The 5 Best Electric Zero Turn Mowers Of 2023

If you’re thinking about getting a new zero-turn mower, then you’re on the right track if you’re looking into an electric model. They’re cleaner, quieter, and produce zero carbon emissions.

But how do they perform compared to gas? Does the motor generate the power needed to cut cleanly through long grass?

And how long can you mow before the batteries run out? I’m going to address all of these questions and more.

Electric ride-on mowers are a relatively new introduction to this product category, so I’m lucky enough to have tested all of them in my search to find the best electric zero-turn mower.

Best Electric Zero Turn Mower

If you’re in a hurry, here are my top recommendations: For lawns of up to 2 acres, the EgoPower+ Z6 is an incredible mower. Charging in less than 2 hours and running 22-hp motor equivalent power.

For precision mowing with a beautifully crisp finish, the Greenwoks Crossover Z hits the spot.

Best Quality Cutting Deck

1. GreenWorks Crossover Z 42″ Deck

12-gauge steel deck. 48V motor producing 24hp and speeds of up to 8mph. Capable of handling 15-degree gradients with ease.

Check Price

Best Mower for 2-Acres

2. EGO POWER+ Z6 42-inch Deck

Lightweight and nimble, but still produces 22hp and travels up to 8mph. Perfect for 2 acres or less. Fully charged in under 2 hours.

Check Price

What Are Electric Zero Turn Mowers?

Electric zero-turn mowers are lawn maintenance outdoor power equipment designed for mowing grass swiftly and efficiently.

When you sit down and drive the mower, you control it using lap levers, unlike other riding lawnmowers with a traditional round steering wheel.

There are several benefits in choosing a zero-turn, primarily speed, and maneuverability, making them the choice of professionals.

You can mow grass in places that are otherwise difficult to reach with standard equipment and the other incredible efficiency on the return. Their main feature is the ability to rotate 360 degrees within its footprint.

This provides a huge advantage when mowing large areas.

When you reach the end of a straight run you can turn back on yourself 180 degrees without missing a single blade of grass. Unlike other ride-on mowers, that leave a teardrop-shaped uncut section.

Are Electric Zero Turns Worth It?

Despite the higher price of Electric zero-turn mowers, most people would see a benefit when compared to gas. They offer several significant advantages over gas when used in residential areas.

Their electric motors are much more reliable, significantly quieter, and produce zero emissions or fumes, They also require no engine maintenance or servicing schedules.

Let’s get into the weeds, run through the details, and offer you a more expansive explanation of what matters when choosing between gas and electric.

Gas Vs. Electric

Long gone are the days when gasoline engines were the only option. Thankfully, today, you can choose a machine driven by an electric motor.

For as long as I can remember there has always been a large selection of brands and models on the market, and the best zero-turn mowers have historically been gasoline. But technology marches on, and battery-powered machines are getting better every year.

Gas Powered

To state the obvious… gas-powered mowers use gasoline to drive the engine, which is typically a 4-stroke engine. Yes, you’ve guessed it…that also means engine maintenance and services will be required with these machines.

Not a big deal at all if you’re prepared to own such a machine, as you will have your head switched on to the fact that they will need care and attention.

As a general rule, gas-powered mowers tend to be slightly heavier due to the engine and fuel tank on board, and they will generate more noise pollution, fumes, and consequently smell.

They require regular gas refills to operate uninterrupted, although saying that higher fuel tank capacities allow users to spend more time mowing their grass, which suits commercial use.

Electric Battery Powered

Electric-powered mowers use powerful rechargeable sealed deep-cycle AGM/FLA lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion battery cells to drive their motor. Gone are the days when gasoline machines outpower lithium batteries, technology has come a long way.

This greener alternative has become more accessible to homeowners and performs effectively as a residential gas mower.

Electric Zero Turn Mower Benefits

There are several advantages to using an electric mower whether it be a standard push mower or a sit-on mower.

First, they don’t have gas engines and won’t exhaust emissions due to their rechargeable electric battery; they make excellent options for people interested in using more environmentally friendly equipment.

