much of it depends on the operator’s technique and grass condition. 

Operating this self-propelled mower is easy-peasy, as it starts at the push of a button. On top of that, the height is adjustable to 7 different positions, guaranteeing comfort to the users. 

With side discharge, rear bag, and mulching capabilities, this unit is more versatile than other self-propelled mowers. 

Even better? It’s a lightweight unit that weighs less than 22-pounds, further enhancing its user-friendliness. The lightweight design, coupled with collapsible handles, allows for vertical storage. 

Not to forget, a 4-year tool and a 2-year battery warranty cover this lawn mower. 

2. Ego power+ 56-volt self propelled lawn mower - Best for cutting half an acre of lawn in one charge

Easier to operate than other units, the EGO Power+ self-propelled lawn mower cuts half an acre of grass on single use. We attribute its efficiency to its engineering, as well as the fact that it’s powered by PeakPower technology. 

Because PeakPower technology combines the power of  two 56V 5.0Ah (ampere) batteries, this lawn mower delivers exceptional performance. It cuts grass non-stop for up to 80 minutes without overheating on a single charge. 

Further enhancing the efficiency of this power tool is its brushless motor that offers high torque and speed so that the lawn is mowed without difficulty. The best part about its battery is that it comes with a universal battery that is compatible with more than 70 power tools. 

Despite being powered by a high-efficiency motor, this unit doesn’t produce a lot of noise when in operation. So, it’s a perfect alternative to traditional gas mowers. Besides low noise operation, LED lights on the fore part of the machine allow gardeners or enthusiasts to mow the lawn in the dark. 

Like other self-propelled lawn mowers, this machine features adjustable handles, whose height can be adjusted up to 4”. Height adjustment is easy and can be done using one hand while operating the device. 

Not only does it offer the torque of a self-propelled gas mower, but it also is similar to it in terms of design. Like gas models, this lawn mower is heavy, as it weighs around 62 pounds. But despite its heavy design, it doesn’t require much floor space for storage. 

3. Makita 36-volt brushless lawn mower - Best with high-capacity grass bag catcher

This self-propelled lawn mower from the house of Makita shares many traits with lawn mowers on this list. 

Starting with the basics, this lawn mower features a 21” deck, brushless motor, and 3-in-1 design for side discharge, bagging, and mulching. Because these are present in Greenworks and EGO Power+ lawn mowers, it’s no different from them in these aspects. 

Now moving to the unique aspects, this brushless lawn mower boasts a teal body, and a grass bag catcher rests atop it. The grass bag catcher, with a capacity of 16 gallons, has a grass level indicator that notifies when it’s time to empty the basket. 

Another aspect that separates it from others is its cutting height, which is adjustable to 10 different heights. 

The brushless motor of this lawn mower cuts through grasses with ease, as it delivers 2,500 to 3,300 RPM. Also, heavy-duty steel is used in the deck to ensure it withstands the test of time. 

With two 4Ah batteries, this unit runs for about 40 minutes and can cut more than ⅓ acres of grass on a single charge. 

While it doesn’t make as much noise as gas mowers, it still comes with a quiet mode. When switched to quiet mode, this lawn mower reduces noise and vibrations by running at 2,500 RPM. 

Like the best electric lawn mowers, this unit has a fold-forward handle for easy storage. Last but not least, the battery of this lawn mower comes with indicators to prevent it from overloading, overheating and over-discharge. 

4. Milwaukee 21” walk behind self-propelled lawn mower - Best for mowing in low-light areas

This Milwaukee Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower sold by the Home Depot blends durability with ergonomics without compromising on performance. Starting with the basics, this battery-powered self-propelled lawn mower features 3 exclusive Milwaukee technology- Powerstate brushless motor, Redlithium batteries, and Redlink Plus Intelligence. 

The Powerstate brushless motor delivers excellent torque, more than a 200cc gas-powered mower would. That’s what makes it ideal for the most demanding mowing chores. On top of that, it cools more rapidly and reduces noise, which makes it maintenance-free. 

Meanwhile, Redlithium batteries provide more power, run time, and recharges than other lithium batteries. To our surprise, this battery can perform in climates as low as 0°F/-18°C while maintaining consistent power. On a single charge, it can mow up to 1/2 acre of land. 

Coming to Redlink Plus Intelligence technology, it protects the unit while maximizing performance. 

What’s more, the Milwaukee lawn mower delivers instant throttle response within 1 second to increase user productivity and control. Speed can also be adjusted on this lawn mower between 0 and 4 mph. The addition of the active speed management paddles allows users to adjust their walking pace without losing control. 

