Gas vs. Electric Lawn Mowers: What’s the Difference?

Electric and gas mowers being compared

Deciding between a gas or electric lawn mower comes down to whether you prioritize horsepower or eco-friendliness. Both types of mowers have pros and cons related to lawn size, maintenance requirements, and cost.

Gas-powered lawn mowers are known for their excellent cutting power, but are loud and require the most maintenance. Electric lawn mowers are eco-friendly and either corded or battery-powered. While corded models are affordable, they’re only suitable for the littlest lawns. Battery-powered lawn mowers offer similar features to gas-powered models, but they can have short runtimes.

Key Differences Between Electric and Gas Lawn Mowers

A teal-colored electric corded lawn mower
Photo Credit: Pixabay
FactorGas-Powered Lawn MowersCorded-Electric Lawn MowersBattery-Powered Lawn Mowers
MaintenanceHigh MaintenanceLow MaintenanceLow Maintenance 
RuntimeLong RuntimeLongest RuntimeShortest Runtime
Yard SizeBest For Large LawnsBest For Small LawnsBest For Medium to Small Lawns
CostHighest ExpenseLowest ExpenseModerate Expense
Cutting PowerHighest Cutting PowerLowest Cutting PowerGood Cutting Power
WeightHeaviestLightestLightweight, But Heavier Than Corded Mowers
NoiseNoisy Fairly QuietFairly Quiet
Eco-FriendlinessLarge Environmental ImpactSmallest Environmental Impact (especially if powered by wind or solar energy)Very Little Environmental Impact

Gas mowers have traditionally been the go-to choice for both professionals and homeowners. However, with recent improvements in technology, electric lawn mowers have become nearly as advanced as gas mowers and each type has specific advantages. Remember, an electric lawn mower can operate via battery or electric cord

Electric mowers are eco-friendly and require less maintenance, but are better suited for small lawns. Gas mowers are more powerful, and better for larger lawns but require more maintenance and expenses.

Pro Tip: It’s important to store and maintain your lawn mower properly, regardless of the type. All mowers need to be cleaned, have their blades sharpened, and should be kept in a dry, protected location, such as a garage or shed.

Maintenance

Man refueling the lawnmower
Photo Credit: Khaligo / Adobe Stock Free / License

Gas lawn mowers require the most maintenance of any mower type. They need regular gas, oil, air filter, spark plug, and fuel stabilizer changes.

Corded lawn mowers require very little maintenance. They don’t need regular changing of fluids or parts of the machine to work properly. Instead, regularly inspect the cord to ensure it is in good condition.

Battery lawn mowers also require very little maintenance and don’t require changing fluids or parts regularly. The battery should be inspected regularly and replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Runtime

electric, corded lawn mower on a partially mowed lawn
Photo Credit: Mike Prosser / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Gas lawn mowers have a long runtime, but runtime also depends on the difficulty of the project. A full gas tank can allow a gas-powered lawn mower to run for several hours. However, mowing dense, overgrown grass may reduce the runtime to as little as 45 minutes.

Corded lawn mowers have the longest runtime of any type. Since they are plugged into a grounded outlet, they receive consistent power. This means that corded lawn mowers do not run out of gas or battery. 

Battery lawn mowers have the shortest runtime of the bunch. Their batteries typically last 45 to 50 minutes when fully charged. Many homeowners may benefit from buying a backup battery.

Yard Size

Man pushing lawn mower
Photo Credit: Mikhailov Studio / Adobe Stock Free / License

Gas lawn mowers are great for large lawns since they are highly powerful and easy to maneuver. 

Corded lawn mowers are perfect for the littlest lawns out there. Since the cord limits their maneuverability, they only work well in lawns that are simply shaped and no larger than one-quarter acre.

Battery lawn mowers are good for small lawns but are easier to maneuver than corded models and offer more range. Battery life typically is what limits these lawn mowers from tackling large lawns and they are only recommended for yards that are one-quarter to one-third of an acre.

Cost

electric lawn mower showing top of mower and battery compartment
Photo Credit: Amy Stenglein / LawnStarter

Self-propelled gas lawn mowers are typically the most expensive models with an average cost of $604. Manual push mowers will be cheaper, costing around $286. Gas mowers with several additional features can cost as much as $2,072.

Corded lawn mowers are the least expensive and models can cost as little as $108.

Battery lawn mowers are often less expensive than gas mowers costing an average of $322. However, top-of-the-line models can cost more than some gas mowers, as much as $1,712.

To learn more about lawn mower prices check out our guide How Much Does A Lawn Mower Cost?

Cutting Power

man mowing his lawn with tall grass
Photo Credit: timonko / Adobe Stock Free / License

Gas lawn mowers have the most cutting power. You’ll be able to know how powerful a gas lawn mower is by checking the product description. Power for gas mowers is measured in cubic centimeters or “cc”. The higher the cc on the label, the more powerful the machine.

