Are Electric Lawn Mowers Quiet Enough to Mow at Night?

Yes, some electric lawn mowers are quiet enough to mow at night or even in the early morning. However, they will still produce noise that could be considered to be disruptive to your household and neighbors. Some municipalities and states even have noise restrictions that prohibit the use of equipment that produces noise above certain decibels (usually around 70 dB).

Nevertheless, our team at Mowrator is here to help you understand how to choose the quietest lawn mower for your nighttime mowing, how to mow at night, and how to make your electric lawn mower even quieter.

Key Takeaways

• Electric lawn mowers are considerably quieter than gas mowers.
• Decibels measure noise, with each 10-decibel increase leading to a noise that's 10 times louder.
• To mow during the evening or early morning, consider equipping your electric lawn mower with headlights to see better.
• Speak with your neighbors and avoid that wet, like morning dew, before you use your electric lawn mower in the evening or early morning.
• Soundproofing your mower deck, sharpening your blades, and attaching a muffler are all examples of ways to reduce the noise your electric lawn mower makes.

Which is Noisier? Gas or Electric Lawn Mowers?

Gas-powered lawn mowers are definitely noisier than electric lawn mowers, by a considerable margin. Many gas-riding mowers and push mowers frequently hit 85 decibels and more, which leads to hearing damage with prolonged exposure, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The quietest electric lawn mower will usually hover around 60 dB, which is much quieter and doesn't require you to wear ear protection during lawn care.

What Are Decibels?

Decibels (dB) measure sound intensity on a logarithmic scale, meaning each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. For example:

• Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.
• At 88 dB, hearing damage can occur after just four hours of exposure.
• Sounds above 120 dB can cause immediate damage to hearing.

For lawn mowing:

• Gas-powered mowers at 90 to 100 dB can cause hearing damage after 1 hour without protection.
• Electric mowers at 56 to 80 dB are much safer for prolonged use, without the risk of hearing loss.

How do you Mow with an Electric Lawn Mower at Night?

To mow with an electric mower at night, use headlights, check local noise restrictions, avoid wet grass, and follow safety protocols. Being aware of these factors will ensure your safety, efficiency, and neighborhood harmony. Here are some key points to keep in mind in a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Use a Mower with Headlights

Many modern electric mowers are equipped with LED headlights, which make night mowing easier and safer. For example, models like the EGO LM2100 feature bright LED headlights specifically designed for night mowing. If your mower doesn't have built-in lights, you can rig external lights such as LED strips or headlamps to improve visibility.

2. Consider Noise Levels

Electric mowers are quieter than gas mowers, typically operating between 56 and 80 decibels. However, even at these levels, they may still be audible in quiet nighttime environments. It’s essential to check local noise ordinances and guidelines to ensure you're not violating any regulations regarding noise after certain hours. In many areas, noise restrictions apply after 9 or 10 p.m.

3. Talk to Your Neighbors

Before mowing at night, it's a good idea to consult your neighbors. Some users suggest doing a short test mow at night to see if the noise is disruptive and getting neighbor approval beforehand. This can help avoid complaints and maintain good relations.

4. Avoid Wet Grass

Nighttime mowing often coincides with dew formation on grass, which can make mowing less effective and potentially harmful to both the grass and your mower. Wet grass can clog the mower deck and lead to uneven cuts. If you plan to mow at night, consider doing so before dew forms or when the grass is dry.

5. Safety Considerations

Operating any lawn equipment in low light comes with risks. Make sure you have adequate lighting not just for the mower but also for the surrounding area to avoid obstacles like rocks or debris that could damage your mower or cause injury. Always follow basic safety protocols such as wearing appropriate clothing and ensuring no one is nearby while mowing.

How can I Make My Electric Lawn Mower Quieter?

You can do several things to make your lawn mower quieter. Keep in mind that altering your battery-powered lawn mower may impact other functionality like its runtime, recharge time, and the torque your mower can provide. There is also a natural limit to how soundproof you can make your lawn mower before it becomes a piece of lawn equipment that performs poorly.

• Soundproof Your Mower Deck: You can add sound-dampening materials, such as automotive soundproofing, to the top and exterior of the mower deck (not underneath). Installing rubber mounts between the motor and the mower deck can also help absorb vibrations, further reducing noise levels.
• Sharpen Your Blades: Keeping your blades sharp will allow smoother cuts with less resistance, leading to quieter operation.
• Lower Your RPM: If your electric mower allows for RPM adjustments, lowering the speed slightly can reduce noise without significantly affecting performance. Most mowers operate around 3,600 RPM for a balance between performance and noise.
• Check for Any Loose Parts: Regularly check and tighten screws, bolts, or other components that may have loosened over time.
• Install a Muffler: Although mufflers are more common in gas mowers, some electric mowers may benefit from installing a small silencer or muffler on the exhaust system (if applicable).

Our team at Mowrator has been hard at work to make a lawn mower that's quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. This led us to our most innovative electric model yet, the Mowrator S1 Remote Control 4WD — the ideal electric lawnmower for modern U.S. homeowners. Shop our range of remote control battery mowers today.

FAQs on Are Electric Lawn Mowers Quiet?

Do electric mowers work in high grass?

Yes, electric mowers can work in high grass, but their performance may be limited compared to gas-powered mowers. You'll likely encounter power limitations if you don't properly adjust your lawn mower for high grass by raising the cutting deck, going slowly, mowing more frequently, and avoiding wet grass.

Are electric lawn mowers quieter compared to gas mowers?

The difference between electric and gas mowers can be as much as 20 to 40 dB. This means that, for example, a gas mower at 90 dB is 10 times louder than an electric mower at 80 dB.

Are electric mowers as good as gas?

Yes, electric lawnmowers can be equal or even superior to self-propelled gas mowers. The gas vs. battery lawn mower is nuanced, so deciding whether electric mowers are better than gas depends on what you're weighing. In terms of eco-friendliness, maintenance, and noise level, gas-powered lawnmowers draw the short straw compared to electric models.

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