They also give you a low-maintenance engine-free product, that doesn’t need maintenance, no oil changes, no new fuel filter, spark plugs or drive belts… allowing you to spend less time tinkering and more time focusing on the mowing job at hand.

I’ll just clarify it again as it sounds so good…cleaner, greener quieter, no fume smells, no oil change, no engine maintenance, and zero carbon emissions. Am I dreaming…nope, it’s for real.

Are Electric Zero Turn Mowers Better Than Gas?

This depends on the definition of better. For residential use, the future is electric. The clean technology with no fumes and low noise will prove popular. For up to 2.5 acres electric zero-turn mowers are better than gas.

For commercial use, a gas mower will take some beating. Doing away with their larger engines and easy on-site refueling will require another leap in battery technology.

Buying a Battery Powered ZTR

Before buying a product with this type of ticket price, you need to get to know the attributes and features that make the difference.

The majority of these affect the overall functionality of the machine and how it makes your lawn-mowing experience more efficient for you. 

So let’s run through the criteria, features, and considerations when selecting a battery-powered mower. 

Motor Power & Batteries

One of the most fundamental factors to consider when selecting this type of mower is the motor power and battery run-time. The performance of your mower whilst in use depends on how well it uses the available power.

Motor Power

All of the products I have used are built around high-quality brushless motors, which tend to require less maintenance than brushed motors.

This newer technology also makes for a smaller unit which saves on chassis weight and optimizes performance and battery life.

Manufacturers are building their products around their existing 48-56V systems, but the voltage does not really translate into power output or battery run time.

There are so many variables that draw power under different circumstances that the voltage number is really just that…a number. It has no obvious correlation to performance.

Maximum Speed

The more you push its steering levers forward, the faster the mower will go. The maximum speed for gas and electric zero-turn mowers is around 7-8mph (miles per hour), reaching about twice the speed of most lawn tractors or riding mowers.

But this isn’t a race…for the cleanest cut, the optimum speed is around 5mph, higher than that and you will lose quality. The higher speeds are intended for use when the mower is in transit between the cutting location with the deck raised.

In reverse, you can expect a speed of around 3mph to maneuver the mower safely and without fuss.

Battery Power, Charging

The size and weight of your mower, combined with the intensity the motor is asked to work, will determine how much power it uses, and consequently how long the battery lasts.

Battery cells can be charged through a standard 120V power outlet. The charge time varies by model but somewhere between 40-60 minutes is normal.

Sealed lead-acid batteries are low cost but will need replacing more often, plus they lose charge while standing in storage if the mower and battery are not in use. This isn’t a huge issue if you simply recharge it at the beginning of the season.

Battery Run Time

You can measure battery power length by amp-hours; most electric zero-turn mowers range between 40 Ah to 115 Ah. A mower that draws 75 amp of power will run for 60 minutes when powered with a 75 Ah battery.

So you will get more power over more time with a higher Ah battery.

As a general rule most 75 Ah batteries will run for approximately 2 acres and a 100 Ah battery will get you through 3 acres.

However, several factors will influence the overall run time of your battery depending on how you drive and the condition of the grass.

• Riding your electric mower uphill will require more power output and consume more battery power than running on flat ground
• Soft ground or very long grass will both reduce battery run time as the mower has to work harder in transit
• Over-revving the motor will drain power in the same way that opening the throttle on a gas machine consumes more fuel
• Excessive turning movements also consume additional battery power

In short, any movement or operation of the vehicle needs power, and the harder you make it work the more power the motor will draw from the battery.

Most control panels display a battery run time indicator that tracks how many hours you use the mower. This feature is essential for people interested in keeping track of their progress before charging their battery again and measuring when it needs a replacement.

Cutting Deck

The cutting deck is where you can find the mower blades. The configuration of the cutting deck, the number of blades, and their layout may vary between machines, but you can expect at least two blades on any type of sit-on mower.

Deck Width & Height

The deck’s width determines how much space it covers when cutting grass. Wider decks have larger cutting swaths, but smaller decks have their advantages in tighter spaces.