Not just speed, but height can also be adjusted up to 4”, which adds to its user-friendliness. 

Much like other lawn mowers, it is a 3-in-1 management tool, which allows for mulching, bag, and rear side discharge. Of course, it comes with a durable steel deck. 

That’s not all; the built-in side LED lights and front headlamps make it easy for users to mow in low-light areas. Not to forget, its foldable design doesn’t require much floor space for storage. 

5. Ryobi 40-volt walk behind self-propelled lawn mower - Best with easy lift single motion bag removal

With this walk-behind self-propelled lawn mower, Ryobi has done a great job of blending power with convenience. Ryobi has leveraged advanced technologies and superior ergonomics for a premium experience, making it a top-of-the-line mower. 

This 40V self-propelled cordless lawn mower has a premium brushless motor and lithium-ion batteries. No wonder it offers more power without compromising on run time. 

Mowing dry grass full of weed is easy with this lawn mower, as the self-propelled rear-wheel drive makes it easy to maneuver. This also increases traction, which is why it’s effortless to use. 

With a run time of 70 minutes, this lawn mower can mow up to 3/4 acres of yard, which is impressive. 

Where most electric mowers have steel decks, this self-propelled lawn mower features a polypropylene deck. Besides being lightweight, it resists corrosion and is covered by a lifetime warranty. 

Not to forget, the deck features a 7-position single-point height adjustment, which allows mowers to choose the grass height from 1.5” to 4”. On this 10” high wheel design device, gardeners can select between side discharge, mulching, and bagging functions. 

Emptying the grass catcher bag on this self-propelled lawn mower isn’t much of a chore, thanks to the easy lift single motion bag removal feature. 

Also, it doesn’t require much space for storage, as the aluminum handles are foldable, allowing for vertical storage. Instead of a standard battery charger, Ryobi supplies a 40V rapid charger for fast charging the device. 

Oh, and did we mention that this self-propelled lawn mower is backed by a 5-year warranty? 

6. Snapper xd 82-volt cordless self-propelled walk mower - Best with load sensing technology

An excellent alternative to corded electric mowers is this cordless self-propelled walk mower from Snapper. 

This battery mower comes with a 3-in-1 mowing deck that is durable and allows users to side discharge, mulch, and bag with ease. Unlike other walk-behind lawn mowers, it’s equipped with 2 Briggs & Stratton 2.0 batteries that can run for about 90 minutes when each one is fully charged. However, installing a 4.0 or 5.0 battery can increase the run time. 

Alongside batteries and a lawn mower, a large grass bagger is included in the package that fits about 2.1 cubic feet of grass clippings. 

This battery-powered lawn mower comes outfitted with a high-efficiency brushless motor that doesn’t require much maintenance. Where most self-propelled mowers run at one speed, the speed of this unit is variable. Thanks to the easily accessible speed control lever, controlling the forward mowing speed is a breeze. 

What makes it the best electric lawn mower is its load-sensing technology that adjusts the power to suit the cutting demands. Like most battery-powered mowers, the height of the cut can be adjusted to 7 different heights using a single lever for the user’s convenience. 

Starting this walk-behind mower is easy- clicking the push button is all you need to do to turn on the engine. Like other rear-wheel drive mowers, this device is fairly quiet, so it won’t disturb others. 

Thanks to the vertical storage capabilities, this best self-propelled mower doesn’t require much storage space. Needless to say, it is sold in 3 styles and 4 sizes, so there’s one for every lawn. 

7. Dewalt 20-volt walk behind self propelled lawn mower - Best with auto sensing technology

For flat, sloped, or uneven terrains, this rear-wheel drive lawn mower from DEWALT would be the best bet. 

The DEWALT relies on 2 20-Voltage MAX 10 Ah batteries for power. Using state-of-the-art technologies, this battery optimizes run time. 

Besides a powerful battery, a high-output brushless direct drive motor is outfitted in this lawn mower. This, coupled with a powerful battery and direct drive motor, deliver powerful performance, ensuring the unit runs for up to 60 minutes non-stop. 

Furthermore, this electric lawn mower is integrated with auto-sensing technology to increase torque where the grasses are thick and overgrown. 

When it comes to ergonomics, DEWALT didn’t disappoint us, as it’s packed with a few user-friendly features. Users get 6 cutting heights to choose from when mowing the lawn, which ranges from 1.5” to 4.0”. Its self-propelled rear wheels are also adjustable, so users can choose their cut pace. 

