10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers for 2024 | Australian Guide

Why Should You Buy an Electric Lawn Mower?

• Quiet operation – These lawn mowers are significantly quiet when compared to petrol lawn mowers, operating at about 75 decibels, which is approximately the same noise level as a normal conversation.
  
  This protects your hearing and makes this chore a lot more enjoyable for you and your neighbours.
  
  
• Low maintenance – These machines are almost completely maintenance-free. Aside from cleaning it off after using it and replacing blades as needed, electric lawn mowers are hassle-free.
  
  
• Easy operation – There’s no need to buy, store or mix fuels, and you won’t run out of fuel either.
  
  
• Lightweight – As they don’t have that heavy motor and fuel tank, electric lawn mowers are smaller and lighter than petrol models. This makes them easy to transport and manoeuvre, making mowing the lawn fast and strain-free.
  
  
• Eco-friendly – These mowers emit no fumes or greenhouse gasses, and they don’t use fossil fuels, making them a great choice for homeowners conscious of climate change, pollution and their carbon footprint.
  
  
• Affordable – Using electricity is substantially cheaper than fuelling your petrol lawn mower, and you save even more down the line as you don’t need to pay for engine tune-ups/servicing, oil, spark plug and fuel filter replacements either.

Types of Electric Lawn Mower

When you want to buy an electric lawn mower, you’ll have to choose between two types – corded and battery lawn mowers.

Corded electric lawn mowers 

These mowers are continuously supplied with electricity via an electric cord that can plug into any outlet in your home. They are usually lighter and more affordable than battery lawn mowers.

You can extend the range of this mower easily for larger gardens by adding on a rated extension cord, but there is the hassle of dragging a cord behind you that can snag on bushes and landscaping.

Battery lawn mower  

Also called a cordless lawn mower, battery lawn mowers solve the issue of having to drag a cord behind you, giving you complete freedom and full range when you are mowing.

They tend to be a bit heavier and a bit more expensive because of the batteries, and you will also have to charge and possibly recharge the battery when mowing.

You will also have to replace the batteries every 5 years or so as they lose their ability to hold a charge over time. Here are some tips on how to maintain your lawn mower batteries.

Which is Better – Corded Electric Lawn Mower or Cordless Mower?

Both mowers have their pros and cons, and it’s all about seeing what is right for you and your garden.

Pros of Corded Electric Lawn Mowers

• Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
• Constant, unlimited power supply
• Lower cost
• Runs at full power all the time

Cons of Corded Electric Lawn Mowers

• Range is limited by cord length
• Cord can get run over to tangled in plants and landscaping

Best Suited To:

The best corded electric lawn mowers are best suited to smaller to medium-sized gardens where the lawn can be covered by the range of the cord (or the cord plus an extension cord), where you have an easily accessible outlet, and where you need more power to cut through tall/thick grass.

Pros of Cordless Lawn Mowers

• Unlimited range
• Increased mobility (don’t have to constantly watch out for a cord)
• Similar experience to using a petrol lawn mower

Cons of Cordless Lawn Mowers

• Limited operating time depending on the battery capacity
• Heavier due to the weight of the battery
• Higher cost due to the batteries
• Slightly more maintenance (charging the batteries, replacing them after their lifespan has run out

Best Suited To:

The best battery lawn mowers are well-suited to medium-sized gardens or gardens with more complex landscaping where cords can get damaged or tangled.

It’s also a good choice for people who are familiar with petrol lawn mowers and want a similar experience. If you do consider a battery lawn mower, try to get one that offers a spare battery so you can swap out easily while you work.

Remember, the higher the voltage on the battery, the more powerful the mower will be.

How to Maintain Your Electric Mower

Electric lawn mowers don’t need oil, spark plugs, air filters or petrol, but they do need a little maintenance to stay in perfect condition.

• Cleaning – Remove the battery and/or safety key and use a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt and debris in the undercarriage and blade. Wear protective gloves to prevent injury from the blade or use a blower/air compressor to blow out the debris.
  
