Dragging a heavy, gas-guzzling machine around the yard every weekend is a workout you didn’t sign up for. The solution isn’t a stronger back—it’s a smarter machine.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing market data, cross-referencing battery specs, and studying aggregated owner feedback to separate the genuinely light electric mowers from the disappointingly heavy ones.
Whether you’re managing a small patch or just tired of wrestling with 70-pound behemoths, I’ve curated this list to help you find the best lightest electric lawn mower that fits your yard without breaking your back.
How To Choose The Best Lightest Electric Lawn Mower
Not all lightweight mowers are created equal. A sub-30-pound machine is only a good buy if it can actually cut your grass without bogging down or running out of battery halfway through.
Deck Size and Material: The Weight Anchor
The deck determines the mower’s base weight. Steel decks are durable but heavy, while plastic decks shave off pounds. For the lightest models, expect decks between 13 and 17 inches, which trade coverage for easier handling and tighter cornering around flower beds.
Battery Platform and Runtime Reality
A 20V mower weighs significantly less than a 60V or 80V model because the battery pack is smaller. However, the trade-off is runtime and torque. A 40V platform hits the sweet spot for most homeowners, delivering enough power for thick grass without the weight penalty of high-voltage batteries.
Motor Type: Why Brushless Wins
Brushless motors are more efficient, produce less heat, and add almost no extra weight compared to brushed motors. They also extend battery life by up to 50 percent, meaning you get a lighter mower that runs longer per charge.
Height Adjustment and Cutting Versatility
A single-lever height adjustment is a must for convenience. Look for models that offer at least five positions, ranging from roughly 1 inch to 3.5 inches. The versatility to switch between bagging and mulching without changing tools also adds value without adding pounds.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORX WG733.1 | Cordless | Small yards, tight budgets | 21.7 lbs, 14-inch deck | Amazon |
| Wild Badger Power 40V | Cordless | Small-to-medium yards | 37.5 lbs, 18-inch deck | Amazon |
| RB 40V 13-Inch | Cordless | Senior-friendly use | 28 lbs, 13-inch deck | Amazon |
| Greenworks 40V 16-Inch | Cordless | Medium yards up to ½ acre | 33.5 lbs, 16-inch deck | Amazon |
| STEELITE 40V Combo | Cordless | Complete yard tool kit | 30 lbs, 17-inch deck | Amazon |
| Greenworks 80V 21-Inch | Cordless SP | Medium-to-large yards | 74.95 lbs, 21-inch deck | Amazon |
| NovorikX 60V 21-Inch | Cordless SP | Large yards, slopes | 65.92 lbs, 21-inch deck | Amazon |
| Husqvarna LE-322R | Cordless SP | Premium small-yard finish | 102 lbs, 21-inch deck | Amazon |
| Honda HRX-BE | Cordless SP | Premium cut quality | 12 Ah battery, 21-inch deck | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. WORX Cordless Lawn Mower WG733.1
The WORX WG733.1 is the definition of a lightweight mower that punches above its class. At just 21.7 pounds with a 14-inch deck, it’s the lightest electric lawn mower on this list, making it incredibly easy to carry up a flight of stairs or lift into a truck bed. The 20V PowerShare battery system means you can use the same batteries across a whole line of tools.
The brushless motor delivers surprisingly good cut quality for a 14-inch mower, and the cut-to-edge design lets you get right up against fences and garden borders without needing the string trimmer. Owners consistently report that the dual 5Ah batteries last long enough to handle a quarter-acre lot when properly cycled a few times.
The plastic deck keeps the weight down but may not survive a hard bang against concrete edging. The handle cushion wrap and vinyl sweep have been noted to tear after a couple of months for some users. Still, for pure lightweight performance at a sensible price, this is the one to beat.
What works
- Extremely light at 21.7 lbs
- Surprisingly good cut from brushless motor
- Battery compatible with other WORX tools
What doesn’t
- Plastic deck can scrape against hard edges
- Handle wrap may wear prematurely
- Slower paced cuts required for thick grass
2. Wild Badger Power 40V 18-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
The Wild Badger Power 40V jumps to an 18-inch deck while staying reasonably light at 37.5 pounds. The 40V brushless motor delivers 3,400 RPM, giving it the torque to cut through thicker grass where 20V mowers would stall. It’s designed for small-to-medium lawns up to 5,445 square feet per charge with the included 4.0Ah battery.
The 3-in-1 cutting system provides bagging, mulching, and rear discharge flexibility. The 11-gallon collection bag is a decent size for this class, and the single-lever height adjustment lets you go from 1.5 to 3.5 inches quickly. Owners with mobility challenges appreciate the easy push-button start and lightweight maneuverability around trees and corners.
The main concern is that the 40V battery platform is less common than 20V or 80V, so replacement batteries can be harder to find and expensive. A few users reported the battery failing after a season, and the fast charger takes nearly two hours to fully charge the 4.0Ah pack.