Corded lawn mowers are the least powerful but their power output is consistent. Since these models use an outlet their cutting power can be measured in amps. The higher the level of amps, the more power your mower has. Most models have between 9 and 13 amps.

Battery lawn mowers have more power than corded mowers, but power may lessen as the battery runs out. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries most battery lawn mowers use are measured in volts or “V”. The higher the voltage, the stronger the battery. Typically, these batteries are available in 18V, 20V, 40V, and 80V.

Note: In terms of torque, gas mowers have 4.50 and 8.75 ft-lbs of torque, while electric lawn mowers offer an average of 2 and 2.5 ft-lbs of torque. Corded mowers are on the lower end of that range, and battery-powered models offer slightly more torque.

Weight

self propelled lawn mower on grass
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Gas lawn mowers are the heaviest type of lawn mower. Their gas-powered engines offer superior cutting performance but also add weight to the mower. This can make it harder to maneuver on oddly shaped lawns or lawns with difficult terrain. However, the added power of this engine makes them ideal for large lawns.

Corded lawn mowers are the lightest of the bunch. Their lightweight design makes them easier to operate and maneuver, especially on challenging terrain. However, the cord can often get in the way, restricting the mower’s maneuverability and limiting corded mowers to small lawns.

Battery lawn mowers are lighter than gas mowers but heavier than corded models. The rechargeable battery on this mower type adds some weight, but they offer a middle ground of being lighter in weight but not held back by a cord. However, they often have short runtimes, limiting them to smaller lawns.

Noise

Female legs of woman using lawn mower.
Photo Credit: serhiibobyk / Adobe Stock Free / License

Gas lawn mowers are the noisiest lawn mower type. This is due to their loud gas-powered engines.

Corded lawn mowers are fairly quiet because they don’t use a noisy gas-powered engine. Instead, they draw their power from an outlet allowing them to be operated with very little noise.

Battery lawn mowers are similarly quiet due to the power they draw from lithium-ion batteries rather than a gas engine. 

Note: In general, most gas lawn mowers produce 95 decibels of sound while electric models only produce 75 decibels. This is like operating a motorcycle versus a vacuum cleaner or washing machine.

Eco-Friendliness

Gas lawn mowers have a large environmental impact. Their gas-powered engines produce emissions that can be detrimental to you and the environment. Additionally, the gasoline refineries required to produce the gas for your mower, also have an impact on pollution.

Corded lawn mowers have the least environmental impact. The machine itself does not release harmful emissions, however, the electricity plant that powers your home may use coal which hurts the environment.

Battery lawn mowers have very little impact on the environment during use. Like corded mowers, these models do not release harmful emissions. However, the mining needed to produce lithium-ion batteries has a negative environmental impact and so does improper disposal of the batteries themselves.

Which Lawn Mower Is Right for You?

For large or dense lawns, gas mowers offer added power and range. Electric mowers are best for smaller lawns, but the choice largely depends on budget, runtime, and eco-friendliness. 

Corded mowers are the most affordable and provide consistent power. However, they are limited by the length of the cord. Battery-powered mowers are more maneuverable but have shorter runtimes and can cost as much or more than gas-powered models.

FAQ About Gas and Electric Lawn Mowers

Are gas-powered mowers banned in California?

As of January 1, 2024, both homeowners and lawn care professionals in California can’t purchase gas-powered lawn mowers and other lawn equipment from retail stores in the state. This law only applies to lawn equipment sales beginning in 2024 and doesn’t apply to tools you already own.

For more information about this law and how it may affect you check out our guide Top 14 FAQ’s About California’s Green Lawn Care Law.

How long do lawn mowers last?

Most gas-powered mowers can last 10 years or more while electric mowers last an average of 5 years. However, top-of-the-line battery-powered models can last up to 10 years, and we’re likely to see electric mowers that are more powerful and longer-lasting in the future.

How often should I replace my lawn mower’s battery?

Lead-acid batteries should be replaced every 3 years. Lithium-ion batteries last longer, anywhere from 3 to 5 years.

Hire a Pro to Mow Your Lawn

Gas mowers are still favored by professionals and homeowners who require extra power. Battery-powered lawn mowers offer rechargeable batteries and some of the same features as gas mowers while corded mowers are affordable and great for super small lawns. Whether you prefer an electric or gas mower, you can find great options at your local hardware store.

Even if you purchase the ultimate mowing machine, you may not want to spend your weekend in the yard. Contact a local lawn care professional who can take care of your lawn maintenance needs for you. With their expertise, your lawn will look as sharp as your mower blades, and you can enjoy your free time without breaking a sweat.

Electric: Ivan Radic / Flickr / CC BY 2.0, Gas: Alexas_Fotos / Pixabay, created using Canva Pro

Beck Carter

Beck Carter

Beck is a creative writer from Central Texas. She graduated with an MFA in poetry from Texas State University. Beck enjoys martial arts, kayaking, and walking her wiener dog, Cookie.