Noteworthily, the steel deck of this electric lawn mower is 21.5”. Not only does this allow for wider cuts, but it also ensures you complete the task as quickly as possible. 

Much like its competition, this unit is a 3-in-1 system. Landscapers and gardeners can choose between mulching, bagging, and side-discharge options as per their needs. 

In regard to starting up the device, users need not go through much hassle. Just clicking the push button will turn on this electric lawn mower, and mowing the grass will become easier than ever. 

One praise-worthy aspect of this lawn mower is that it complies with CARB guidelines, so it produces fewer harmful emissions, particulates, and toxins. 

8. Hart 40-volt cordless brushless self propelled mower - Highly efficient mower with fast charger

Fast-charging battery mowers that can mow more grass in one charge is difficult to find. But we found this HART cordless self-propelled mower after hours of research. Its fast charger charges the mower 2 times faster than a standard 1.5Ah charger. 

The onboard storage features 2 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (6.0), because of which this lawn mower cuts up to 1/2 acres of grass on a single charge. Like most battery-powered lawn mowers, the other battery powers this device when 1 battery runs down. 

Because of its 3-in-1 design, users can decide how to mow the lawn- a side discharge chute, mulching, or bagging. Unlike corded electric lawn mowers, it doesn’t feature the annoying pull cord. Instead, the machine starts at the push of a button, which further enhances its user-friendliness. 

It also comes equipped with a single-point height adjustment knob with which height can be adjusted without hassle. As such, the height of this lawn mower can be adjusted between 1 1/2” and 4” cutting range. 

A grass catcher bag also comes with this lawn mower to hold grass clippings. Once it’s filled with lawn grass blades, you can empty it and reuse the bag. 

Unlike a push mower, running this mower uphill and down wouldn’t be an issue because it’s self-propelled. Further adding to its versatility is speed variability, which can be adjusted according to the ground surface. 

And the best part? A 5-year warranty covers this self-propelled lawn mower, and a 3-year warranty backs its battery. 

9. Skil pwr core 40-volt self-propelled lawn mower - Best with weather-resistant body

There’s a lot to like about this self-propelled lawn mower from SKIL. For one, this lawn mower doesn’t have annoying pull cords to start. Instead, it has a convenient push-button, which needs to be pushed, and the machine will turn on. 

Despite being a battery-powered lawn mower, this device is no less than gas-powered models. That’s mainly because it’s equipped with a high-performance engine. As soon as it’s turned on, the brushless motor offers it the torque and power of gas minus the hassle associated with those models.  

Thanks to the PWR CORE 40 lithium-ion battery technology, this lawn mower has a 25% longer run time than other battery-powered models. That’s mainly because each battery cell is wrapped with a cooling material that prevents it from overheating. 

Also, SKIL doesn’t disappoint us when it comes to fast charging. The automatic PWR JUMP charges the 2 batteries within 15 minutes. While cutting grass, adjusting the speed is easy-peasy. Simply turn the knob to your desired speed, and that’s it.  

Amid mowing the lawn, deck height can be adjusted to 7 settings with a single lever, which is a thoughtful design. Instead of 3, you get 2 function capabilities with this unit: mulching and bagging. 

Moving on, the body of this self-propelled lawn mower scores high on durability. That’s because the construction is weather-resistant. Hence, exposure to the elements won’t affect its longevity. 

Similar to the best self-propelled lawn mowers, this unit doesn’t occupy much floor space when it comes to storage. That’s because the telescoping handles are foldable, which allows for vertical storage. 

10. Yardmax self propelled lawn mower - Best with double ball bearing wheels

With YARDMAX Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, cutting through thick and tall grass wouldn’t be too much of a chore. That’s mainly because it’s a gas-powered mower outfitted with a durable 201cc OHV YARDMAX engine. 

Starting this gas mower isn’t time-intensive, as it comes with an automatic choke system. Therefore, neither priming nor choking is required to start this device. 

What’s more, it’s built with exclusive and industry-leading continuously variable transmission or CVT, because of which adjusting the mower pace is easy. 

Unlike other self-propelled lawn mowers, it offers excellent traction, thanks to the exclusive rubber tires. Further the aggressive spike tread pattern of the wheels enhances the traction and maneuverability of this lawn mower. 

Noteworthily, this unit sports double ball bearing wheels for extended durability. Not just that, but they allow for easy and smooth rolling. Double ball bearing wheels, coupled with the self-propelling features, makes this device a perfect alternative to push mowers. 

YARDMAX self-propelled lawn mower also comes with a deck cleanout port, which makes cleaning underneath the cutting deck a breeze. 

