With winter coming up, many homeowners are looking into options for removing snow from their driveways and walkways. Shoveling snow can be a physically demanding task, especially after a heavy snowfall. This has led to an increase in popularity of battery powered snow shovels which aim to make the job easier. But are battery powered snow shovels actually any good? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding between a battery powered snow shovel and a traditional manual shovel.
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How do battery powered snow shovels work?
Battery powered snow shovels work by using a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor which spins the shovel blade. The motor assists with propelling the snow shovel forward to help scoop and throw the snow. Most battery powered snow shovels will have a button or trigger to activate the motor. When not in use, the motor does not draw any power from the battery.
The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in most battery powered snow shovels provide enough power for about 30 to 60 minutes of runtime depending on the model. The batteries can be charged by plugging the snow shovel into an electrical outlet. A full charge usually takes between 2 to 5 hours. Some higher end battery snow shovel models have interchangeable battery packs that allow you to quickly swap out the dead battery for a fully charged one to keep working.
Benefits of battery powered snow shovels
Here are some of the main benefits of using a battery powered snow shovel compared to a traditional manual shovel:
Easier on the body
The electric motor does most of the hard work, making a battery powered snow shovel much easier to push and manipulate than a regular shovel. This greatly reduces strain on the back, shoulders, and arms. Even after clearing heavy, wet snow, a battery powered shovel will leave you much less exhausted than shoveling manually. This makes them ideal for seniors or those with back problems.
No pulling cords
Gas powered snow throwers require pulling a cord to start the engine which can be difficult and frustrating, especially in cold weather with gloves on. Battery powered snow shovels simply have a trigger switch that engages the motor with no cord pulling needed.
Quieter operation
The electric motors used in battery snow shovels operate very quietly, much quieter than noisy gas engines. This makes them better suited for use early in the morning when you don’t want to disturb neighbors.
Lower maintenance
Without gas engines, battery snow shovels do not require regular oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, and other maintenance needed for gas snow blowers. As long as you recharge the battery, a battery snow shovel is virtually maintenance free.
Eco-friendly
Battery powered snow shovels don’t directly emit any greenhouse gasses or fumes like gas engines do. This makes them a greener, more environmentally friendly option.
Compact storage
The all electric design of battery snow shovels allows them to be much more compact and lightweight compared to bulky gas snow blowers. Battery powered shovels take up very little storage space.
Cordless convenience
No electrical cord is needed when operating a battery powered snow shovel. You have complete freedom to roam and aren’t limited by the length of a power cord. This cordless convenience makes them ideal for large driveways and sidewalks.
Downsides of battery powered snow shovels
Despite their advantages, there are some downsides to consider with battery powered snow shovels:
Limited battery life
While battery life has improved, most battery powered snow shovels will run for 30 to 60 minutes on a fully charged battery depending on usage. This may not be enough to clear large driveways or heavy snowfall. Having spare batteries on hand helps increase working time.
Not as powerful as gas models
The electric motors on battery snow shovels, while strong, cannot match the power and snow throwing distance of high end gas snow blowers. Battery shovels work well for light to moderate snow, but heavy wet snow or steep driveways may prove challenging.
Slow recharge time
It takes 2 to 5 hours to fully recharge the battery pack on most battery snow shovels. This recharge downtime reduces total working time versus a gas snowblower that can be continuously refueled.
Performance declines in cold
Very frigid temperatures below -4°F can cause battery life and power to drop. Gas engines maintain performance better in extreme cold. Keeping the battery warm in a pocket helps maximize runtime.
Higher initial cost
Quality battery powered snow shovels cost $200 to $500 which is more expensive upfront than basic manual shovels. However, the higher cost is usually recouped over time due to less maintenance and fueling needed.
Key features to look for
When choosing a battery powered snow shovel, here are some key features to look for:
– Battery voltage – Higher voltage batteries (40V – 80V) provide longer runtime and more power. Lower voltage units (20V – 24V) are good for smaller jobs.
– Battery capacity – Measured in Amp-hours (Ah), higher Ah indicates longer runtime. 4-5Ah is common for casual use, 6Ah+ for frequent heavy use.
– Battery type – Lithium-ion batteries provide full power throughout discharge. Older nickel-cadmium batteries lose power as battery drains.
– Brushless motor – More efficient, longer lasting, and higher performance than brushed motors.
– LED headlights – Allow you to remove snow in low light conditions early in the morning or at dusk.
