Electric Lawn Mower vs. Gas Lawn Mower: Which Is Better?

When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn, choosing the right mower is crucial. Two popular options are electric lawn mowers and gas lawn mowers. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, making them suitable for different needs and preferences. This article aims to compare these two types of lawn mowers to help you make an informed decision. 

What is an Electric Lawn Mower?

Types of Electric Mowers

Electric mowers can be categorized into corded or battery-powered types, and each can be divided into more forms depending on the way they cut.

Corded Lawn Mowers:

Corded mowers provide continuous power without the need for battery charging. They are typically lighter and more affordable than cordless models. However, their mobility is limited by the length of the power cord. 

Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers: A walk-behind lawn mower is typically equipped with a handlebar for steering and control. Users can push the machine across the lawn, providing a good workout and greater control over the mowing pace.

Reel Lawn Mowers: A reel mower utilizes a set of blades mounted on a rotating cylindrical reel with an electric motor. It’s manual or powered by human force.

Electric Hedge Trimmers: An electric hedge trimmer uses the motor’s power to move the blades back and forth to trim hedges, shrubs, and other types of foliage.

Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

As the name implies, battery-powered mowers operate on rechargeable batteries, offering greater mobility and freedom from cords. They are available in various battery capacities, affecting their run time and cutting area.

Battery Riding Mowers: The equipment lets the operator sit or stand on the machine while mowing. It is powered by electric batteries instead of gas. It offers a more comfortable alternative to push mowers.

Battery Zero-Turn Mowers: A battery zero-turn mower can pivot 180 or 360 degrees on the spot, making it particularly effective for navigating around obstacles like tress, flower beds, and garden furniture.

Walk-Behind Cordless Mowers: These push mowers require the operator to manually guide them across the lawn. They are typically lighter, less expensive, and easier to store.

What is a Gas Lawn Mower?

 gas lawn mower is a type of lawn equipment powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline, providing high energy output and flexibility for mowing larger lawns. Gas lawn mowers come in different varieties

Types of Gas Mowers

Push Gas Lawn Mowers: As the name suggests, these mowers require the user to push them across the lawn. They are ideal for small to medium-sized yards and provide a good workout while mowing. 

Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers: Self-propelled gas lawn mowers take the physical effort out of mowing. They come with a drive system that allows the mower to move forward by itself, requiring less effort from the operator. 

Riding Gas Lawn Mowers: Riding gas lawn mowers, also known as riding tractors or lawn tractors, are designed for larger properties. These mowers allow the operator to sit while mowing, making them comfortable for extended periods. 

Zero-Turn Gas Lawn Mowers: Zero-turn mowers are designed for maximum maneuverability, allowing them to turn on a dime. This makes them an excellent choice for complex landscapes with obstacles such as trees and flower beds. They have larger cutting decks and powerful engines, suitable for extensive mowing tasks.

Electric vs. Gas Mowers: The Main Differences

Electric mowers and gas mowers are the two mainstream types of mowers. Here are some of the key differences.

Environmental Impact

As they produce zero emissions during use, electric mowers are considered more environmentally friendly. They contribute less to air pollution, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners. 

On the other hand, gas lawn mowers release emissions that contribute to air pollution. Although newer models are designed to be more efficient, they still have a larger environmental footprint compared to electric mowers.

Noise Levels

Electric lawn mowers tend to be quieter during operation, producing noise levels between 54 and 80 decibels, which is lower than the 90-100 decibels or more noise produced by gas mowers.

Therefore, electric lawn mowers are ideal for residential areas and giving you the freedom to mow any time. In contrast, gas mowers are noticeably louder, which can be disruptive, especially in neighborhoods. This may also limit when you can mow, depending on local noise regulations.

Maintenance

Maintenance for electric mowers is typically easier. There are fewer moving parts, and no oil changes are required. Regular cleaning and ensuring the battery is charged are the main tasks necessary for upkeep.

Gas lawn mowers require more maintenance, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks. Users must also store gasoline safely.