As you’d expect for a quality lawn mower, the deck height of this gas-powered model is adjustable. With the single lever added to the body of the mower, you can set the mow height between 1.38” and 3.55”. 

Another interesting feature that makes it better than the self-propelled mowers of the competition is its maxflow deck technology. This volute spiral deck design ensures better mulching and airflow. 

Finally, this heavy-duty yet foldable lawn mower doesn’t vibrate much, and the credit goes to the 1-piece durable steel deck. 

11. Toro 60-volt stripe self-propelled mower - Best for striping patterns

Our final recommendation is this Stripe self-propelled lawn mower from the Toro Company, which is great for creating striping patterns. This lawn mower is typically found in sports fields and golf courses; hence, it’s a perfect upgrade from a reel mower. 

Weighing no more than 71 pounds, this Stripe self-propelled mower isn’t as heavy as other units of the same cost. Its lightweight design, in conjunction with a self-propelling feature, makes it easy to maneuver. 

What’s more, it comes with a knob that allows users to control speed. Adding to that is a turbo button that activates max-power mode and delivers on-demand power, making mowing an easy-peasy chore. 

Like other battery mowers, it’s highly versatile equipment, as you can choose between mulching, bagging, and side discharge. 

Besides being more lightweight than most, it features a space-saving foldable design. 

As it comes with a super bagger, it collects large volumes of grass clippings, eliminating the hassle of emptying them regularly. Traversing rough and uneven terrains isn’t an issue with this self-propelled lawn mower, as its 10” high rear wheels provide enough traction in rough terrains. 

Coming to the motor, it’s equipped with a 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart onboard intel that optimizes torque and RPM for more run time and power. 

However, it is outfitted with only 1 battery, unlike other self-propelled lawn mowers that come with 2. Despite that, its run time of 65 minutes is decent. Those with small lawns will be able to mow their entire lawn in one go. 

What is the best electric start self-propelled lawn mowers?

Lawn Mower Buyer’s Guide

It’s not every day or every year that you buy self-propelled lawn mowers, so you must be careful when buying one for your lawn. Regardless of what brands say, not all lawn mowers have the capabilities, qualities, or build to withstand the test of time. More so, lawn mowers aren’t cheap equipment that can be upgraded every year or so. Once purchased, they will last for a good number of years. 

For this reason, gardeners and landscapers must consider every aspect of the model they plan to buy. While professionals know what to look for in a self-propelled mower, newbies have difficulty navigating the options. Things get more complicated when upgrading from a push mower to a self-propelled electric model. 

But don’t worry, for we’ve put together a list of some important factors that you must consider when choosing a self-propelled gas or electric mower. Let’s check them out. 

1. Lawn Size

Always remember that lawn size is the first thing you will have to consider when purchasing a lawn mower. 

For a half an acre lawn, a small-sized battery electric mower will be the right pick, as it will mow the lawn with efficiency. However, the same lawn mower won’t be viable for mowing more than half an acre of lawn or uneven terrain. That means a lawn mower with a greater engine capacity is what you’ll need for large lawns. 

Most self-propelled electric mowers can handle a suburban lawn of average size, i.e., 1/2 acre, on a single charge. For yards much larger than that, an electric mower with a high-capacity battery will be needed. 

While battery size isn’t an issue for small yards, you should pick models with small decks. That’s because they are easy to maneuver through obstacles or tight curves. 

2. Power Source

Self-propelled lawn mowers are either gas-powered or electric-powered. 

Although most professionals prefer gas-powered lawn mowers because of their excellent power, they produce a lot of noise. Also, filling oil, gasoline or fuel every now and then is quite a hassle. 

For this reason, many professionals have started turning to electric lawn mowers. Though electric-powered, present-day electric lawn mowers are as powerful as gas-powered lawn mowers. They also start with the push of a button, do not generate a lot of noise, and are hassle-free. Plus, they do not consume as much energy as gas-powered ones, meaning they are environmentally friendly. 

When choosing an electric mower, you get to choose between corded and cordless models. While corded models are the least expensive, they work only where electrical outlets are available to connect the wire. And let’s be honest, not every lawn has an electrical outlet, which means you’ll have to get an extension cord to mow the lawn, which is inconvenient. 

Besides the inconvenience, there’s always the risk of mowing the cord and cutting it through. 

Alternatively, cordless models are the best because they work without electrical outlets. All you need to do is charge them, and they run for about an hour or so, depending on their battery capacity. 

