Best Electric Motorized Wheelbarrows and Garden Carts

Motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts may be of great help in any garden, yard, construction site, and in any similar situation. Electric motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts are low-maintenance, easy-to-use units.

We bring you the list of the top electric motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts, with their short description and quick review.

Published: December 20, 2023.

Features and Specifications

When looking for electric motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts, there are several important details to look for, including a power source, tub volume, and material, weight capacity, operating time, number and size of the wheels, hand and foot breaks, maintenance tasks, wheelbarrow price, and warranty, etc.

Power Source and Operating Time: This article is all about cordless electric wheelbarrows and garden carts. These motorized units feature onboard batteries that store the energy required for electric motors.

Onboard batteries come in the form of sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

Electric motorized wheelbarrows that use SLA batteries use either Gel-cell or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) SLA batteries. These batteries are spill-proof batteries and practically may operate in any position, except upside-down, without the danger of spilling dangerous acid.

They are vibration resistant and can tolerate several hundred charging/discharging cycles even when being discharged down to 80% of DoD (Depth of Discharge). In order to prolong their lifetime, it is recommended not to discharge them below 50%, if possible.

Note: These SLA batteries are either deep-cycle or dual-purpose batteries. If the electric wheelbarrow may accept the car starting battery, it is not a good choice since such batteries are designed to provide large currents for a short period of time. So, if you need a good SLA AGM/Gel-Cell battery, go for a deep cycle or dual-purpose battery.

Also, when lead-acid batteries are drained quickly (under 1 hour, for example), their 1h capacity drops down to 50-60% of their nominal (20h) capacity, depending on the battery model and actual discharge rate.

To properly charge most of the lead-acid batteries, at least 6-7 hours are required. There are also fast charge models of AGM SLA batteries that may be charged in under 2 hours (even under 1 hour), but their operating life also may be extended by slower charging cycles (in 3-5 hours). Also, they cost more.

AGM/Gel-Cell batteries are relatively heavy but rather cheap and robust. When getting new models, users have many brands to choose from; just be sure to choose the model that may fit the battery compartment and has the electric features the same or even better than the old battery.

Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and strong types of batteries that support a large number of cycles even when being discharged down to 100% of DoD.

They are also rather expensive batteries that must be charged ONLY with branded chargers intended for such batteries - or they can burst in flames or even explode and that is not a good thing, to say the least!

Electric wheelbarrows and garden carts powered by lithium-ion batteries often share the same batteries with other power tools of the same brand that are designed around such battery systems. This way, the gardener may have just a few of these batteries that are used for powering a broad range of cordless tools, significantly decreasing the price of such tools, especially in the long run.

Operating time on the single battery charge of the electric motorized garden carts and wheelbarrows ranges from 20-30 minutes to a few hours and it depends on the type of terrain (flat, even surface, grass, gravel, incline rough terrain, etc.), weight load, type of use (constant or with periodic), etc.

Electric wheelbarrows with lithium-ion batteries simply replace discharged batteries with the charged ones, while AGM/Gel-Cell batteries are usually charged while still onboard the unit.

Cargo Tub Volume and Material: Cargo tub volume depends on the unit's design (wheelbarrow or garden cart) and is usually between 2-3 and 6-7 cubic feet. Cargo tubs are usually made of metal or, more commonly, durable plastic - while metal tubs are tougher and harder to break, plastic ones are cheaper, rust-resistant, and easier to maintain.

Weight Capacity varies between 200 pounds (~91 kg) and 1000 pounds (~453 kg). The larger the weight capacity, the stronger and heavier the wheelbarrow/garden cart has to be, which on the other hand, dictates its price.

Off-Loading Assist Handle helps the user in off-loading the wheelbarrow/garden cart, and it may be rather useful in many situations. Note that not all models feature such off-loading assist handles.

Maximum Forward and Reverse Speed depend on the terrain type and slope, tire pressure, wheel size, etc. Most models feature at least 2 forward and 2 reverse speeds with some models having continuously variable speed controllers, allowing the users to set the required speed finely. Generally, maximum speeds are in the 2-6 mph range.

Maximum Terrain Slope that electric motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts may traverse depends on the unit load, battery condition, and similar. Generally, when the wheelbarrows/garden carts are fully loaded, they may traverse the 10-15° slopes. Steeper slopes are not recommended, not even when the wheelbarrows are empty - not because of the lack of power, but for safety reasons.

Number and Size of the Wheels: most motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts feature two main wheels and one caster wheel, with some models featuring one main wheel and two casters. Also, some models feature just two main wheels with no caster wheel(s).

Wheel size usually varies from 10 to 13+ inches (25.4 - 33+ cm).

Hand and Foot Breaks increase safety and allow the user to park the wheelbarrow/garden cart even on slopes.

Maintenance Tasks depend on the model, but generally, they include checking the battery charge and recharging the batteries when required, checking the tire pressure, keeping the unit clean, and similar.

Note: although electric motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts are easy to use and maintain when the new unit arrives, it is highly recommended to read the manual thoroughly in order to get accustomed to your new wheelbarrow/garden cart.