  Do not use a pressure washer or lots of water, as this can force moisture into the motor and cause corrosion.
  
  
• Battery and cord – Check the battery and cord for wear and damage before you use your mower. There should be no exposed wires on your mower cord.
  
  Always store your battery and mower in a dry location to extend the lifespan. With proper care, a battery should last 5 years.

1. Ryobi One+ Battery Lawn Mower
Best Battery Lawn Mower in Australia

One of the most affordable yet powerful battery lawn mowers on the market, this model has a practical 40cm cutting width that’s a great choice for small to medium-sized gardens with around 400 square meters of lawn.

It can handle thick grass with ease and produces good quality mulch. One of the best things about this mower is that it is very lightweight at 14kg and easy to use, so anyone can mow the lawn without breaking into a sweat.

Although the battery has a 2 hour charge time, you get two batteries with your mower so you can swap out without waiting, with each battery lasting about 40 minutes. The cutting height adjusts between 20-70mm, and it’s single bar blade allows you to cut right up close to walls and fencing. 

2. EGO LM2022E-SP 56V Battery Lawn Mower

The EGO LM2022E-SP has the most powerful battery we’ve ever come across in an electric mower, packing a 56V punch, and powering one of the most advanced lawn mowers we’ve ever come across.

With three variable heights, multiple speed settings, and a powerful self-driving motor, it’s not just the most powerful but it’s the best performing lawn mower we’ve used.

The steel chassis is durable, and stands up to a lot of wear and tear, with tough wheels for riding uneven ground, and headlights to keep cutting into the evening.

I’ve tried and tried to find a negative with the EGO POWER+ 50cm mower but I just can’t. I thought for a moment that it might have a short run time, but no, it can run for 45 minutes on a single charge, which is enough to cover over half an acre.

3. Makita DLM382CT2 36V Cordless Lawn Mower

Electric mowers have come on so much in recent years. It used to be that the budget end of electric mowers were frustratingly corded, low-powered, and had tiny catcher bags. Today, they couldn’t look more different.

The cheapest cordless mower from Makita is the 36V 380mm DLM382CT2, which comes with two fast-charging batteries, and a 40L catcher bag. It can easily cover 560 square metres, and stores easily.

For any medium-sized garden, you’d be foolish to overlook this budget-friendly model that can do most of what the higher end electric mowers can do. The only compromises are cutting width and a slight reduction in power.

4. Bosch ARM 37 Corded Electric Lawn Mower

This corded electric lawn mower is a push lawn mower with a 1400W motor, a 40 litre grass catchment box, and a 10m cord. It has a 37cm cutting width and, with its grass combs, it can cut very precisely along tight borders and flowerbeds.

You can adjust the cutting height easily between 20-70mm. It’s ergonomic and lightweight design (12.5 kgs) make it easy to use without straining your back, and the handles fold away for easy storage too. It comes with a warranty of 2 years.

5. WORX WG779 40V Battery Mower

The Worx WG779 is a cordless mower powered by a 40V battery, giving it the ability to mow over 500 square meters of lawn on a single charge. Conveniently, this mower comes with two 4.0Ah lithium ion batteries, allowing you to double your mowing time without having to wait while recharging.

It’s 2-in-1 design allows you to mulch or discharge at the rear as well as mow, and it has an easily-accessible lever for adjusting cutting height.

It also has some great additional features including intellicut technology to deliver power on demand, foam-padded handles for comfort, and battery power level indicators.

6. Makita LM001CX3 Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

Electric lawn mowers have traditionally been significantly less powerful than their petrol-powered counterparts. Makita are ready to challenge that with their latest electric model.

This lawn mower really is the complete package, with a powerful 36V battery that recharges quickly and covers 5,400 square metres in a single charge.

Running at 2800 rpm it easily rivals most petrol mowers and doesn’t pollute in the process. Its 70L grass box is bigger than most petrol mowers too, making it the ideal choice for large gardens.

Oh, and did we mention that it’s insanely good at its job? The 4 swing-back blades produce neat cuts and catch almost every single blade of grass as they go, leaving your lawn looking perfect.

