EGO Power+ LM2135SP Review

Introduction: Why I Made the Switch to Battery Power

For years, I was a gas mower loyalist. I believed that nothing could match the raw cutting power of a traditional gas engine, especially when tackling my uneven, sometimes overgrown lawn. But the maintenance, the noise, the smell of gasoline, and the hassle of winterizing finally wore me down. I decided to give the EGO Power+ LM2135SP a serious trial. This is the self propelled model with a 21 inch cutting deck, and it represents EGO’s premium offering in the battery powered walk behind mower segment. I have now used this mower for an entire season, cutting over 15,000 square feet of mixed fescue and bluegrass on a property with gentle slopes and some thick patches near the fence line. I went in skeptical about battery power. I came out a convert. Here is my honest, hands on review of the EGO LM2135SP, covering every detail from the variable speed self propel to the battery life in real world conditions.

How I Tested It: Real Lawns, Real Conditions

I did not test this mower on a manicured golf course. I tested it on my own lawn, which is a mix of well maintained turf and some neglected areas that get thick and damp. I also borrowed a neighbor’s yard for comparison. Over three months, I cut grass at varying heights (from 2.5 inches to 4 inches), in dry conditions, in morning dew, and after a light rain. I timed each session, noted battery consumption, and paid close attention to how the self propel system performed on slopes. I also compared it directly to my old gas mower (a Honda HRX217) for noise levels, cut quality, and overall ease of use. I used the EGO with the recommended 7.5 Ah battery (sold separately) for the majority of tests, but I also tried a smaller 5.0 Ah battery to see how runtime scaled. This review reflects consistent, repeated use, not a single afternoon.

Performance: Where the EGO LM2135SP Shines and Where It Struggles

Cut Quality and Deck Design

The 21 inch stamped steel deck on the LM2135SP is well designed. It features EGO’s “Select Cut” system, which lets you switch between mulching, bagging, and side discharge without any tools. I tested all three modes extensively. The mulching capability is excellent. In dry, normal grass, the twin blades (standard on this model) produced a fine clippings that disappeared into the lawn. I saw no clumping, even when cutting three inches of growth down to two and a half. The bagging performance is also strong. The 2.0 bushel bag fills evenly and is easy to remove and empty. The handle is comfortable and the bag does not drag on the ground when full. Side discharge works well for tall grass, though it does leave a row of clippings that you need to rake if you are particular about appearance.

The cut quality is consistent and clean. I did not notice any scalping on uneven ground, thanks to the front wheel design and the ability to adjust cutting height across seven positions (1.5 to 4 inches) with a single lever. The lever is sturdy and easy to reach. However, I must be honest: in thick, wet grass, the EGO does not cut as cleanly as a top tier gas mower. If you let your grass get too tall and wet, the blades can bog down slightly. You will hear the motor strain, and you may need to slow your walking pace or make a second pass. This is not a deal breaker for most homeowners, but if you regularly battle swampy, overgrown conditions, a high end gas mower will still outperform it.

Battery Life and Runtime

This is the most important factor for anyone considering battery power. The LM2135SP is designed for the 56V ARC Lithium battery system. I tested it primarily with the 7.5 Ah battery. On a typical 5,000 square foot lawn with moderate grass height, I used about 40 to 50 percent of the battery charge. That means I could easily cover 10,000 square feet on a single charge. On a thicker, taller lawn, that dropped to about 7,000 square feet. If you use the self propel aggressively on slopes, expect slightly less runtime. The battery is sold separately, which is a significant upfront cost. A 7.5 Ah battery costs roughly $300, and the rapid charger is another $100. If you do not already own EGO tools, factor that into your budget.

One major advantage: the battery charges quickly. The rapid charger can refill a 7.5 Ah battery from empty to full in about 60 minutes. That means if you have a large lawn, you can take a break, have lunch, and be back out there with a fresh battery. I have also used a 5.0 Ah battery, which gives about 35 to 40 minutes of runtime on a standard lawn. That is enough for a smaller yard (under 5,000 sq ft). For larger properties, I strongly recommend the 7.5 Ah battery or investing in a second battery.

Quiet Operation and Push Button Start

This is where battery mowers completely dominate gas. The LM2135SP is dramatically quieter. I measured noise levels at about 65 to 70 decibels from the operator position. That is roughly the volume of a normal conversation. My old gas mower was around 90 decibels. I can now mow at 7 AM on a Saturday without waking my neighbors. More importantly, I can mow without hearing protection (though I still recommend it for prolonged use). The sound is a smooth electric whir, not an obnoxious roar. It makes the chore far more pleasant.

The push button start is another huge win. No pull cord, no choke, no priming. You insert the battery, press the button, and the mower is ready. It starts every single time, instantly. In cold weather, in damp conditions, it does not hesitate. This alone has saved me countless minutes of frustration over the season.