What works
- Strong 3,400 RPM motor for thick grass
- Lightweight for an 18-inch deck
- Simple single-lever height adjustment
What doesn’t
- Replacement batteries are costly and scarce
- Charger is relatively slow
- Some battery longevity complaints after storage
3. RB 40V 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
Weighing just 28 pounds, the RB 40V 13-inch mower is one of the lightest electric mowers available with a 40V battery. The compact deck makes it especially effective for very small yards with tight corners, narrow pathways, and bumpy terrain. The brushless motor runs quietly and starts instantly with a push button.
The 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery provides up to 30 minutes of runtime per charge, which is sufficient for a small lawn. The foldable handle makes storage in a shed or garage corner effortless. Owners who are elderly or have mobility limitations praise its one-hand carry capability and overall ease of use.
The plastic bagging attachment has vent holes that allow small seeds and debris to escape, which is a design oversight. The mower can struggle and stop on thick, wet grass, requiring you to scoop out clippings manually. It also lacks a self-propelled option, so all the pushing is on you.
What works
- Ultra-light at 28 lbs, one-hand carry
- Quiet brushless motor operation
- Excellent for bumpy and uneven lawns
What doesn’t
- Bag vents allow seeds and debris to escape
- Stops on thick or wet grass
- Not self-propelled
4. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
Greenworks has a strong reputation in the battery-powered yard tool space, and the LMF417 model continues that tradition. At 33.5 pounds with a 16-inch deck, it splits the difference between ultra-compact 13-inch mowers and full-size 21-inch models. The 40V brushless motor provides more torque and quieter operation than a gas engine.
The 2-in-1 system lets you switch between mulching and rear bagging easily. The single-lever height adjustment offers five positions from 1.25 to 3.375 inches. Owners consistently note that it cuts uniformly, handles bumps without scalping, and packs the grass bag efficiently. Battery runtime is solid at around 30 minutes, which covers most half-acre lots.
The battery life can be inconsistent in hot weather, requiring a second battery for larger yards. The grass catcher assembly can be tricky to attach for some users. There have also been isolated reports of the mower shutting off intermittently, attributed to a missing manual adjustment step.
What works
- Well-balanced 16-inch deck and weight
- Quiet operation with excellent cut quality
- Easy-lift handle for upright storage
What doesn’t
- Battery runtime drops in high heat
- Grass catcher can be fiddly to attach
- Occasional intermittent shutdown issues
5. STEELITE 40V 17-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower Combo
The STEELITE combo kit is a smart move if you need more than just a mower. The 17-inch electric mower weighs only 30 pounds and runs on two 20V 4.0Ah batteries working together to deliver 40V of power. The brushless motor spins at 3,400 RPM, providing strong cutting performance for a lightweight package.
The kit also includes a 12-inch string trimmer with an auxiliary edging wheel and a 500 CFM leaf blower, all sharing the same battery platform. The mower features a 2-in-1 bagging and mulching system with a 40-liter collection bag. The 6-position single-lever height adjustment ranges from 0.98 to 2.95 inches.
The mower’s runtime is only about 25 minutes, which is on the shorter side for a dual-battery system. The included leaf blower nozzle has been reported to detach during use. Also, the mower is not self-propelled, so the lightweight design is essential for comfortable pushing.
What works
- Excellent value with trimmer and blower included
- Very light at 30 lbs
- 6-position height adjustment is easy to use
What doesn’t
- Runtime is modest at 25 minutes
- Blower nozzle doesn’t lock on securely
- Not self-propelled
6. Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
If you need to cover more ground quickly, the Greenworks 80V 21-inch model delivers serious power. The 80V platform provides more torque and longer runtime than 40V systems, and the 21-inch steel deck cuts a wide path. It weighs 74.95 pounds, which is heavier than the compact models, but the rear-wheel self-propulsion with variable speed control makes it feel lighter.
The 4-in-1 system supports mulching, bagging, side discharge, and turbo leaf pickup. LED headlights let you mow in low light, and the 7-position height adjustment gives precise control. Owners coming from gas mowers consistently praise how quiet and easy to start it is. It’s ideal for yards up to half an acre.
The included 4.0Ah battery delivers about 30 minutes of runtime, so an extra battery is almost mandatory for a full half-acre. The self-propulsion system can lock the rear wheels when turning, requiring a little technique to master. The bag size is also smaller than most 21-inch gas mowers.
What works
- Powerful 80V motor with wide 21-inch cut
- Self-propelled for easy pushing
- LED headlights for low-light mowing
What doesn’t
- Heavier than smaller lightweight models
- Battery needs a spare for large yards
- Self-propulsion locks in tight turns
7. NovorikX 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
The NovorikX Obsidian Series offers a competitive 60V platform that stands out for its variable-speed self-propulsion, adjustable from 0.9 to 3.6 MPH. The 1200W brushless motor and 21-inch steel deck make it a heavy-duty option for medium to large yards. At 65.92 pounds, it’s lighter than the Greenworks 80V model but still a substantial machine.