7. Swift 40V Brushless Cordless Lawn mower

Weighing just 13kgs, this is one of the lightest cordless electric mowers on the market. It has a narrow cutting width of 32cm, making it easy to reach into tight corners.

Using metal blades and a powerful 40 volt battery, this mower is efficient and handles different grass types with ease. You can adjust your cutting height between 5 different options ranging from 20-60mm, making it easy to work on any terrain, even if your lawn is uneven or sloped.

It comes with a battery, charger and 30 litre grass box as well as a 2 year machine warranty and 1 year battery warranty. You can cut up to 250 square meters on a single charge.

8. Greenworks 21-Inch Battery Lawn Mower

This is a battery-powered self-propelled mower that makes mowing your lawn easy on your back. With a cutting width of 53cm and a 40 volt battery, it can make short work of your lawn.

You get 7 different settings for cutting height ranging from 35-95mm as well as a 3-in-1 steel cutting deck offering mulching, discharge and bagging capabilities.

The turbo power mode allows you to cut very thick grass with ease and the handles are comfortable and ergonomically designed. It is ideal for gardens around ½ to ¾ of an acre and comes with a 4 year warranty on both the machine and the battery.

9. Swift 40V EB137CD Cordless Lawnmower

Another good quality offering from Swift is the 40V battery-powered EB137CD. With a larger cutting width of 37cm, this mower has a steel cutting blade and an advanced digital motor to enhance efficiency.

One full charge will easily cut 250 square meters of lawn, and the 25-75mm cutting height allows you to mow all terrains with ease. It comes with a 40 litre grass box, child lock and foldable frame for easy storage.

It has a 2 year warranty on the machine and a 1 year warranty on the battery. It weighs 21.5kgs, making transport and handling easy.

10. Greenworks 16-Inch Battery Powered Lawn Mower

A very compact machine from Greenworks, this battery-powered mower is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and where storage is at a premium.

It has a narrow cutting width of 40cm, allowing you to mow into tighter spaces, and 5 height settings ranging between 30-80mm for cutting on every type of terrain, including uneven or sloping lawns.

It offers rear-bagging and mulching capabilities and can handle all grass types easily. In terms of operating time, the powerful 4Ah battery runs for approximately 45 minutes per charge.

The Ryobi One+ Battery Lawn Mower is our best electric lawn mower for 2024 for a number of great reasons. It is exceptionally affordable while still offering great cutting power and useful feature.

It is exceptionally affordable while still offering great cutting power and useful features, including mulching capabilities, an adjustable cutting height of 20-70mm, and the ability to mow right up close to flower beds and fences for a neat finish.

It’s lightweight at just 14kgs, and it can cut up to 400 square meters of lawn in one charge, which is perfect for most gardens.

Impressively, it also comes with 2 batteries, which is fantastic value for money and allows you to double your running time without any hassle, making it one of the best battery lawn mowers around.

EGO are storming the electric lawn mower market in a big way right now. They’ve got motors that hold charge and run so efficiently that they outperform any other brand in their price range by miles. The 60L grass catcher bag is an indication of its performance, which boasts a 50cm cutting width, and over half an acre of coverage on a single charge.

And in case you’re a little on the fence about this relatively young brand, it comes with a five-year warranty on the mower, which also covers the battery and charger for three years.

Makita’s budget-friendly electric mower is more powerful than most petrol mowers were a few years ago. Electric lawn mowers are fast catching up with their petrol counterparts, and it’s only a matter of time before they take over completely.

If you want to get in before it’s too late, check out the Makita DLM382CT2 with a 560 square metres coverage and a generous 40Lcatch bag. Ideal for most gardens, and easy to store too.

Electric Lawn Mower Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric mowers powerful enough?

While they are not as powerful as petrol lawn mowers, both corded and battery lawn mowers have enough power to tackle any lawn with ease, even if the grass is thick and tall.