Models range anywhere between 30-inch and 70-inch, with 42-inch to 52-inch best the most popular sizes for residential use.

An adjustable deck height determines the grass-cutting length, which is controlled by a lever offering the option to cut the grass between 1-5 inches in height.

Stamped Vs. Fabricated Deck

The cutting deck is one of the most important decisions you will make when selecting a new mower. You have a choice between a stamped or fabricated deck.

• Stamped decks have a single piece of steel acting as the mower blade outer shell; the metal used for this deck is thinner than fabricated deck materials, typically 1/16^th inch. Manufacturing a stamped deck is cheaper than fabricated/welded decks, and they are ideal for use on open flat ground where there are no bricks or obstacles.
• Fabricated decks use several pieces of steel welded together using thicker material, usually around 1/8^th inch steel, giving a much stronger deck. These are for commercial use or where you are likely to give the deck a bit of a beating.

Transmission

Transmission refers to how the mower transmits power from its engine into its wheels to maintain its speed. It also helps you manage how much torque the mower uses to overcome undulation or yard obstacles.

You have the option of an automatic transmission, which is belt-driven, or hydrostatic transmission a technology that uses fluid and consequently proves a smoother ride.

Steering

These mowers use two steering levers to maneuver across lawns. When you want to turn in a specific direction, you push one lever forward and the other toward you. And the mower spins.

Pushing them forward moves it forward while pulling them back you move the mower backward.

Comfort & Controls

When selecting a new mower, it would be best to choose one that accommodates comfort and safety while driving it.

If you want to mow for an extended period, finding a machine that’s ergonomic and won’t leave you sore is something you should have high on the list of priorities.

Now to be fair… all of the machines on my list offer great comfort, otherwise, I would be crazy right?

Seat

I recommend finding a mower with an adjustable seat to move you further or closer to the steering levers to make it suit your height and work comfortably. Padded seating, armrests, and a high backrest can also add extra comfort during your mowing session.

Display & Controls

Some models usually incorporate a control panel to help you activate your device’s blades and switch between default or slow-speed modes etc. The display can also show the remaining battery levels and your mowing run time.

Nothing too much to worry about. Premium models may have digital display panels others analog.

Tires

The back tires support the weight of the mower and its engine. The front tires usually have a smooth texture to minimize surface friction when you make those sharp spinning turns.

Selecting tires with deep treads is a sensible option suitable for working on rougher terrain or wet grass.

Safety Features

Due to their large size, electric zero-turn mowers can potentially be dangerous to operate when driven by an inexperienced user. To reduce the chances of injury, they come equipped with several safety features.

• Many models have an emergency brake to halt the machine when your machine experiences technical difficulties or when something unexpectedly gets in your way. 

• Others incorporate an auto-shutdown feature that turns the mower off when you leave the seat to prevent it from going out of control without you. 

• LED headlights are another asset to consider when you need to finish mowing by nightfall and avoid obstacles.

• If it has a safety belt, I recommend using it to avoid falling off the mower.

Best Electric Zero Turn Mowers Reviews

How I performed the tests: Running each mower over a section of a playing field, with grass around 3.5 inches high. Tests were run over several weeks in the morning with damp grass.

Part of the field features a long bank of grass slopping up to around a 10-degree gradient.

The criteria I used for selecting the top mowers in this lineup include how many acres they can mow per charging session, their cutting deck widths, and other additional features that enhance their performance.

The overall winning mowers are deemed to have excelled in the following areas:

• Overall build quality
• Steering and control
• Power on the flat, and uphill, and control downhill
• Battery charge time and run time
• Comfort and features
• Overall value for money

1. GreenWorks Crossover Z 42″ Deck

Best Quality Cutting Deck

• Cutting Deck: 42 Inches
• Deck Type: Stamped 12-gauge
• Battery (V): 48V 24hp
• Run Time:  2.25 acres (1 hour)
• Battery Power: 48 Ah
• Speed: 8 mph
• Warranty: 4 Years

Tractor Supply

Pros      

• 60V motor generating an equivalent of 24hp, bringing plenty of power to work with
• Electric Take Off enables powered and non-powered attachments
• 16 cutting height settings and can handle cutting on 15-degree slopes
• 12-gauge fabricated steel deck

Cons

• Battery run time might be too short for larger properties

GreenWorks Crossover Z is a fantastic mower for anything up to 2 acres with ease. Three 1.2 kilowatt brushless blade mowers run at a constant 3,000 rpm, giving it excellent and reliable cutting power. 

