Electric vs Gas Lawn Mower?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
DIYPicks is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of home-improvement retailers, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site — at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.
EGO Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP 21-in Self-Propelled Mower
Based on specs and aggregated owner reviews, EGO's LM2135SP pairs a 21-inch deck, self-propel and a rated 60-minute 56V runtime, a strong gas-free pick for quarter- to half-acre lawns. Trade-offs: the ~$650 kit tops comparable gas units, real runtime drops in tall or wet grass, and at 62-65 lb it's heavy to lift for storage.
| Power | 56V battery (7.5Ah kit) |
|---|---|
| Deck | 21 in steel |
| Drive | Self-propelled, Touch Drive 0.9-3.1 mph |
| Runtime | Up to ~60 min (56V 7.5Ah) |
| Cutting height | 1-4 in, 8 positions |
| Discharge | 3-in-1 bag / mulch / side discharge |
| Best for | Up to ~1/2 acre |
Honda HRN216VKA 21-in Self-Propelled Gas Mower
Per specs and aggregated owner reviews, Honda's HRN216VKA combines a 166cc engine, twin-blade MicroCut cutting and variable self-propel, suiting larger or hilly lawns up to an acre where refuel-and-go runtime beats battery convenience. The costs: gas, oil and filter upkeep, off-season fuel care, emissions and pull-start, and a near-$600 price.
| Power | Gas, 166cc Honda GCV170 engine |
|---|---|
| Deck | 21 in steel |
| Drive | Self-propelled, Smart Drive variable 0-4.0 mph |
| Runtime | Refuel to run; no battery limit |
| Cutting height | 1-4 in, 7 positions |
| Discharge | 3-in-1 mulch / bag / discharge, twin MicroCut blades |
| Best for | 1/4 to 1+ acre, slopes |
Our verdict
Both are self-propelled 21-in mowers, so the split is about power source. On specs, the EGO 56V wins on convenience: push-button start, no fuel or oil, quiet operation, and a rated 60-min runtime that covers medium yards. The Honda gas model wins on endurance and headroom, refueling instantly for large or hilly lawns where a single battery would run out. Choose battery if your yard is under about half an acre and you value low maintenance; choose gas for big lots, dense grass, or all-day mowing. Runtime figures are manufacturer ratings and fall in tall or wet grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a battery mower have enough runtime for a real lawn?
- The EGO is rated up to about 60 minutes on a 7.5Ah pack, which covers medium yards. Real runtime drops in tall or wet grass though, so a large lot may need a second battery — gas simply refuels and continues.
- What maintenance does gas add?
- Gas, oil changes, air filter service and off-season fuel care, plus pull or choke starting. Battery skips all of it for push-button start and quiet running.
- Which handles hills better?
- The Honda, on paper — its variable Smart Drive self-propel runs 0-4.0 mph and has no runtime anxiety on a big or sloped lawn. The EGO's Touch Drive tops out at 3.1 mph.
- Is battery more expensive?
- Up front, yes — about $649 for the EGO kit versus $599 for the Honda, and the EGO is heavier at roughly 62-65 lb. The battery does share a platform with other 56V tools, which spreads the cost if you buy into the system.