Self Propel System: Variable Speed Control

The self propel on the LM2135SP is excellent. It uses a variable speed trigger on the handlebar. You squeeze to engage and release to stop. The speed ranges from a slow crawl to a brisk walking pace. The transition is smooth and responsive. On flat ground, I set it to a comfortable walking speed and let the mower do the work. On slopes, I could adjust on the fly without stopping. The rear wheel drive system provides good traction, even on damp grass. I did notice some wheel spin on very steep inclines, but that is common with most self propelled mowers. The handlebar height is adjustable, which is nice for taller or shorter users. The overall feel is light and maneuverable. The mower weighs about 60 pounds without the battery, which is comparable to a gas mower. With the self propel, pushing is almost effortless.

Build Quality and Value: Is It Worth the Investment?

Construction and Materials

The LM2135SP feels solid. The deck is stamped steel with a powder coated finish. After a full season, I see no rust or chipping. The wheels are plastic with a rubber tread, and they roll smoothly. The handlebars are metal with a foam grip that has held up well. The battery compartment is well sealed against debris. The blade control handle (the safety bar) requires two hands to engage, which is standard for safety. The only area that feels slightly less premium is the bag attachment mechanism. It uses plastic clips that work fine but do not feel as robust as some gas mowers. I have had no issues, but I am careful when attaching and removing the bag.

Value Proposition

This is a premium electric mower. The price for the mower alone is around $500 to $550. But remember, the battery and charger are sold separately. If you are buying from scratch, you are looking at $800 to $900 total for the mower, a 7.5 Ah battery, and a rapid charger. That is expensive compared to a mid range gas mower, which you can get for $400 to $500. However, consider the long term costs. No gas, no oil changes, no spark plugs, no air filters, no carburetor cleaning. The battery will eventually wear out, but EGO offers a 5 year warranty on the battery and a 5 year warranty on the mower. Over 5 years, the total cost of ownership is likely lower than a gas mower when you factor in fuel and maintenance. Plus, the battery works with all other EGO 56V tools (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws), which adds value if you are building a system.

Storage and Maintenance

Storage is simple. The mower folds flat for vertical storage, taking up minimal garage space. The battery can be removed and stored indoors in winter. Maintenance is nearly zero. I wipe down the deck after each use, sharpen the blades once a season, and check the bolts. That is it. No fuel stabilizer, no winterization, no carburetor cleaning. This is a huge advantage for anyone who hates small engine maintenance.

Who Should Buy the EGO LM2135SP?

This mower is ideal for the following homeowners:

• Homeowners with lawns under 12,000 square feet. With a single 7.5 Ah battery, you can easily cover a quarter acre lot. For larger lawns, you will need a second battery or be willing to charge during a break.
• People who value quiet operation. If you have close neighbors, early morning mowing preferences, or just hate loud noise, this mower is a game changer.
• Anyone tired of gas mower maintenance. If you dread winterizing, fuel mixing, or pull cord struggles, the push button start and zero maintenance will be liberating.
• Users who already own EGO 56V tools. If you have a leaf blower or trimmer from EGO, you already have batteries. Buying the mower alone becomes a much better value.
• Environmentally conscious homeowners. Zero emissions, no gasoline spillage, and quieter neighborhood operations are real benefits.

Who should not buy it?

• Professional landscapers. The runtime and cutting power in heavy, wet conditions are not yet at the level of commercial gas mowers. You need multiple batteries and longer charge times.
• Homeowners with very large lawns (over 1 acre). Without multiple batteries, you will run out of power before finishing. Gas is still more practical for very large properties.
• Budget conscious buyers. The upfront cost, especially with battery and charger, is high. If you can only spend $400 total, a gas mower will serve you better.
• Those who regularly cut thick, wet, overgrown grass. The EGO can handle it, but not as effortlessly as a powerful gas mower. You will need to slow down and sometimes double cut.

My Verdict: A Near Perfect Electric Mower with One Trade Off

After a full season of use, I can confidently say the EGO Power+ LM2135SP is the best battery powered self propelled mower I have ever used. It delivers on the core promises of battery mowing: instant start, quiet operation, zero maintenance, and enough power for the vast majority of residential lawns. The variable speed self propel is smooth and intuitive. The cut quality is excellent in normal conditions. The battery runtime is genuinely impressive with the larger battery. It has made mowing a chore I actually look forward to, mainly because I can do it without earplugs and without the smell of gasoline.

The only real downside is the same one that plagues all battery mowers: it cannot match the brute torque of a high end gas mower in the worst conditions. If you regularly cut thick, wet, jungle like grass, you will notice the difference. But for 90 percent of mowing situations, the EGO is more than capable. The fact that the battery and charger are sold separately is frustrating, but it is also the standard for this industry. If you already own EGO tools, this is a no brainer. If you are new to the system, the upfront cost is significant, but the long term savings and convenience are real.

I give the EGO LM2135SP a strong recommendation for the average homeowner. It is not perfect, but it is the closest I have seen from a battery powered mower. It has permanently converted me from gas to electric. I will not be going back.