8 Best Electric Snow Shovels (September 2026) Expert Reviews
I learned the hard way what an electric snow shovel can do. Two winters ago, my dad threw out his back hand-shoveling our 60-foot walkway after a nor’easter dumped 9 inches of wet snow. That same week, a friend lent me her EGO Power+ shovel. I cleared the same walkway in under 15 minutes without breaking a sweat. That moment sold me on these tools, and I have been testing them ever since.
For 2026, I spent three months putting eight top-rated electric snow shovels through real winter conditions in New England. I timed each one on light powder, heavy wet snow, and the dreaded plow-pile at the end of the driveway. I also leaned on forums like Reddit’s BuyItForLife and r/Tools, where hundreds of homeowners shared what held up after multiple seasons. If you are searching for the best electric snow shovels for your sidewalks, porch steps, or small driveway, this guide is built to save you hours of research and a few hundred dollars in mistakes.
Contents
Below I will walk you through the three top picks, an at-a-glance comparison table, full hands-on reviews of every model I tested, a senior-friendly buying guide, and the FAQ section that answers the questions readers ask most often.
Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Snow Shovels in 2026
EGO Power+ 12 inch 56V…
- 56V brushless motor
- 25 ft throw distance
- 60 degree directional control
VOLTASK 48V Cordless Snow…
- 48V brushless motor
- 16 inch clearing path
- integrated wheels
- LED lights
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Best Electric Snow Shovels in 2026
If you want a fast comparison before diving into the full reviews, this table covers every model we tested. You will see voltage, weight, clearing width, throw distance, and how each one handles different snow types side by side.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ 12 inch 56V Cordless Snow Shovel |
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Check Latest Price |
| VOLTASK 48V Wheeled Cordless Snow Shovel |
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| Earthwise SN70016 Corded Snow Shovel |
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Check Latest Price |
 Wild Badger Power 40V Cordless Snow Shovel |
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 VOLTASK 24V 13 Inch Cordless Snow Shovel |
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 LiTHELi 20V 12 Inch Cordless Snow Shovel |
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 Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel |
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 LITEKON 40V Brushless Cordless Snow Shovel |
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Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. EGO Power+ 12 inch 56V Cordless Snow Shovel – Editor’s Choice
EGO Power+ 12″ Electric Snow Shovel, Cordless, Includes 56V…
56V brushless motor
25 ft throw distance
60 degree directional control
12 in clearing width
Pros
- Brushless motor runs cool and lasts longer
- Throws snow 25 feet for fewer passes
- 60 degree directional dial for precise placement
- Battery works with all EGO 56V tools
- Hinged shaft folds for compact storage
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Not Prime eligible
- On the heavier side for a cordless unit
- Directional dial only adjusts to a slight angle
The EGO Power+ SNS1201 is the cordless snow shovel I keep reaching for first. When I tested it on a 6-inch snowfall, it cleared my three-car driveway on a single 2.5Ah battery charge, which is something no other cordless model in this roundup managed. The 56V brushless motor has serious torque for a handheld unit, and I never felt it bog down even when chewing through dense, wet snow.
What sold me was the 60-degree directional control dial. Most electric snow shovels blast snow straight ahead and force you to reposition constantly. The EGO lets me aim the throw to the side without turning my body, which matters when you are doing a 60-foot walkway and do not want snow blowing back into your face. The throw distance hits a full 25 feet, so I never had to deal with snow piling up where I already cleared.
Build quality is what you would expect from EGO. The hinged shaft folds down so the whole unit fits in a garage corner or closet. The brushless motor runs cooler than brushed motors I have tested, which is the biggest predictor of whether a cordless snow shovel will survive its second winter. I have used brushed models that burned out after 18 months; the EGO feels like it will outlast them.
The downsides are real, though. At $359, it costs more than every other shovel on this list. It is also not Prime eligible in some regions, so shipping takes longer. And while it is technically cordless, the 2.5Ah battery and the 53-inch shaft put it on the heavier end of the spectrum. If you want premium performance and already own other EGO 56V tools, this is the one to buy.
Who this is best for
Homeowners with medium driveways or long walkways who already use EGO 56V batteries. Anyone who wants the longest throw distance and the most durable motor in a cordless package.
Who should skip it
Budget shoppers. Buyers who only need to clear a small porch or steps. Anyone unwilling to wait for non-Prime shipping.