– Ergonomic handle – Allows multiple comfortable hand positions during use to reduce fatigue.
– Plastic blades – Durable polymer blades won’t rust or bend like metal and are gentle on surfaces.
– Width of shovel – Wider 18-24 inch shovels shave more snow per pass than narrow models.
Top rated battery snow shovels
Based on battery power, performance, features, and overall customer reviews, here are 5 of the top rated battery powered snow shovels to consider:
1. Ego Power+ 21″ Single-Stage Snow Shovel
– 56V ARC Lithium battery provides up to 45 minutes of max runtime
– 21″ clearing width shaves wider path
– 180° adjustable LED headlight for night snow removal
– Weighs only 16 lbs for easy maneuverability
2. Snow Joe iON18SB Cordless Single Stage Snow Shovel
– 40V iONMAX battery gives up to 50 minutes runtime
– 18 inch wide poly auger propels 700 lbs of snow per minute
– 180 degree adjustable LED light
– Weighs only 14.5 lbs with battery installed
3. Toro Power Shovel 1800
– 24V lithium battery lasts up to 45 minutes
– Throws snow up to 25 feet
– Ergonomic handle is adjustable for user height
– Shovel protects surfaces with non-stick plastic blade
4. Ryobi 40V Brushless Snow Shovel
– 40V 4Ah lithium-ion battery for up to 45 minutes of use
– Brushless motor provides high efficiency and power
– Paddle style polycarbonate blade won’t scratch surfaces
– Integrated LED lights with 2 brightness settings
5. Greenworks 20″ 40V Cordless Snow Shovel
– 40V 2.5Ah battery for up to 30 minutes run time
– 20″ clearing width scrapes wide path
– Shovel head rotates 180° to throw snow in any direction
– Ergonomic handle with trigger switch control
Manual snow shovels
While battery powered options reduce effort and strain, manual snow shovels are still a viable option for smaller tasks and budgets. Here are some top features of quality manual snow shovels:
- Lightweight durable construction (polycarbonate)
- Ergonomic handle designed to reduce back strain
- Ribbed blade edge grips and tosses snow well
- Blade edge protects ground surfaces
- 18-24″ wide blade width for efficient clearing
- Wider scoop capacity reduces number of tosses
Popular and highly rated manual snow shovel options include:
- True Temper Ergonomic Mountain Mover Snow Shovel
- Suncast SC3250 Ergonomic Snow Shovel
- Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel
- Garant Nordic 24-Inch Snow Pusher Snow Shovel
Key factors when deciding between battery and manual snow shovels
Here are some key factors to weigh when deciding between battery powered and manual snow shovels for your needs:
| Factor | Battery Snow Shovel | Manual Snow Shovel |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of snow | Best for frequent heavy snow | Okay for light snow |
| Type of snow | Excellent for wet, dense snow | Works for light powdery snow |
| Size of area | Great for large driveways, sidewalks | Good for steps, walkways, decks |
| Clearing speed | Much faster than manual shovel | Pace limited by physical effort |
| Physical effort | Very low physical exertion | High exertion, hard on back and arms |
| Budget | Higher upfront cost $200-$500 | Very affordable $20-$50 |
As shown in the table, battery powered snow shovels excel in terms of clearing speed, low physical effort, and handling large amounts of heavy, wet snow. This makes them ideal for older individuals or those with back problems who need to clear big areas.
Manual shovels are sufficient for smaller areas or light powdery snow where effort level and pace are less of a concern. The much lower price point also makes manual shovels a smart budget choice for occasional minor snow removal tasks.
Conclusion
Battery powered snow shovels take much of the backbreaking work out of snow removal. Models from reputable brands like Ego, Toro, Snow Joe and others can clear driveways, sidewalks and more with far less physical exertion than manual shoveling.
For large areas that get frequent heavy snowfall, a quality battery powered snow shovel is definitely worth the investment. They reduce strain on the body while getting the job done faster with much less effort. Even with higher upfront costs, battery shovels often pay for themselves over time by eliminating the need to pay for snow removal services.
While manual shovels still work fine for smaller jobs, upgrading to a battery powered snow shovel is advisable for anyone regularly tasked with clearing snow over large areas. Just be sure to get a model with a high voltage lithium-ion battery to ensure sufficient power and runtime. With the right battery snow shovel, winter snow removal can go from a dreaded chore to an effortless task.