California's Electric Lawn Mower Rebate and Incentive Programs

Traditional gas-powered lawn care equipment has been used in the United States since 1919 when the first internal combustion gas engine lawn mowers were brought over from England. But with internal combustion comes harmful pollutants that have contributed negatively to a range of both environmental and public health problems. 

Today, the availability of electric lawn mowers provides homeowners with a sustainable alternative that doesn't produce any tailpipe emissions or noise.

California is at the forefront of promoting zero-emission lawn care through rebate and incentive programs aimed at improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the transition to a clean energy economy. These programs provide grants and rebates to replace gas-powered equipment with electric models for both homeowners and professional landscapers, contributing to a healthier ecosystem and long-term cost savings.

Gas-powered lawn equipment such as mowers, blowers, and trimmers account for a major source of air pollution in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gas-powered lawn equipment emitted 68,500 tons of smog-forming nitrous oxides and 20,700 tons of particulate matter (PM10) in 2011. In addition, over 20 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) was released into the atmosphere. The EPA reports that these pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and premature death.

Compared to passenger cars, gas-powered lawn equipment is far more inefficient and polluting in nature. A 2011 study showed that a gas-powered leaf blower emits nearly 300 times the amount of air pollutants (non-methane hydrocarbons) as a pickup truck and between 13.5 times and 23 times the amount of CO2. Another study conducted in 2001 found that using a gas-powered lawn mower for one hour produces the same environmental impact as driving an internal combustion engine passenger vehicle for 100 miles.

By contrast, electric lawn mowers provide a cleaner and quieter alternative to gas-powered mowers through the use of either corded or battery-powered models. Electric mowers don't produce any air pollutants as they don't burn fuel or oil, and they significantly reduce noise pollution. Traditional gas-powered mowers can produce noise levels of up to 90 decibels, which can cause hearing damage, stress, and annoyance, as well as negatively affect nearby wildlife. Electric mowers operate at around 75 decibels, which is below the accepted threshold for potential harm.

California has implemented various incentive programs to encourage homeowners and professional landscapers to use electric lawn mowers and other zero-emission landscaping equipment. These programs reduce air pollution, emissions, and noise pollution generated by gas-powered lawn equipment. The incentives include rebates, vouchers, exchanges, and discounts for both residential and commercial customers who purchase or replace their gas-powered equipment with electric models.

These incentives are funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), local air districts, utilities and individual municipalities, and aim to support the transition to a clean energy economy and improve the quality of life for Californians.

A key state program that supports the adoption of electric lawn mowers and other zero-emission landscaping equipment is California's Carl Moyer Program. This program provides grants to professional landscapers and public agencies to replace old and dirty diesel engines with cleaner technologies. It's overseen by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and implemented by local air districts across the state.

Other statewide initiatives include the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), which offers point-of-sale vouchers to small business landscape professionals when purchasing discounted electric equipment. There was also a tax credit bill proposed by California Rep. Lou Correa in 2023 that, if passed, would allow landscapers and gardeners to claim 40% of the costs of buying electric lawn care equipment. Initiatives like these seek to help landscapers and gardeners make the transition to electric equipment and reduce the environmental and social impacts of gas-powered lawn equipment.

Some local municipalities in California offer their own electric lawn mower rebate programs that align with the regional initiatives of the South Coast AQMD and the Valley Air District. For example, like the SCAQMD, the City of Irvine provides a year-round Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program for its residents who purchase a new electric mower and scrap their old gas mower at a participating recycling center. 

The program offers up to $250 in rebates depending on the purchase price of the new mower and the type of the old mower. The application process is similar to the South Coast AQMD program and requires filling out an online form, mailing a voucher and a receipt and receiving a check in the mail.

Your eligibility for electric lawn mower rebate and incentive programs in California can vary depending on the type of program and your location. There are often two types of programs; residential and professional. Residential programs are designed for homeowners who want to replace their gas-powered mowers with electric mowers for personal use. Professional programs are designed for professional landscapers, gardeners, and maintenance companies who want to upgrade their commercial equipment to electric models. Some programs, including the Carl Moyer Program, offer incentives for both homeowners and professionals.

Geographic eligibility depends on the jurisdiction of the local air districts that administer the programs. Each air district has its own rules and requirements, and some air districts may not offer any incentives at all. It's a good idea to check out the website of your local air district to see if you're eligible and what programs are available in your area.

Landscaping businesses in California can benefit from various programs that offer incentives for purchasing electric lawn mowers and other zero-emission landscaping equipment. These programs can help landscapers reduce their operating costs, improve their environmental performance, and comply with the state’s ban on new gas-powered equipment by 2024.

The Carl Moyer Program, Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), and the proposed Electric Landscaping Equipment Rebate can all have a positive impact on the business operations of landscapers as they can lower their fuel and maintenance expenses, increase their productivity and efficiency, and enhance their reputation and customer satisfaction. Electric equipment can also reduce noise pollution, which can improve the working conditions of landscapers and the quality of life for all of their clients and neighbors.

In addition to rebate programs, switching to electric lawn mowers and other zero-emission lawn and garden equipment can have long-term financial benefits for landscaping businesses. Gas-powered machines consume gas and oil and require more frequent repairs, while electric models don't use fuel and require little maintenance. Electric equipment can also lower the operating expenses associated with noise pollution, such as hearing protection and noise permits (as well as eliminate pesky noise complaints).

Environmental branding and marketing advantages further provide landscaping businesses with an opportunity to capitalize on going green. Environmental branding means creating a positive image and reputation for a business based on environmental values and practices. By using electric equipment, landscaping businesses can demonstrate their commitment to reducing air pollution, emissions, and noise pollution, and appeal to the growing market of environmentally conscious customers in the state. This helps immensely with differentiating from local competition and works to improve the business's credibility and trustworthiness.

The rebate amounts and eligibility criteria for electric lawn mower programs in California vary depending on the region and the local air district that administers the program—some may offer more or less based on what decisions have been made in a particular geographical area. The types of eligible mowers and the requirements for scrapping old gas mowers may also differ among the various programs. Check with your county and local municipality to see which programs, rebate amounts, and requirements you'd need to follow.

Electric lawn mowers and other zero-emission equipment represent the future of lawn and garden care in California and nationwide. With various incentive programs to help you minimize the cost of upgrading, switching to electric will provide you with cleaner solutions and peace of mind, knowing that you're contributing to a healthy environment.

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