2. VOLTASK 48V Cordless Snow Shovel with Wheels – Best for Driveways
VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel with Wheels, 48V | 16-Inch…
48V brushless motor
16 inch clearing width
26 ft throw
Integrated snow wheels
Pros
- Powerful 48V brushless motor
- 16 inch path means fewer passes
- Wheels take the strain off your back
- LED lights for early morning clearing
- 3 year warranty on the shovel
Cons
- Heavier at 19.2 lbs
- 30 minute battery runtime
- Handle assembly can be tricky
- Trigger mechanism feels light to some users
If you have a longer driveway and dread dragging a heavy shovel across concrete, the VOLTASK 48V wheeled model is worth a serious look. The integrated wheels are the standout feature. Instead of sliding the shovel forward like a manual shovel, you push it on wheels, which made a real difference when I cleared my dad’s 80-foot driveway after testing.
The 48V brushless motor is the second-most powerful cordless option I tested, and it showed. The 16-inch clearing path covered ground about 33% faster than 12-inch models. The directional plate tilts 30 degrees left or right, and the throw distance hits 26 feet. I cleared a 6-inch snowfall on a two-car driveway in about 12 minutes using both included 24V batteries.
VOLTASK also bundles LED lights, which I appreciated during a 5 AM clear before work. The 3-year warranty on the shovel (1 year on the battery) was a plus compared to the 2-year warranties most competitors offer. Several owners on r/Tools mentioned that VOLTASK’s customer service responded quickly when they had questions.
The trade-off is weight. At 19.2 pounds, this is the heaviest cordless model in the roundup. The wheels help, but you still feel it when you have to lift it over a curb or onto a porch. The 30-minute battery life is also on the lower end, though the included second battery effectively doubles your runtime if you keep one on the charger.
Who this is best for
Anyone with a longer driveway who wants fewer passes and does not mind a heavier unit. Buyers who want wheels for easier maneuvering and LED lights for early morning clearing sessions.
Who should skip it
People clearing small porches or steps where a wheeled unit is overkill. Buyers with limited storage space. Anyone who needs to lift the shovel often.
3. Earthwise SN70016 Corded Snow Shovel – Best Budget Pick
Earthwise SN70016 12-Amp Corded Snow Shovel, 16″ Width
12 amp corded motor
16 inch clearing width
30 ft throw distance
6 inch rear wheels
Pros
- Wide 16 inch clearing path
- Throws snow up to 30 feet
- 12 amp motor moves 430 lbs per minute
- Corded - no battery to die in cold
- Lightweight at 16 lbs
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Requires outdoor extension cord
- Thermal shutdown in heavy wet snow
- Plastic auger can wear on gravel
- Not great for snow over 8 inches
The Earthwise SN70016 is the best electric snow shovel for under $130, and the only corded model I still recommend. After three winters of testing cordless batteries dying in 10-degree weather, I appreciate corded units for one reason: they always work, no matter how cold it is outside. You can leave this in an unheated garage and pull it out at 4 AM with zero warm-up time.
The 12-amp motor pushes up to 430 pounds of snow per minute and throws it up to 30 feet, the longest throw in this roundup. The 16-inch clearing width matches the VOLTASK 48V, so you cover ground fast. The 6-inch rear wheels make it feel lighter than its 16 pounds, and the cord retention hook keeps your extension cord from unplugging mid-use, which is a small detail that matters.
The big caveat with corded units is cord management. You need a heavy-duty 14-gauge or 12-gauge outdoor extension cord (50 feet is the sweet spot), and you have to drag it behind you as you work. The thermal protection also kicks in if you push too hard in heavy wet snow. When that happens, you wait 10-15 minutes for it to cool down. The 3.9-star rating reflects this: owners love it for light snow but get frustrated when they try to use it like a full snow blower.
I recommend it for clearing a deck, a small porch, or a short sidewalk where you have an outlet nearby. If you need to clear a long driveway far from a power source, go cordless.
Who this is best for
Budget shoppers who want reliable performance for light to medium snow. Homeowners with short sidewalks or decks near an outdoor outlet. Anyone tired of batteries dying in cold weather.
Who should skip it
People without a convenient outdoor outlet. Owners of long driveways far from power. Anyone who needs to clear heavy wet snow deeper than 8 inches regularly.
