Ditching the gas can and extension cord has never been easier, thanks to the latest generation of lithium-ion lawn mowers. These cordless machines deliver the reliable power and runtime needed to tackle lawns of all sizes, without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of traditional mowers. Modern battery technology provides consistent performance from the first cut to the last, making yard work a quieter, cleaner, and more pleasant chore.
Whether you have a small urban plot or a sprawling suburban lawn, there is a battery-powered mower perfectly suited to your needs. From lightweight push mowers to feature-rich self-propelled models, the options are vast. This roundup highlights nine of the best lithium-ion mowers on the market, focusing on their power systems, key features, and the unique benefits they offer to help you find your ideal match.
The Best Lithium-Ion Lawn Mowers for Your Yard
- Makita XML08PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless Cordless 21″ Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless Motor, LED Lights
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower, 5.0Ah Battery
- Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery
- Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mowers
- Litheli 16 Inch Lawn Mower 2x20V Electric Coreless Lawn Mower Lightweight Push Mower
- EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless with Select Cut and Touch Drive
- RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Walk Behind
- Greenworks PRO 80V 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
Makita XML08PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless Cordless 21″ Self Propelled Lawn Mower
For those already invested in the Makita LXT ecosystem or anyone needing extended runtime, this mower is a compelling option. It utilizes a unique 4-bay system that accepts four 18V LXT batteries, effectively operating at 36V for robust power. The brushless motor ensures efficiency and longevity, while the self-propelled feature with variable speed control (1.5-3 MPH) makes navigating your property much less strenuous.
The included kit comes with four 5.0Ah batteries, which provides a significant amount of cutting time. This setup is ideal for larger lawns where a single battery might not suffice. The 21-inch steel deck offers a familiar cutting width, allowing you to cover ground efficiently without the limitations of a cord.
Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless Motor, LED Lights
This Greenworks 60V model is built for performance and convenience. The self-propelled rear-wheel drive provides excellent traction for slopes and thick grass, and you can adjust your speed on the go for precise control. It operates about three times quieter than a gas mower, offering a peaceful mowing experience with instant starts and zero emissions.
Versatility is a key strength here. The mower features a 4-in-1 design, allowing you to mulch, bag, side-discharge, or use a turbo function for leaf pickup. Adding to its utility are the bright LED headlights, which let you mow effectively from dawn until dusk, perfect for those with busy schedules.
Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower, 5.0Ah Battery
This self-propelled mower from Greenworks strikes a great balance between power and value within the 40V lineup. The brushless motor is engineered for higher torque, quieter operation, and a longer lifespan compared to brushed alternatives. With the included 5.0Ah battery, you can expect up to 45 minutes of runtime, enough for a typical medium-sized lawn.
The 21-inch durable steel deck and single-lever 7-position height adjustment make it easy to get a clean, even cut in various grass conditions. Its 3-in-1 functionality gives you the choice to mulch for lawn health, bag for a clean look, or use the side discharge for longer grass.
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery
Ideal for smaller lawns up to about half an acre, this Greenworks mower prioritizes maneuverability and ease of use. Its ultra-lightweight design and compact 16-inch cutting deck make it exceptionally easy to push and store. You get gas-like performance without the associated maintenance, with about 35 minutes of runtime from the 4.0Ah battery.
The smart cut adjustment system features a single lever to control cutting height across five positions, allowing you to quickly adapt to your lawn’s needs. As a 2-in-1 mower, it can mulch clippings to nourish your lawn or collect them in the rear bag for a tidy finish.
Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mowers
The Litheli U20 Handy+ is designed for maximum portability and is perfect for small gardens, yards, and touch-ups. With a 13-inch cutting width and a high-performance motor spinning at 3400 RPM, it efficiently handles lawns up to 1,300 square feet. Its compact and lightweight nature makes it very easy to maneuver around tight spaces and store in a shed or garage.
This mower offers five different mowing height adjustments, ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches, giving you control over your lawn’s appearance. The included 4.0Ah battery provides sufficient power for its intended use, and the 8-gallon collection bag helps keep your space clean.
Litheli 16 Inch Lawn Mower 2x20V Electric Coreless Lawn Mower Lightweight Push Mower
This model steps up in size from its 13-inch sibling, offering a 16-inch cutting path for more efficient mowing. It uses two 20V batteries to deliver the power needed to cover up to 2,700 square feet on a single charge. The efficient motor provides solid torque for a quiet and maintenance-free operation.
You have even more precision over your cut with six height adjustment positions, allowing you to set the blade between 0.98 and 2.98 inches. This makes it a versatile tool for different grass types and seasonal growth patterns, all while maintaining a lightweight and user-friendly design.
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless with Select Cut and Touch Drive
EGO POWER+ is often a top contender in the cordless market, and this model shows why. It features the innovative Select Cut Multi-Blade system, which is engineered to deliver a premium cut that rivals, and often exceeds, the quality of gas mowers. The included 56V 7.5Ah ARC Lithium battery provides up to 60 minutes of runtime, making it suitable for larger properties.
A standout feature is the Touch Drive self-propelled technology. This system allows you to control the mower’s speed with a simple, intuitive interface in the palm of your hand, reducing fatigue and improving maneuverability during longer mowing sessions.
RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Walk Behind
Ryobi’s 40V brushless mower is a reliable and efficient choice for maintaining a well-kept lawn. The brushless motor technology is key to its performance, offering increased power, longer motor life, and longer runtime per charge compared to brushed motors. This ensures you have consistent power to get the job done.
With a 20-inch deck, it strikes a good balance between maneuverability and cutting swath. As part of Ryobi’s expansive 40V ecosystem, the battery is compatible with a wide range of other outdoor tools, which can be a major advantage for homeowners looking to build a unified cordless tool collection.
Greenworks PRO 80V 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
At the top end of the power spectrum, the Greenworks PRO 80V mower is built to handle demanding conditions and larger lawns. The high-voltage 80V battery system delivers exceptional torque and cutting power, easily plowing through thick grass and challenging terrain that might stall lesser mowers. This is the tool for those who need maximum performance without compromise.
Expect the professional-grade features you need for a superior cut, including a durable 21-inch deck and versatile cutting options. This mower is designed for users who require gas-level power but want the convenience and environmental benefits of a battery-powered machine, making it a standout in the PRO series.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Lithium Ion Lawn Mower
So, you’re thinking about joining the cordless revolution and getting a lithium ion lawn mower. I made the switch a few years back and I haven’t looked back. No more gas cans, oil changes, or yanking on a starter cord. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for your yard? Let me walk you through the key things I considered before buying mine.
First up, think about battery voltage and amp-hours (Ah). This is the heart of your mower’s power and runtime. Voltage, like 40V or 80V, generally relates to power. A higher voltage mower can power through thicker, wetter grass more easily. Amp-hours are about capacity, or how long the battery will last. A 2.0Ah battery will run for a shorter time than a 5.0Ah or 7.5Ah battery. For a small city lot, a 40V system with a mid-size battery might be perfect. For a larger, more demanding yard, you might want to step up to a 56V or 80V model with a high-capacity battery. Many brands also have a “tool-only” option, which is cheaper if you already own other tools from that battery ecosystem.
Next, consider your cutting width. This determines how many passes you’ll need to make across your lawn. Most mowers range from 16 to 21 inches. A wider deck means you’ll finish the job faster. My 20-inch mower saves me a solid 15 minutes compared to my old 18-inch gas mower. However, a wider mower can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and around lots of landscaping. Think about the layout of your yard before deciding.
Then, look at the mower’s construction and features. Is the deck made of metal or durable plastic? I prefer steel for its longevity, but high-quality polymer decks are rust-proof and lighter. Also, check the height adjustment. A single-lever that adjusts all wheels at once is a massive time-saver compared to adjusting each wheel individually. Other nice-to-haves include a battery life indicator, a folding handle for easy storage, and whether it’s a push mower or a self-propelled model. Self-propelled is worth the extra cost if you have a hilly yard. Finally, think about what you’ll do with the clippings. Bagging is neat, mulching returns nutrients to the soil, and side-discharging is good for really long grass. Many of the 9 best lithium ion lawn mowers for reliable power offer all three functions in one machine, which is incredibly convenient. Taking a little time to match these features to your specific needs will ensure you get a mower you’re happy with for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
This is the number one question, and the answer is: it depends. The runtime is determined by your battery’s voltage and Amp-hour (Ah) rating, as well as your lawn conditions. A mower with a 40V, 5.0Ah battery might run for about 45-60 minutes, which is often enough for a typical suburban yard. However, if you’re mowing very thick, damp grass or have a lot of hills, that runtime will be shorter. The good news is that many models come with two batteries, or you can buy a spare to swap in if you run out of juice halfway through.
Are lithium ion mowers as powerful as gas mowers?
For the vast majority of residential lawns, yes, absolutely. Modern high-voltage (56V to 80V) lithium ion mowers have more than enough torque to handle thick grass and even small weeds. I was skeptical at first, but my 80V model has never bogged down in a way my old gas mower didn’t. The main difference is the sound—instead of a loud roar, you get a quiet hum. Where you might still want gas is for consistently mowing extremely large, rugged properties of an acre or more, where runtime and raw, continuous power are the top priorities.
Can I leave the battery on the charger all the time?
It’s best not to. While most modern chargers and battery management systems are smart and will stop charging once the battery is full, it’s still a good habit to unplug it once it’s charged. For long-term storage, like over the winter, I take my battery off the charger and store it in a cool, dry place, ideally with about a 50% charge. This helps preserve the battery’s overall lifespan and health. Think of it like your phone battery; you wouldn’t leave it plugged in 24/7 for months on end.
What is the average lifespan of a lithium ion mower battery?
A good quality lithium ion battery for a lawn mower should last for several hundred charge cycles. In practical terms, if you mow weekly during the season, that translates to about 3 to 5 years before you might notice a significant drop in runtime. The batteries don’t just die suddenly; they gradually hold less charge over time. Many of the 9 best lithium ion lawn mowers for reliable power come with a warranty on the battery, often for 3 to 5 years, which gives you a good idea of the manufacturer’s confidence in its lifespan.
Do I need a self-propelled model?
This comes down to your yard’s terrain. If your lawn is mostly flat, a standard push mower is lighter, cheaper, and gets the job done just fine. However, if you have any significant slopes or a very large yard, the self-propelled feature is worth every penny. It does the work of pushing for you, making the whole process much less tiring and turning a chore into a simple walk. It’s one of those features you don’t think you need until you try it, and then you’ll never go back.