The drive is smooth in cruise control, but this mower has enough under the hood to produce 8mph of flat speed. The level of control this mower offered in my field test is one of the main attributes that helped it stand out.

I felt confident in its power as I flew up the sloped end of the field and turned 180.

Out of all the mowers on my list, this mower has one with the most robust cutting decks. Constructed with 12-gauge steel, the Crossover Z ensures durability even after continuous use.

The deck has 16 height settings, between 1.5 to 4.5 inches giving plenty of options to work across any scenario, even on slopes up to a 15-degree gradient.

Running on a 60V system, with a 48Ah battery charge capacity, this mower allowed me to cut two acres in an hour… and enjoy the comfort of a well-set-out cockpit. I was genuinely surprised by how well this machine performed. 

Talking of the battery configuration, the layout is 6 x 8.0Ah lithium cells giving a total of 48Ah. Charge time for the whole set was just over 90 minutes and managed an hour of continuous run time.

With its commercial-style build, this mower’s ETO technology allows you to add attachments to help operators multi-task when completing their lawn maintenance routines. 

Seriously, before I began this review I was not sure about electric zero-turn mowers. But after testing the Greenworks CrossoverZ I am convinced electric power is the way forward.

Check the latest GreenWorks CrossoverZ price here.

2. EGO POWER+ Z6 42 Inch Deck

Best Mower For 2-Acres

• Cutting Deck: 42 Inches
• Deck Type: Stamped 10-gauge
• Battery (V): 56V
• Run Time: 2 acres (55 mins)
• Battery Power: 40-60 Ah (up to 2hrs)
• Speed: 3-8 mph
• Warranty: 5 Years

Check Price

Pros      

• Capable mowing 2 acres on a single charge, with an extra 2 battery slots for upgrade
• Charges batteries in two hours
• Rear LED lights blink when backing up
• Three custom driving modes
• Hydraulic seat adjustment

Cons

• You can’t change speeds or modes while in motion

The EGO POWER+ Z6 is another mower that caught my attention in the field, due to its fit-for-purpose design. This mower is not pretending to be a gas mower, it’s performing just as Ego products usually perform.

They are designed and built for normal people with residential properties, who need easy-to-use, convenient machines. On that front, it smashes it out of the park.

Supremely easy to control, not too big so you feel intimidated, and packed with all of the comfort features and controls you could need.

Charging entirely in about two hours, the EGO POWER+ Z6 qualifies as one of the fastest-charging zero-turn mowers on the market for this level of overall battery storage.

This shorter charging time suits me and the 2-acre mowing capacity is enough for most people’s needs. If you need more, there’s a 52-inch model that can offer 4+ acre coverage with a total of 72 Ah of battery capacity.

Unlike the other options on my list, it uses four 10 Ah batteries to operate on a full charge; however, this mower has slots for a further two batteries totaling six, making its total battery power 60 Ah.

The 42-inch model has three drive modes allowing you to control the intensity of your mower’s acceleration and turning.

It offers a motor power equivalent to 22hp from its four brushless motors. I preferred using the standard mode to maneuver out of the three choices: control, standard, and sport. 

EGO POWER+ Z6 Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower 42”

It has six-speed settings and three driving modes, allowing you to travel between 3-7mph whilst mowing or get 8mph when in transit.

This is going to be a hugely successful mower for anyone looking for a zero-turn mower for 2 acres. Check out the EGO POWER+ Z6 at Acme Tools as the best zero-turn mower for 2 acres.