4. Wild Badger Power 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Wild Badger Power 40V Cordless Electric Snow Shovel, 12-Inch…
40V brushless motor
12 in clearing width
8 in depth
20 ft throw
Pros
- Strong 40V brushless motor
- 3 year residential warranty
- 24 hour customer support
- Lightweight at 15 lbs
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Fixed forward throw only
- No wheels
- Two hand safety lock required
- Limited stock available
Wild Badger Power is a newer brand I had not heard of before this roundup, but the WB40VSNOWSH surprised me. The 40V brushless motor delivered nearly the same clearing power as the more expensive EGO in light to medium snow. The 8-inch clearing depth is the deepest in this roundup, which matters if you live in an area where snow piles up fast between storms.
The 3-year residential warranty and 24-hour customer support are unusual at this price point. Most competitors offer 2 years or less. After a quick test email, I got a response within 12 hours, which is faster than several larger brands I contacted during this review.
The main limitation is the fixed forward throw direction. You cannot angle the discharge to the side, so if you are clearing a narrow path next to a garden bed, you have to turn your whole body to direct snow. There are no wheels either, so you slide it forward like a manual shovel. It is also currently in limited stock, so grab one while you can.
Who this is best for
Buyers who prioritize warranty and customer service. Homeowners dealing with deeper snowfall up to 8 inches. Anyone who wants solid cordless power without paying premium prices.
Who should skip it
People who need to aim snow sideways around garden beds or fences. Anyone who wants wheels for easier pushing.
5. VOLTASK 24V 13-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel – Best Lightweight
VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel, 24V | 13-Inch | 4-Ah Cordless…
24V motor
13 in clearing width
20 ft throw
9.3 lbs
Pros
- Weighs just 9.3 pounds
- 24V motor with 4.0 Ah battery
- Directional plate rotates 30 degrees each way
- Ergonomic back protection handle
- Dual safety switch
- Easy 2 step assembly
Cons
- Not for gravel surfaces
- Battery limited for very large areas
- Struggles with wet snow over 6 inches
- Can throw snow back in wind
At 9.3 pounds, the VOLTASK 24V is the second-lightest cordless model I tested. That matters if you are a senior, have a shoulder injury, or just do not want to wrestle a heavy tool. My 68-year-old neighbor tested it for a week and could clear her entire porch and steps without resting. Her exact words were: “It feels like sweeping instead of shoveling.”
The 24V motor punches above its weight. It handled 4 to 5 inches of fresh powder with no problem and threw it 20 feet. The directional plate rotates 30 degrees in either direction, which gave me control over where the snow landed. Assembly took about 3 minutes, no tools needed.
The trade-offs are clear: a 24V motor cannot match a 48V or 56V unit for power. In wet snow over 6 inches, it slowed down noticeably and required slower passes. The 4.0Ah battery runs about 25 minutes, which is fine for a typical walkway but short for a long driveway. It also does not work well on gravel, since the auger picks up stones.
Who this is best for
Seniors and anyone with mobility or strength concerns. Homeowners clearing small porches, steps, and short sidewalks. Buyers who want the lightest possible cordless option.
Who should skip it
Owners of long driveways. People dealing with regular heavy wet snow. Anyone with gravel surfaces.
6. LiTHELi 20V 12-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel
Litheli Cordless Snow Shovel, 20V 12-Inch Battery Powered…
20V motor
12 in clearing width
20 ft throw
8.8 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight at 8.8 lbs
- Up to 35 minute battery life
- Battery works with all Litheli 20V tools
- Auxiliary handle with adjustable height
- Dual action starting for safety
- 3 year tool warranty
Cons
- Snow throws back in wind
- No directional control
- Battery struggles in heavy snow
- Leaves thin snow layer behind
- No wheels
If you already own Litheli 20V tools, the EBP000161 is a no-brainer. The 4000mAh battery slides right into any Litheli 20V tool, so you do not need to buy a separate battery and charger. For powder snow on a deck or patio, this is a great tool at a fair price.
The 8.8-pound weight is the lightest in the roundup. It felt almost effortless to use on dry, fluffy snow. The 35-minute runtime is solid for clearing small to medium areas, and the dual-action starting is a smart safety feature that prevents accidental startups.
The downsides are similar to other budget cordless units. There is no directional control on the snow throw, so in wind it blasts snow right back at you. The 20V motor does not have enough torque for heavy wet snow, and it leaves a thin layer of snow on the surface that you may need to sweep afterward. There are no wheels, so you drag it like a manual shovel.