Power Source

Electric lawn mowers use electricity either from a corded source or rechargeable batteries. They are generally quieter and more environmentally friendly. However, their run time can be limited by battery life, especially if you have a larger lawn.

Gas lawn mowers rely on gasoline as their power source. So they generate more noise and exhaust emissions. That said, they tend to offer more power and are better suited for larger properties.

Cost

Initially, electric mowers can be less expensive—the entry-level models cost about $150, and the high-end ones can range from $1,500 to $ 5,000 or more. The tools and servicing also cost less than those of gas-powered mowers. Additionally, owners save on fuel costs since electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline in the long run.
Initial costs for gas mowers can vary, depending on the model and features. However, ongoing costs such as fuel and maintenance can add up over time.

Performance

Gas mowers have long been favored for their power and ability to tackle tougher grass and larger lawns. They typically offer more robust engines that can handle uneven terrain and dense vegetation without faltering. If you have a large property, a gas mower might be the more efficient choice. 

On the other hand, electric mowers, especially older models, may struggle with larger tasks. 

However, they have shown significant improvement in performance over recent years. Navimow, an outstanding lawn mower brand, offers electric and robotic lawn mowers powered by advanced technology, allowing users to enjoy wire-free precision, smart app control, full-coverage cutting, weather-ready durability, and more. 

Here's an overview of the key differences between electric and gas lawn mowers

Are Electric Lawn Mowers Better than Gas Mowers?

The choice between a gas and an electric mower ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your lawn. Gas mowers are ideal for larger yards with tough terrain, while electric mowers are great for smaller lawns and environmentally conscious consumers. Consider factors like lawn size, power requirements, maintenance preferences, and environmental impact when making your decision. By considering these factors, you can choose the mower that best suits your lifestyle and lawn care needs.

Best Electric Mower You Can Buy in 2025

In the era of smart technology, the Navimow i110 Robotic Lawn Mower stands out as a groundbreaking solution for lawn care.

A navimow electric and robotic lawn mower

Engineered with AI-powered Assist Mapping, the mower precisely and automatically map your yard. And thanks to EFLS 2.0 and Visual SLAM technology, it can create 3D maps and improve performance in low-satellite-signal areas, delivering precise, reliable cutting for all types of lawn. It features a user-friendly interface that allows homeowners to easily set cutting schedules and adjust settings through a dedicated app. 

With its environmentally friendly and quiet (58dB) electric operation, the Navimow i110 not only ensures a well-manicured lawn but also reduces your carbon footprint. The mower is designed with safety in mind, incorporating sensors that identify over 150 obstacles and prevent potential accidents. This means it can navigate around garden furniture and children’s toys, making it an ideal choice for busy families. 

Additionally, the i110 is IP66 waterproof and dust-proof, with an all-round UV shield and an intelligent weather monitoring feature. It’s built to last. 

Overall, the Navimow i110 is an excellent investment for anyone looking to simplify lawn care while achieving perfect results.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between electric and gas lawn mowers largely depends on your specific lawn care needs, budget, and environmental considerations. Electric mowers are ideal for smaller lawns, quieter operation, and lower maintenance, while gas mowers are suitable for larger areas, offering more power and efficiency at the cost of noise and emissions. By carefully considering your lawn size, mower features, and personal preferences, you can select the right mower to keep your lawn looking its best.

FAQ

Is it worth getting an electric lawn mower?

Purchasing an electric lawn mower can be a worthwhile decision for environmentally-conscious homeowners seeking convenience and lower operating costs.

Do electric mowers last as long as gas?

Lawn mowers tend to have a lifespan of about 10 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the model. An electric mower can last longer than a gas mower if properly maintained.

Are electric lawn mowers as powerful as gas?

Some high-end electric lawn mowers may be as powerful as gas mowers. Whether a mower is powerful enough depends largely on the specific requirements of your lawn care needs. For most residential applications, an electric mower can provide sufficient power.