Buy at Acme Tools

Buy at Ace Hardware

3. Ryobi 48V Battery Powered Mower 54 In.

Best 50+ Inch Cutting Deck

• Cutting Deck: 54 Inches
• Deck Type: Stamped
• Battery (V): 48V
• Run Time: Up to 3.5 acres (up to 3 hours)
• Battery Power: 115 Ah
• Speed: 7 mph
• Warranty: 3 Years

Check Price

Pros      

• The blades automatically shut off when the battery charge level reaches the red zone
• Armrests for ergonomic enhancement
• Five brushless motors with excellent torque and power
• Low-speed cut button for prolonging battery run time
• 12-position manual deck adjustment

Cons

• Doesn’t have bagging capabilities

Next, we have Ryobi’s 48V 54-inch Battery Zero-Turn Mower, an excellent alternative for homeowners with larger yards. Although it uses the same battery as the 42-inch model, the 115 Ah lets me cut more grass after a single charge.

It uses five brushless motors and three sleek blades to power through tough grass with a maximum cutting height of 4.5 inches.

After testing out this model, one notable improvement I noticed is the inclusion of padded armrests, allowing me to relax a bit while taking a few minutes off from mowing.

Its built-in cup holders and USB charging port also let me access my water bottle and phone during my breaks.

The advanced control panel gave me access to more settings than Ryobi’s smaller model below. In addition, the slow speed and slow blade options helped me prolong its battery’s run time when finishing my mowing session.

I felt exceptionally impressed with the mulching and side discharge function that allowed me to work with several grass conditions and keep my lawn healthy.

But, unfortunately, it doesn’t offer bagging, which might be a downside for people who prefer tossing their clippings away.

If you prefer a more comfortable ride while maintaining your lawn, this Ryobi mower might be the right choice for you. Check out Ryobi’s 50″ Zero-Turn Mower price to experience its comfort firsthand.

4. Ryobi 48V Battery Electric Mower 42 In.

Best Mulching Capabilities

• Cutting Deck: 42 Inches
• Deck Type: Stamped
• Battery (V): 48V
• Run Time: 2.5 acres (1.5 to 2.5 hours)
• Battery Power: 75 Ah
• Speed: 7 mph
• Warranty: 3 Years

Check Price

Pros      

• Cuts up to 2.5 acres per charge
• Control panel with a battery level indicator, unit hour meter, and USB charging station
• Side discharge, mulching, and bagging functions
• Four high-powered brushless motors
• Safety interlock system

Cons

• The battery might have trouble charging
• Tire traction quality varies

This Ryobi 48V mower is a low-maintenance mower suitable for yards measuring between half an acre to two acres. Its four brushless motors provide excellent power, torque, and performance.

After setting it to its maximum speed of 7 mph, my lawn looked fresher than ever after 90 minutes. 

Although I mowed my lawn quickly, the 48V battery depleted faster than I anticipated, making me feel a bit uncertain if this mower was about to run out of power or not.

However, its 12-gauge steel deck can endure most conditions and has exceptional handling in hard-to-reach spots.

Its safety interlock system is another highlight I enjoyed due to its blade shutdown function that activates when I leave my seat before removing the key. 

The cutting height ranges between 1-4.5 inches which is not the most comprehensive range, but these machines are mainly for domestic use, so 4.5 inches is plenty. In fact, a 4.5-inch lawn sounds like it needs cutting!

This is an excellent option for people looking for a model that performs typical lawn mowing functions. If you’re indecisive on what to do with your grass clippings, this model lets you side discharge, mulch, and bag your unneeded grass shavings.

Check the latest price for the Ryobi 48V Zero-Turn Mower at Home Depot where finance options are available allowing you to spread the cost over 3 years. 

5. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 In. 56-V Zero Turn Mower

Best Option For Continuous Power

• Cutting Deck: 42 Inches
• Deck Type: Stamped
• Battery (V): 56V
• Run Time: Up to one hour
• Battery Power: 60 Ah
• Speed: 7 mph
• Warranty: 3 Years

Check Price

Pros      

• Four-hour charging time
• Dual automatic electric transmissions
• Continuous power in the brushless, eco-friendly motor
• High back seat for enhanced comfort
• Side-discharge, bagging, and mulching capabilities

Cons

• The battery run time could run a bit longer
• Lower speed operation has difficult handling

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 is another high-quality mower best suited for residential mowing. It incorporates dual automatic electric transmissions to give it continuous power while mowing your lawn at two acres per charge.