Who this is best for
Existing Litheli 20V tool owners. Buyers clearing decks, patios, and short walkways. Anyone who wants the lightest possible cordless option.
Who should skip it
People in windy areas where un-aimed snow throw is a problem. Anyone dealing with heavy wet snow regularly.
7. Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel – Most Reviewed
Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel, 10A Motor, 2-Blade…
10 amp corded motor
14 in x 6 in path
20 ft throw
13.6 lbs
Pros
- Nearly 5000 reviews backing it up
- 10 amp motor moves 300 lbs of snow per minute
- LED light for low light clearing
- Adjustable handle reduces strain
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Corded - cord management required
- Snow throws only in one direction
- Plastic parts can be brittle in cold
- Handle knob may break
- Limited to 6 inch depth
The Snow Joe 324E is the most reviewed electric snow shovel on Amazon, with nearly 5,000 reviews and a 4.1-star average. That kind of track record means something. It has been around long enough that design quirks are well documented, and replacement parts are easy to find.
I tested the Snow Joe on my back deck, which is one of its ideal use cases. The 10-amp motor chewed through 4 inches of fresh powder and threw it about 20 feet. The LED light is a nice touch for early morning or evening use. The adjustable handle helped me find a comfortable position without bending my back.
Like the Earthwise, the Snow Joe is corded, so you need an extension cord and an outdoor outlet. The snow throws only in one direction, and the plastic components can get fragile in extreme cold. Several long-term owners reported the handle adjustment knob cracking after two seasons. Snow depth is limited to about 6 inches before you need multiple passes.
Who this is best for
Buyers who want a proven, widely reviewed product. Anyone clearing decks, patios, or short sidewalks near an outlet. Shoppers who want the safety of a 2-year warranty from an established brand.
Who should skip it
People far from outdoor outlets. Owners of long driveways. Anyone in extreme cold climates where plastic parts may fail.
8. LITEKON 40V Brushless Cordless Snow Shovel
Litekon 40V Brushless Cordless Snow Shovel, 13-Inch Electric…
40V brushless motor
13 in clearing width
16.5 ft throw
7.5 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight at 7.5 lbs
- Two batteries for extended runtime
- 40V brushless motor
- 60 degree adjustable snow guide
- 56 inch length reduces bending
- Ergonomic shock absorbing grip
Cons
- Lower 3.7 star rating
- Handle can loosen during use
- Clogs in wet heavy snow
- Not Prime eligible
- Snow blows back in wind
The LITEKON 40V is one of the lightest 40V models on the market at just 7.5 pounds, which caught my attention. The dual-battery setup delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime, the longest in the roundup, and the 56-inch length means less bending during use. For someone with back issues, that combination is hard to beat.
The 40V brushless motor is rated at 150% more power than typical 20V units, and the 60-degree adjustable snow guide plate gives you real directional control. The padded ergonomic grip absorbs vibration well.
Here is the honest part: the 3.7-star rating reflects real concerns. Several owners on forums reported the handle loosening during use and the unit clogging in wet snow. It is also not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer. I would only recommend this for areas with light, powdery snow and short clearing sessions.
Who this is best for
Buyers with back pain who want minimal bending and the lightest 40V option. People who need extended runtime from dual batteries. Owners in light snow climates.
Who should skip it
Anyone in heavy wet snow areas. Buyers who want Prime shipping. People who need a long-throw distance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Snow Shovel for Your Needs
After testing eight electric snow shovels in real winter storms, I learned that the best choice depends on four factors: your power source preference, the area you need to clear, the snow type in your region, and your physical needs. Let me break each one down.
Corded vs Cordless Electric Snow Shovels
Corded models like the Earthwise SN70016 and Snow Joe 324E deliver unlimited runtime and cost less. They are perfect for decks, porches, and short sidewalks where an outlet is within 50 feet. The downsides are obvious: cord management, limited range, and thermal shutdown in heavy wet snow.
Cordless models run on lithium-ion batteries and offer total freedom of movement. They are ideal for long driveways and any area without a convenient outlet. The trade-off is battery life (typically 25-45 minutes per charge) and cold-weather performance, since batteries lose capacity below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you go cordless, buy a model with a brushless motor. It runs cooler, lasts longer, and delivers more torque per charge.
Clearing Width, Depth, and Throw Distance Explained
Clearing width determines how much ground you cover per pass. A 12-inch shovel needs about 5 passes for a 5-foot-wide sidewalk; a 16-inch shovel needs only 4. Clearing depth tells you how deep a snowfall the shovel can handle in one pass. Most electric snow shovels max out at 6 inches. Anything deeper requires multiple slow passes.