The 5.0Ah battery provides up to 65 minutes of runtime, which is excellent for a full half-acre lot. The 26-position height adjustment is overkill but allows fine-tuning from 1.3 to 3.8 inches. Owners transitioning from gas mowers report that the self-propelled drive cuts mowing time in half and makes steep hills much easier to manage.
The mower is heavier than it looks, and some users found that a loose handle lock caused the unit to stop intermittently out of the box. Customer service was responsive in replacing defective units, but the QC inconsistency is worth noting. The mower is also not the quietest among electric models.
What works
- 65-minute runtime with 5.0Ah battery
- Smooth self-propulsion on slopes
- Wide RPM range for varying grass conditions
What doesn’t
- Heavy for a lightweight-focused category
- Occasional QC issues on handle lock
- Not as quiet as brushless competitors
8. Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322R
The Husqvarna LE-322R is a heavy-duty machine built for durability and premium cut quality. It weighs 102 pounds, so it’s not a lightweight mower by any stretch, but the self-propelled drive makes it manageable. It comes with two 7.5Ah BLi30 batteries, providing up to 75 minutes of runtime on eco mode.
The brushless motor is claimed to cut through thick grass 30 percent easier than comparable mowers. Multiple cutting modes including sensing, mulching, and max power let you adjust to conditions. The variable speed control goes up to 4 MPH, and LED headlights illuminate the path for early or late mowing sessions.
Despite its weight, the self-propelled system is excellent, and owners report it’s actually lighter and easier to use than their previous gas Toro mowers. However, the constant drive motor engagement makes it difficult to push manually if the battery runs out. A few users reported machining defects on the handle bracket and poor customer service from Husqvarna.
What works
- Long runtime with dual 7.5Ah batteries
- Superior cut quality in thick grass
- Self-propelled drive is smooth and responsive
What doesn’t
- Very heavy at 102 lbs
- Hard to push manually if drive fails
- Some QC issues and support complaints
9. Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Battery Powered Lawn Mower
The Honda HRX-BE is the most expensive and most capable battery mower on this list, designed for homeowners who refuse to compromise on cut quality. It uses a 12 Ah lithium-ion battery with two battery bays for extended runtime. The 4-in-1 Versamow system with the twin-blade MicroCut System delivers mulching and bagging that rivals any gas Honda.
The e-Select Drive electric transmission offers precise variable speed control from 0 to 4 MPH. The dual-lever height adjustment provides seven settings between 0.75 and 4 inches. Honda’s nationwide service network backs this mower with full support, unlike many garage-only battery brands. Owners with an acre of grass report mowing the entire lot on dual batteries with automatic switchover.
The slow 6-hour charge time with the standard 2A charger is a real limitation. A spare 12 Ah battery costs as much as a budget mower. There have been a few reports of the height adjustment lever being stuck out of the box, requiring a trip to a certified technician.
What works
- Unmatched cut quality from twin-blade system
- Dual battery bays for extended runtime
- Nationwide service network
What doesn’t
- Very expensive, especially spare batteries
- Standard charger takes 6 hours
- Some initial quality control issues
Hardware & Specs Guide
Deck Size and Material
The deck size directly impacts how much grass you cover per pass. A 13-inch deck is ideal for small, tight yards and is the lightest option. A 21-inch deck is better for open lawns but adds significant weight. Plastic decks keep weight low but are less durable; steel decks are heavier but last longer. For a lightweight mower, plastic or thin-gauge steel decks are the standard.
Battery Voltage and Ah Capacity
Voltage determines the motor’s torque potential, while amp-hours (Ah) determines runtime. A 20V mower is the lightest but struggles with thick, wet grass. A 40V system offers a good balance of power and weight. 60V and 80V mowers are heavier but handle large, dense lawns easily. A 4.0Ah battery on a 40V mower typically provides 30 to 45 minutes of runtime.
Brushless vs Brushed Motors
Brushless motors are more efficient, have fewer moving parts, and require no maintenance. They also provide more torque for the same battery drain. Brushed motors are cheaper but wear out faster and reduce runtime by up to 30 percent. For a lightweight electric lawn mower, a brushless motor is the clear winner.
Cutting Height Adjustments
Single-lever height adjustment is the most convenient system, letting you change all four wheels at once. Look for at least 5 positions ranging from 1 to 3.5 inches. Some premium models offer up to 26 positions for fine-tuning. Electro-mechanical adjustment adds complexity and weight, so stick to manual levers for the lightest machines.
FAQ
What is considered lightweight for an electric lawn mower?
Will a 20V lightweight mower cut thick grass?
How long does a battery last on a lightweight electric mower?
Is a self-propelled mower heavier than a push mower?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most homeowners looking for the best trade-off between weight and capability, the best lightest electric lawn mower winner is the WORX WG733.1 because it weighs only 21.7 pounds yet delivers a clean cut using a brushless motor and dual battery system. If you want a wider 18-inch deck without too much weight gain, grab the Wild Badger Power 40V. And for premium cut quality backed by a nationwide service network, nothing beats the Honda HRX-BE.