Always go for self-propelled lawn mowers with dual ports, so 2 batteries can be installed. This way, when one is exhausted, the other keeps the unit running by supplying it with power. As such, 2 batteries double the run time, which is useful when mowing large lawns. 

3. Weight

The next important factor after the power source is the weight of the lawn mower, which is measured in lbs. (pound). 

How easily and effortlessly you can maneuver the lawn mower depends on its weight. As with other equipment, a too-heavy unit will not be maneuvered easily. Rather, it will be cumbersome, which means mowing the lawn will be a difficult task. 

On top of that, using them for an hour or so will lead to back problems and hand fatigue. 

That is why many experts suggest opting for a lightweight model when choosing lawn mowers. Not only are they easy to maneuver, but they also eliminate hand fatigue or backache, allowing users to mow the lawn in one go. 

Weight is also an important factor when mowing uneven or rough terrains. Because of the bumps or debris, moving the lawn mower is slightly a challenge on uneven terrains. Lightweight models are easier to move through areas with bumps than heavyweight units. 

4. Deck Size

For those unversed, the deck is the part of the lawn mower that holds the blade. So, the wider the deck, the more ground it will be able to cover in less time. 

Most self-propelled lawn mowers come with a deck of 21”, which is ideal for average-sized lawns. 

However, if you’re looking for something wide, you should go for a mower with a 22” deck. Not only is it big enough to finish mowing quickly, but it also isn’t so large that maneuvering it will be challenging. 

You can go for a lawn mower with a larger deck if your lawn is very large. By large deck, we mean a deck with a width of 24” or 25”. There are even commercial mowers whose deck is as wide as 30” large. 

5. Wheel Drive

Self-propelled lawn mowers drive themselves forward using either front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. So, unlike push mowers, there’s no need for you to push them forward. Besides covering large spaces faster, these devices leave a smoother cut, meaning you’ll have a well-manicured lawn. 

Bear in mind this convenience comes with an exorbitant price tag. But the good thing is that you will no longer experience aches in your hands or thumb that you would have otherwise by using a push mower. 

If your lawn is full of obstacles, a front-wheel drive lawn mower would be an excellent pick. That’s because you can easily push the mower down using the handles and pivot around any wall or corner with convenience. 

For uphill and side-hill mowing, rear-wheel drive mowers are the best bet. Even for backyards, a lawn mower with rear-wheel drive is considered ideal by experts because the front tires do not lose traction when handles are pushed while going uphill. 

And because all-wheel drive lawn mowers are made explicitly for cutting across any surface, we think it’s best for hilly terrains. 

6. Wheel Size

Last but not least, don’t forget to check the wheel size of the self-propelled lawn mower you’re planning to buy. Generally, lawn mowers have 2 types of wheels: high and low. 

High-wheel mowers feature front wheels of 8” and rear wheels of 9” to 12”. On the other hand, low-wheel mowers come equipped with 8” wheels on both the front and rear sides. 

It’s a no-brainer that larger wheels are better than small ones because of their traction. They also do a better job of smoothing out bumps, relieving users from the struggle of mowing uphill. 

What’s more, they roll over low-lying hard landscaping and barriers easily, thanks to the extra height clearance. 

Lowe’s or Amazon: Which is a reliable third-party seller of self-propelled lawn mowers?

While both are reliable third-party sellers, Amazon (company) is best because it’s home to lawn mowers from almost all brands across the globe. Also, Amazon is generous enough to offer returns on its products. That way, if you don’t like the lawn mower you’ve purchased, you can always contact the brand for returns. 

What is the life expectancy of an electric lawn mower?

Averagely, electric lawn mowers last for about 5 years, though much of it depends on the model, the make, and consumer practices. 

Is it safe to mow wet grass with an electric mower?

No, you should never mow your lawn when the grass is wet. That’s because if electricity comes in contact with water, you’ll be at a high risk of electrocution. 

With the 11 best self-propelled lawn mowers at your disposal, which model are you planning to go for? 

If you still haven’t decided, here are our top recommendations. Overall, the Greenworks Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower earns the top spot on our list for many reasons. Its TRUBRUSHLESS technology motor offers excellent torque so much that it can mow grasses on uneven surfaces. Also, it’s virtually maintenance-free, complete with 7-position height adjustment and collapsible handles. 

The EGO Power+ Self Propelled Lawn Mower is a close second, as it has a run time of about 80 minutes. This unit also offers high speed and torque for quick mowing without overheating. 

As a last piece of advice, don’t forget to consider your budget when selecting a lawn mower.