If you have a more challenging garden and want a cordless model, look for a machine with a higher voltage battery (around 80 volts) to deliver the most cutting power.

Is it cheaper to run a petrol or electric lawn mower?

Electric lawn mowers are cheaper to run, and are less effective against long grass. On standard, well-kept lawns, electric lawn mowers are cheaper to run and operate, as well as having lower maintenance requirements than petrol options.

Are electric mowers powerful enough?

Electric lawn mowers are powerful enough to cut most lawns. For long grass, you can get high-powered electric lawn mowers with short run times that do the job well but slowly. For typical lawns though, electric mowers are more than up to the task.

Are battery mowers any good?

The main problem with battery lawn mowers is their run time, often needing to be charged after 20-30 minutes of use. Corded electric lawn mowers are better for larger gardens, but battery mowers are great for small yards or gardens with smaller lawns.

Is it ok to leave an electric mower outside?

Some electric mowers, and particularly automatic lawn mowers, are designed to be stored outside, but unless it specifically says so in the specifications, it's best to keep any battery-operated or corded electric lawn mowers indoors, either in the shed or a garage when not in use.

Can an electric lawn mower cut thick grass?

Tall thick grass is often too hard for most electric lawn mowers to handle, but some of the battery-powered lawn mowers we’ve tested out have been great for even the toughest of terrains, with self-drive and higher torque than some traditional petrol options.

Are electric lawn mowers hard to push?

Self-driven electric lawn mowers are easy to push and move under their own steam, but old-fashioned electric mowers like Flymo models are really quite hard to push over bumpy ground or uneven surfaces.

What is the life expectancy of a battery powered lawn mower?

Battery operated lawn mowers have a standard warranty of 5 years from most manufacturers, but even the cheapest models from the 1990s are still going strong, so it’s pretty safe to say that corded electric and battery lawn mowers can last for well over twenty or even thirty years if properly maintained.

Do electric lawn mowers need oil?

Electric lawn mowers don’t need oil, petrol, or any of the common maintenance that comes with keeping up a petrol lawn mower. For most gardeners who don’t want to spend days at a time maintaining their petrol mower, electric mowers are a good low-maintenance alternative.

Where should you store an electric lawn mower?

A watertight garage is the best place for an electric lawn mower. If you have a shed, make sure its roof is sealed, and it hasn’t got any holes for rats or other pests to get in. corded electric lawn mowers are particularly at risk against pest damage in sheds, so make sure any storage space is secure.

Is 4 inches too high to cut grass?

A few years ago, the idea of cutting grass to 4 inches would be unthinkable, but most lawn mowers are capable of it, and it’s actually better for your soil, weed prevention, and wildlife. The majority of electric mowers can easily be raised up to accommodate 4-inch long grass.

Why is my electric lawn mower not cutting grass evenly?

Your electric lawn mower will have height adjusters, either on each wheel, or just one mechanism for the entire machine. If you have independent wheel adjusters, make sure they are at the same height as your mower may stop cutting your grass evenly if the wheels aren’t level with the blade.

Are electric lawn mowers reliable?

Yes, they are very reliable – especially when you buy a quality machine and maintain it well. Fortunately, electric mowers require very little maintenance! All you need to do is clean it after using it.

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

Electricity and water are famously bad partners, but the reality is simpler than that: you should never cut wet grass anyway. It’s best not to cut your grass when it is wet, regardless of what type of lawn mower you have.

That’s because you can damage the lawn mower because of the additional strain that cutting through thick, bent over grass puts on the machine. It will also clog up the lawn mower and won’t mulch well.

Mowing wet grass can also damage your lawn, as the soft, slippery soil can cause the mower to sink in and rip out the roots of the grass. An electric mower presents additional risks to you, as you risk electrical shock.

Not yet 100% sure to go for an electric lawn mower? Do some more research by reading our buying guides of different types of mowers below:

• Robot lawn mowers
• Self propelled lawn mowers
• Push lawn mowers
• Petrol lawn mowers
• Electric riding mowers
• Zero turn mowers
• Ride on mowers