Its lithium-ion battery delivers the best output even as it begins to drain empty.

Its maximum cutting height is 4 inches which may be a limiting factor for some people, but in truth who needs 5-inch grass? That just sounds like grass that needs cutting to me.

While operating it at 6 mph and 7 mph, I found the Cub Cadet Ultima’s handling easy to control. However, when I used its lowest speed settings, I found it difficult to maneuver around obstacles or park in between other vehicles. 

Although I enjoy the amount of power the Cub Cadet’s battery possesses, I hoped it would last a little longer; the run time lasts about one hour before charging it again for four.

I think it’s passable if you prefer using its higher speed settings to complete your yard work.

Mower Maintenance 

To ensure the best performance, I recommend charging the battery as it runs low during your mowing session. By using the correct outlet voltage, you can prevent damaging the battery from incompatibility.

When charging the battery, don’t leave it in areas with extreme heat or cold. Temperatures below freezing drain the battery quickly and charging batteries near intense heat or open flames may damage them or even cause them to explode. If the battery dies, replace it as soon as possible.

After a lengthy mowing session, I recommend cleaning the mower’s cutting deck to remove moisture-holding grass, dirt, and debris trapped inside it that can corrode and damage its metal blades.

Sharpening the mower blades keeps them in top condition and cuts grass in a single session. This process also keeps the blades from becoming uneven and damaging the mower. 

Electric lawn maintenance tools and rain don’t mix well, so it would be wise to keep this zero-turn mower stored in a secure and dry location when it’s not in use.

Verdict: The Two Best Electric Zero Turn Mowers

So, there you have my rundown of the best electric zero-turn mowers based on my user experience. Hopefully, it gave you a little more insight into how they function. 

Best Mower for 2-Acres

EGO POWER+ Z6 42-inch Deck

Lightweight and nimble, but still produces 22hp and travels up to 8mph. Perfect for 2 acres or less. Fully charged in under 2 hours.

Check Price

When selecting one of these mowers, bear in mind the needs and size of your yard. 

Best Quality Cutting Deck

GreenWorks Crossover Z 42″ Deck

12-gauge steel deck. 48V motor producing 24hp and speeds of up to 8mph. Capable of handling 15-degree gradients with ease.

Check Price

FAQs About Electric Zero-Turn Mowers

How Do I Steer a Zero-Turn Mower?

Unlike a traditional riding mower’s steering wheel, you can steer a zero-turn mower by moving its two levers. When you move them forward, the mower drives in a straight line.

When you pull them both back, you make it go in reverse. To make it stop, bring the levers back into their neutral starting state.

Can I Use a Zero-Turn Mower at My Home?

Several zero-turn mowers are suitable for residential lawn care. Many homeowners find these tools more convenient than traditional mowers due to their higher speeds, ability to mow in a single pass by turning 180°, and ability to mow several acres of your property after charging fully.

Do Zero-Turn Mowers Work on Slopes?

You can’t use your zero-turn mower on sloped surfaces. Due to the most ten-degree slope’s steepness, the mower is more likely to lose traction as it skids or slides down the hill.

If your property has slopes, I recommend measuring them to ensure they don’t exceed ten degrees, even slight hills and slopes require zero-turn mowers designed for use on hills.

Does a Zero-Turn Mower Feature a Brake?

Although some zero-turn mower models incorporate parking or emergency brakes, many don’t have traditional foot pedal brakes.

When you press the mower’s steering handles forward, it increases its speed. Once you pull them back into their original position, the machine begins to slow down and stop.

You may also enjoy reading:

• Best Zero Turn Mowers For 3 – 5 Acres | No 1. is Under $3000
• Zero Turn Vs Riding Mower Vs Lawn Tractor – Which is Best?