6 Best Electric Riding Mowers | Australian Buying Guide 2024

1. EGO ZT4204E-L POWER+ Z6 Brushless Ride On Mower

I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with a lawn mower, but the idea of driving around in sport mode between lawns is exciting.

With a top speed of 13 km/h it really does whizz along. But the EGO zero turn mower is more than just gimmicks, it’s a brilliant lawn mower at its heart.

The adjustable blade depth gives even, pristine cuts every time, and its steering is super intuitive, meaning that even beginners can get right into the edges, and underneath hedging.

If you’ve got the money, and the space, you’d be daft not to invest in a tool this good.

2. Baumr-AG 360RX Brushless Electric Ride On Lawn Mower

Five acres per charge is basically unheard of with electric mowers, but the tech is catching up with our expectations rapidly, and it is about time too. This compact ride on mower by Baumr-AG is about as smart as they come, with the same build quality as even the toughest petrol mowers.

It has got a simple steering system that anyone can get the hang of in seconds, and with its centre-mounted blades, there just isn’t anything simpler.

The 36” BAUMR-AG ride on mower is great if you’re looking for a simple ride on lawn mower for a reasonable price, and with three acres per charge, there are few ride on mowers that match up.

3. Cub Cadet 30 E Battery Ride On Mower

4. RYOBI 48V Battery Powered Riding Mower

5. Cub Cadet XT1 LT42e Battery Ride On Mower

6. Baumr-AG 300RX Brushless Electric Ride On Lawn Mower

This brushless Baumr-AG ride on mower might be tiny, but it is capable of cutting 2 acres on a single charger, with a run time of about 6.5 hours on a standard flat lawn. 

In our experience with ride on mowers, this is the longest-running electric ride on there is, but there is a clear compromise in its smaller cutting deck, meaning it’s taking longer to do those larger lawns.

In terms of mod cons like cup holders and USB charging points, the BAUMR-AG 30” is about the cheapest you can go with a reliable brand and still get a good cutting time.

If you’ve got anything like an acre of lawn to mow, this is a great mower, but if you have a bigger estate to manage, consider looking for something with a larger blade to slice your mowing time down to a couple of hours.

Why Buy an Electric Riding Mower?

• Quiet – Electric riding mowers are very quiet compared to their petrol counterparts, generally generating about 80 decibels of noise (about the same amount of noise as an air conditioner), compared to the approximately 100 decibels of a petrol mower.
  
  This is easy on your ears, helping to prevent noise-related hearing damage as well as keeping your neighbours happy!
• Zero emissions – With green living becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle, it’s great to have a riding lawn mower that gets the job done and supports the environment! Electric engines produce no emissions, which is good for the planet and your lungs.
• Low maintenance – Electric riding mowers need far less maintenance than petrol mowers. There’s no fuel, oil, belt servicing or engine maintenance needed. All you have to do is keep your mower clean and store it properly while it’s not in use.
• Compact – Electric riding mowers are generally lighter in weight and more compact in design than petrol versions. This means they are easier to store, and that they can maneuverer into tight corners and sections of the lawn with ease.
• Comfort and speed – Most people don’t enjoy mowing the lawn – it’s just a task that needs to get done. But with an electric riding mower, this task is more enjoyable, more comfortable and faster to complete than ever before.
  
  With ergonomic design and a powerful motor, there’s no strain on your back, arms or body, and you can power through even the largest lawned areas quickly.

What to Look for in an Electric Riding Mower

Here are some important features to consider before making your purchase:

• Speed – How quickly your mower can get the job done is always an important consideration, especially if you have a larger lawn or if you are supplying commercial lawn services.
• Cruise control – Top-of-the-line electric riding mowers offer cruise control, so you don’t have to sit with your foot on the pedal while you mow, which makes the process much more comfortable.
  
