Is a Gas or Electric Lawn Mower Better? One Could Save You Big in the Long Run

Gas and electric lawn mowers perform the same basic function—they both cut grass with a fixed blade. The primary difference is what propels each. Gas mowers use a combustion engine to accelerate the fixed blade, while electric mowers use a battery to drive an electric motor that spins the fixed blade. If you're in the market for a new mower, you may wonder which type is best. To help you decide, we consulted lawn care experts who explained the differences between gas and electric mowers in terms of maintenance, cost, performance, and other factors. 

Maintenance Time and Costs

Electric mowers generally require less maintenance than gas mowers, says Eric Halfman, go-to-market manager for riding lawn equipment and gator utility vehicles at John Deere. "You don’t need to perform regular oil changes or any maintenance to the fuel system," Halfman says. "Gas mowers require filter replacements and fuel changes, which can incur additional costs. Electric mowers often come at a higher price tag, but generally have fewer maintenance needs."

Run Times

Gas mowers can operate as long as you have fuel on hand—just refill and keep going. "Battery-powered electric mowers usually run for 30 to 60 minutes per charge, depending on the model and battery capacity," says Skye Durrant, founder of LawnGuru, a platform that connects homeowners with top-tier landscaping pros. "That said, like cans of gas, you can extend that run time with additional batteries. Some higher-end models offer extended run times thanks to multiple battery slots."

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Noise Levels

A traditional gas mower can emit between 85 and 90 dB(A)s of sound, says Scott Porteous, robotics product manager with Husqvarna. The noise is similar to a blender or a motorcycle. "Gas mowers often are louder due to their combustion engines," explains Louis Danet, product manager with STIHL. "Electric mowers offer lower noise, ideal for residential areas where noise might be a concern."

Environmental Concerns

There are low-emissions engine technologies for gas mowers, Danet says. "However, battery-powered mowers produce zero exhaust emissions during use and are much cleaner overall," he explains.

There’s no getting around the fact that gas mowers burn fossil fuels and release greenhouse gases. "In general, they have notoriously poor emission standards compared to modern car engines," Durrant warns. "Electric mowers are a much more environmentally friendly option."

Performance

Gas mowers generally deliver more raw power, which can be helpful for cutting thick, tall, or wet grass. "Modern electric mowers, however, have come a long way and now offer comparable cutting performance for most residential lawns, with advanced motor technology and optimized blade designs," explains Danet. "Many battery-powered models feature versatile cutting systems that allow users to switch between mulching, bagging, side- and rear-discharge modes."

Which Do Lawn Care Professionals Prefer?

While gas mowers are a great solution for anyone with a large yard or one with uneven or steep terrain, they are also heavier, louder, and require regular maintenance that includes changing a spark plug, air filter, checking oil and fuel levels, sharpening the blades, and keeping the mower clean. "This can be expensive," says Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist working for Online Turf. "But professionals, including our company, usually prefer petrol mowers as you do not have to worry about the battery running out in the middle of a job or the mower not having enough power to produce good results."

Most of Durrant’s lawn care professionals still rely on gas, as well, for the same reasons. "However, more pros are beginning to switch to battery-powered equipment like blowers and trimmers as cities crack down on noise and emissions," he says. "I think many lawn professionals will prefer electric mowers once battery run times can support a full day's work and costs come down."

Which Is Most Cost-Effective?

Electric mowers are usually more expensive to purchase than gas mowers, Halfman says. "However, they generally have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts, which makes them more cost-effective in the long run," he explains. "Gas mowers may be cheaper upfront, but have higher ongoing expenses."

Gas mowers usually have a lower upfront cost, making them appealing for budget-conscious buyers, Danet says. "Over time, though, electric mowers often prove more economical due to no fuel costs and lower maintenance and repair costs," he explains. "The long-term savings can outweigh the initial investment, especially for most residential users."