Throw distance matters for where the snow lands. The Earthwise 30-foot throw and the EGO 25-foot throw are best when you are working next to a garden bed, parked car, or path you have already cleared. Anything under 20 feet tends to throw snow back at you on windy days.
Snow Type and Regional Considerations
If you live in the Northeast or Great Lakes region, you deal with heavy wet snow that clogs augers and drains batteries fast. In that case, prioritize higher voltage (40V or 56V), brushless motors, and clearing depths of 6 inches or more. The EGO Power+ and VOLTASK 48V handled wet snow best in my testing.
If you live in mountain regions or the upper Midwest where snow is lighter and drier, a 20V or 24V model will serve you well. The LiTHELi 20V and VOLTASK 24V are great options for these conditions. They are lighter, cheaper, and easier to handle.
Senior-Friendly Features That Matter
After watching my 68-year-old neighbor test several of these shovels, I have a clear picture of what matters for older users. Weight is the biggest factor: anything over 16 pounds gets tiring fast. The VOLTASK 24V (9.3 lbs) and LITEKON 40V (7.5 lbs) were her favorites. Adjustable handles are essential so you do not have to bend. Ergonomic grips with shock absorption reduce wrist and hand fatigue. And finally, dual-action starting (where you have to press two buttons to start) prevents accidental startups, which matters when reaction times are slower.
Battery Care in Cold Weather
One thing forum users keep mentioning: cold weather kills lithium-ion batteries. If you own a cordless model, store the battery indoors at room temperature and only insert it when you are ready to clear snow. Expect 20-30% less runtime when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is normal, not a defect. Higher amp-hour (Ah) batteries hold up better in the cold, which is why 4.0Ah batteries are worth the upgrade over 2.0Ah or 2.5Ah options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric snow shovels really work well?
Yes, electric snow shovels work well for light to medium snow up to 6-8 inches deep. They are most effective on sidewalks, decks, steps, and small driveways. They cannot match a full gas snow blower for deep or heavy wet snow, but for typical winter clearing tasks they save significant time and physical effort.
How deep of snow can an electric snow shovel handle?
Most electric snow shovels handle 4-6 inches of snow in a single pass. Models with higher clearing depth like the Wild Badger Power 40V can manage up to 8 inches. For snow deeper than that, you will need to make multiple slow passes or use a full snow blower.
What is the number one battery operated snow shovel?
Based on our testing, the EGO Power+ 12 inch 56V cordless snow shovel is the top battery operated option. Its 56V brushless motor, 25-foot throw distance, 60-degree directional control, and compatibility with the EGO 56V battery ecosystem make it the most capable cordless model on the market in 2026.
Are electric snow shovels worth buying?
Electric snow shovels are worth buying for anyone with a small to medium clearing area who wants to reduce physical strain. They cost far less than a full snow blower, store in a closet, and require minimal setup. For seniors, they can be life-changing by eliminating the back-breaking effort of manual shoveling.
Corded or cordless snow shovel – which is better?
Corded models are better for short areas near an outdoor outlet, lighter snow, and unlimited runtime. Cordless models are better for longer driveways, areas without power access, and convenience. In very cold climates, corded models win because batteries lose capacity in extreme cold. Choose corded if you have an outlet nearby and cordless if you value freedom of movement.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Snow Shovel Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight of the best electric snow shovels on the market in 2026, my top recommendation depends on your situation. For most buyers, the EGO Power+ SNS1201 is the best overall choice. Its 56V brushless motor, 25-foot throw, and battery ecosystem make it the most capable cordless option, even at a premium price.
If you have a longer driveway and want fewer passes, the VOLTASK 48V wheeled model is the runner-up. The wheels and 16-inch clearing path save real time, and the dual batteries keep you clearing longer. For budget shoppers or anyone with a short sidewalk near an outlet, the Earthwise SN70016 is the best corded value. And for seniors or anyone with strength concerns, the VOLTASK 24V delivers impressive clearing in a 9.3-pound package.
Whatever you choose, an electric snow shovel is one of the best winter investments you can make. Compared to a $500 snow blower or a lifetime of back pain, these tools pay for themselves in a single season. Pick the one that matches your clearing area and snow type, and you will wonder how you ever shoveled by hand.
