Differences Between Electric & Gas Lawn Mowers

Keep your lawn looking trim and groomed with the right lawnmower.

Keep your lawn looking trim and groomed with the right lawnmower.

The humble lawnmower is one of the most critical landscaping tools you need to maintain a healthy, beautiful turf. In general, you can divide most modern lawnmowers into two major categories: gas-powered and electricity-powered. When you're in the market for a new lawnmower, knowing the key differences between the two technology types can help you make an educated decision on which mower is right for your backyard.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As it burns its fuel, a gas-powered lawnmower emits high levels of airborne pollutants and greenhouse gases, which may contribute to the air quality around your home and in your city. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that running the average gas mower for one hour produces 11 times more air pollution than running the average new car for the same amount of time. In fact, using a gas mower for a year creates the same amount of greenhouse gas as driving a car for more than 2,050 miles. In contrast, lawnmowers powered by electricity have no direct fuel to burn and emit 50 percent less carbon dioxide, 5,000 times less carbon monoxide and 3,300 times less hydrocarbons compared to gas mowers.

Noise Levels

Gas-powered lawnmowers make more noise than electricity-powered lawnmowers. For example, the typical electric lawnmower emits approximately 75 decibels, which is about as loud as the average washing machine. In contrast, the typical gas mower emits noise that rings in at approximately 95 decibels, which is about as loud as your typical motorcycle. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that exposure to noises above 85 decibels can pose as a health hazard and contribute to hearing loss.

Range of Use

Some electricity-powered lawnmowers get their power through an electric cord that needs to be plugged into an outlet, which obviously limits how far you can use the mower. Battery-powered, cordless electric lawnmowers extend the range of the mower and give you more flexibility but are limited to how long the battery lasts. Depending on how powerful the mower is and the capacity of the mower's battery, many popular battery-powered electric lawnmowers operate anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes at a time. In contrast, gas-powered mowers can last for many hours and simply need to be refilled with gas on an as-needed basis. With an electric mower, you'll have wait for the battery to recharge. Thus, for large lawns, gas-powered mowers may offer a more flexible range of use.

Safety Concerns

Both gas and electric mowers present safety hazards due to the sharp blades of the mower. In fact, 70,000 people every year get injured while mowing their lawn. Electric lawnmowers that require a cord can lead to tripping accidents while mowing. Additionally, you run the risk of electrocution if you ever accidentally run the mower's cord over. Meanwhile, gas mowers present toxic hazards related to fuel spills, exposure to gasoline fumes and inhalation of pollutants emitted from a gas engine.

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