Electric vs Gas Lawn Mowers:
Which is Best For You?
Are you in the market for a new lawn mower?
Maybe your faithful old lawn mower cuts unevenly and makes strange noises, or perhaps you want to upgrade to something that can tackle weedy patches with ease. Maybe you’re going through a lifestyle change, such as starting a landscaping business or becoming a homeowner. (If so, congratulations!)
But as you look up various lawn mower models trying to figure out which one to get, you may be stumped by one simple question: does it make more sense to go with an electric lawn mower or a gas one?
Here at SteveCo Power, we’re committed to helping you find the best lawn mower for your requirements. That’s why we’ve put together this handy blog post to help you sort through one of your biggest lawnmower decisions—choosing between electric or gas lawn mowers.
Basic Differences Between Electric and Gas Lawn Mowers
Gasoline-powered lawnmowers have been around since the early 20th century and have steadily become more efficient and easy to manage. In the 1950s and 60s, electric lawnmowers became somewhat popular. However, these electric mowers had to be plugged in with an extension cord, limiting their maneuverability.
It’s only in recent decades that battery technology and environmental awareness have advanced to such a degree that electric lawn mowers are a serious competitor to gas mowers.
Despite the advances in electric lawn mower technology, gas mowers remain more powerful overall and cheaper upfront. However, electric mowers are powerful enough for most mowing jobs, and since electric power is much cheaper than gas power, they are cheaper to run.
Pros and Cons of Electric Vs. Gas Lawn Mowers
Ultimately, electric and gas mowers both have advantages and drawbacks. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each type.
Electric lawn mowers
Pros
- Electric lawn mowers are an environmentally friendly mower option because they produce fewer emissions.
- Electric mowers require less maintenance than gas mowers since they never need oil changes or spark plug replacements. (However, the battery may need replacing at times.)
- Electric mowers are much quieter than gas mowers.
- Electric mowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver—particularly cordless models.
- Over time, your electric mower will have lower operating costs since electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and electric mowers have fewer maintenance requirements.
- As the public grows concerned about the environment, your area may enact regulations requiring electric mowers, so buying one now may prevent having to replace your mower in the future.
Cons
- Electric lawnmowers have unique limitations compared to gas mowers. Corded electric mowers have reduced mobility and are limited by cord length, while battery-operated mowers are limited by battery life and charge time.
- Although electric mowers need very little maintenance compared to gas mowers, replacing the battery is expensive if it wears out.
- The initial cost of an electric mower may be higher.
- As a general rule, electric mowers are often less powerful and durable than their gas-powered counterparts, but this depends somewhat on the model.
Gas lawn mowers
Pros
- Gas mowers typically have more horsepower, providing more cutting power for thick or overgrown grass.
- Gas mowers are often more durable and capable of handling rough terrain, although this depends somewhat on the model.
- If your gas-powered mower runs out of gas, you can quickly refuel and keep going instead of waiting for a battery to charge.
- The initial cost of your gas mower will probably be lower than the equivalent electric mower.
Cons
- Gas mowers emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
- Gas mowers require more complex maintenance, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter changes.
- Gasoline engines are much louder than their electric counterparts.
- Gasoline engines are also heavier, so gas mowers may be more challenging to maneuver.
- Gas mowers have higher operating costs due to fuel and maintenance.
- Some areas have restrictions against gas mowers, and more restrictions may come in the future.
How to Choose the Lawn Mower That’s Right for You
The lawn mower market can feel overwhelming, with many brands, mower types, and features vying for your attention.
If you’re completely lost, we’ve written a variety of blog posts that can help you narrow down your choice, including:
- The Ultimate Lawn Mower Buying Guide: Top Features to Consider for a Perfect Lawn
- Cutting Edge Choices: Exploring Lawn Mower Types and Features
- A Beginner's Guide to Riding Mowers
When it comes to choosing between gas and electric mowers, it depends on what your mowing goals are.
If eco-friendliness is a high priority for you, or if you live in a place with strict emissions regulations that are likely to get even stricter, an electric mower is the way to go. Even though gas mowers have a reputation for power and durability, you can find electric mowers that perform excellently in those areas.
On the other hand, if you have a large property with lots of weeds and tall grass or if your career involves landscaping and lawn maintenance, you’ll probably be more satisfied with a gas-powered mower. An electric mower may not be up to the task, and you may end up frustrated when you run out of battery before you finish the job.
However, electric mowers are more popular for lighter tasks and smaller properties. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver, you never have to worry about buying gas, and maintenance is a breeze. Also, it’s nice to mow your lawn without waking up the neighborhood with the engine noise!
It’s worth noting that while most mower types come in both electric and gas-powered options, there are a few exceptions. Robotic mowers only come in electric models, whereas some high-power mower types have more gas-powered options than electric-powered ones.
It may be tempting to buy a gas-powered mower simply because that’s what you’ve always used. Still, we’d encourage you to make a more informed decision by reading reviews, talking to friends who’ve tried electric, and conversing with your local mower dealer!
How SteveCo Power Can Help
Ultimately, while it’s great to do online research on different mower types, the best way to find your perfect mower is to talk to a knowledgeable local mower dealer.
Your mower dealer will have lots of great information on electric vs gas lawn mowers, mower brands, mower features, and everything else you need to know when looking for a mower that will suit your needs.
Here at SteveCo Power, we love to connect people with their perfect lawn mower. Of course, understand that not everyone is in the market for a brand-new lawn mower! That’s why we also offer:
Ultimately, our goal is to help you work outdoors with comfort and pride with equipment that does what you want it to do with no uncomfortable surprises.
If you live in Pennsylvania in the Lancaster or Chester County area, please contact us, stop in and see us, or give us a call!
We look forward to hearing from you.