  This is recommended for larger lawned spaces or professional lawn services providers where you have to work with the machine for longer periods of time.
• Transmission – Mowers can be manual with gears or automatic, just like a car. Manual means more work (but more control) for you, while automatic means simple, easy operation.
• Zero-turn – Zero-turn mowers have the tightest turning radius, allowing you to get around shrubs, flowerbeds and other obstacles more easily. More agile than other mowers, they are recommended for level, even lawns where you want a perfect finish.
• Cutting width – This refers to how wide a path the mower will cut on each turn. The larger the cutting width, the fewer passes you’ll make, so the job gets done faster.
  
  However, a wide cutting width can be a problem if you have to get through more narrow spaces, making the machine more challenging to maneuverer.
• Warranty and brand – Electric riding lawn mowers are not cheap, so it’s important to protect your investment. Choosing a well-known brand means you get better access to support and parts, and you know what you’re buying.
  
  Good warranties of 2-5 years mean that if anything should happen to your mower, you’re covered.

Electric Riding Mower Frequently Asked Questions

How long do electric riding lawn mowers last?

Electric lawn mowers typically last longer than petrol mowers simply because their engines are simpler and less maintenance is required. With proper care, a good electric lawn mower should last for thirty or more years, but most come with a 5-10 year warranty.

Is an electric start lawn mower worth it?

Electric lawn mowers can save time and money in the long run, without the need to buy fuel, and the relatively inexpensive electric charging. While they do still have some catching up to do with petrol mowers in terms of power and battery life, they are definitely worth the investment.

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

Electric riding mowers are cheaper to run than petrol mowers, but they do require more regular charging and cannot manage the same coverage as petrol mowers.

One way to mediate the distance problem is to have two sets of charged batteries for larger gardens.

Are electric riding mowers powerful enough?

Electric riding mowers are powerful enough to tackle most lawns, but low-power mowers will struggle to cope with damp grass or overgrown lawns simply due to power.

Can electric riding mowers cut long grass?

Electric riding mowers have less torque than gas-powered mowers, so regardless of the engine capacity, rpm, or anything else, long grass will be a challenge for any electric mower on the market.

An easy fix is to whipper snipper the grass before using the mower for a neat finish.

Can you leave an electric mower over winter?

Any lithium batteries can be badly affected by cold snaps. The electric riding mower itself won’t be affected as long as it stays dry over winter, but it is important to store your batteries somewhere above freezing and in a safe, dry location to prolong their life.

Is there any maintenance on an electric riding mower?

While there is significantly less maintenance on electric riding mowers than their gas counterparts, they do still need some regular upkeep. If you’ve cut long grass or damp grass, make sure to clean out the blades, and make sure the battery is corrosion free and stored away from frosts or damp conditions.

What’s the difference between an electric riding mower, and a lawn tractor?

Electric riding mowers and lawn tractors work equally well on most lawns, but the key difference is the position of the blade. Electric lawn tractors have centre-mounted blades, so you are sat over the blades, while most ride-on mowers, especially modern zero-turn electric mowers, have front-mounted blades to get right into the corners of your lawn, and under hedges.

Do electric mowers need oil?

Electric mowers are really easy to maintain and require very little mechanical know-how. They don’t need oil changes, air filters or spark plugs, and anything associated with engine upkeep is a thing of the past. 

How many acres can an electric mower cut?

Depending on the charge time and battery life of your electric riding mower you can expect to cut between 0.5 and 2 acres on a single charge. Mowers with multiple batteries will go further, and those with less torque and higher RPMs will cut faster, but struggle with bumpy lawns or longer grass.

Are electric mowers cheaper in the long run?

Unlike electric cars, electric mowers are actually cheaper to maintain and don’t require any specialist upkeep. Their batteries are cheap to replace, and easy to charge, so they are much cheaper in the long run without any need for regular checks or servicing.

Can you hose off an electric mower?

Electric mowers might be easy to maintain, but if you have used them out in the rain, or in damp conditions they can get dirty quickly. Don’t use a hose or pressure washer to rinse down your electric mower as any gaps between the chassis parts can let water into the motor.

Instead, rinse it down with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge, being careful to avoid any electric parts.

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