Wheelbarrow and Garden Cart Price and Warranty: price and warranty differ from model to model, depending on the unit's complexity, strength, material, battery type, etc. A good electric motorized wheelbarrow/garden cart must cost several hundred US$ - anything cheaper than that means that the quality of built-in components may be problematic, to say the least.

Warranty terms depend on the wheelbarrow/garden cart use (commercial or residential), if the warranty is only for wheelbarrow/garden cart or batteries, is it for labor, parts, etc.  

Electric Wheelbarrow/Utility Cart vs. All Terrain Utility Tracked Cart/Motorized Wagon

Electric wheelbarrows/utility carts are in many ways similar to all-terrain utility carts/motorized wagons, but they also differ in many details, including:

• Electric wheelbarrows/utility carts are mostly powered by onboard batteries, while all-terrain utility tracked carts/motorized wagons are powered by two- and four-stroke internal combustion engines,
• Electric wheelbarrows/utility carts feature wheels while all-terrain utility carts/motorized wagons use tank-style tracks,
• All-terrain utility tracked carts/motorized wagons are mechanically more complicated, they are more maintenance-intensive carts, and they are more difficult to use,
• All-terrain utility tracked carts/motorized wagons are able to carry much heavier loads than electric wheelbarrows/utility carts.

Obviously, electric wheelbarrows/utility carts are cheaper, even if they are powered by lithium batteries.  

1. Landworks Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon

Landworks Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon comes with a 500W electric motor, allowing the unit to carry up to 500 pounds (~226.5 kg) cargo and to haul 1000 pounds (~453 kg) - cargo volume is 6 cubic feet.

The unit comes by default with a single 48V 2Ah Li-ion battery, but it may accept 2 batteries. Also, the unit may accept larger batteries, as well.

Note: when the unit arrives, be sure to read the Owner's Guide/Manual in order to get accustomed to your new unit, especially safety features and warnings and battery maintenance/charging.

Speed is variable - the left handle comes with a Forward/Reverse switch, while the right handle allows the user to fine-tune speed. Also, the battery indicator next to the right handle clearly shows battery status.

The maximum forward speed is 3.1 mph (5 km/h) and the maximum reverse speed is 2.2 mph (3.5 km/h).

Landworks Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon features removable cargo panels, unload handle, large 13-inch (~33 cm) pneumatic tires, 15° max. recommended slope, etc.

The actual slope mostly depends on the load and terrain type. On slippery terrain and very uneven terrain, one must be extra careful - this warning goes for all similar units, not just for this one.

If You are looking for a lithium-powered, robust, garden utility cart/power wagon, consider this one. Also, consider getting more batteries if You plan on using this unit more often.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Landworks Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon Amazon link (link opens in the new window). 

2. Snapper XD SXDUC82 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Utility Cart

Snapper XD SXDUC82 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Utility Cart is powered by 82 volts lithium-ion 2.0 Ah Briggs&Stratton battery, being able to store ~144 Wh of energy.

According to the manufacturer, one battery charge is enough for up to 180 minutes (3h) of use - a little bit optimistic since the type of terrain dictates the actual operating time on the single battery charge.

The rapid charger that comes with the unit is able to fully charge a 2.0 Ah battery in 30 minutes, which is an excellent charging speed.

Snapper XD SXDUC82 also features 3.7 cubic feet (106 liters) rust-resistant cargo tub, which is made of steel.

Snapper XD SXDUC82 comes with a fold-away steel hitch designed for towing the unit at speeds of up to 6 mph.

Unit comes with one caster 8" (20.3 cm) wheel and two main 12" (30.5 cm) wheels.

Snapper XD SXDUC82 features two speeds (high up to 2.6 mph and low up to 2.1 mph) and a maximum allowed load of 220 pounds (100 kg).

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Snapper XD SXDUC82 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Utility Cart Amazon link (link opens in the new window).  

3. SuperHandy Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart Power Wagon Wheelbarrow

SuperHandy Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart Power Wagon Wheelbarrow is powered by one or two 2.0Ah or 4.0 Ah 48V lithium-ion batteries, ensuring 88.8 Wh (one 2.0Ah battery) or 177.6 Wh (two 2.0Ah batteries) of energy - if more energy is required, feel free to order 4.0Ah batteries.

Note: actual battery voltage is 44.4V (twelve 3.7V cells connected in series).

SuperHandy Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart Power Wagon Wheelbarrow features two 13" (~33 cm) all-terrain pneumatic tires, ensuring good maneuverability and excellent traction regardless of the terrain type.

Thanks to a highly efficient electric motor and power fade-free lithium-ion batteries, the unit can traverse up the 15° slopes, can carry up to 500 pounds (~227 kg) of weight, and can haul up to 1000 pounds (~454 kg) of weight.

Storage area capacity is 6 cubic feet, but if required, sides of the storage area can be easily folded and/or removed.

Fully charged batteries ensure 2 to 5 hours of use, depending on the load, terrain, and similar.

SuperHandy Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart Power Wagon Wheelbarrow also comes with an unloading handle, helping the users to unload cargo forward.

Maximum speeds of the unit are 0-3.1 mph (0-5 km/h) forward and 0-2.2 mph (0-3.5 km/h) reverse.

The unit features coated steel construction, ensuring durability and strong construction at a rather acceptable price.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the SuperHandy Electric 48V DC Li-Ion Powered Utility Service Cart Power Wagon Wheelbarrow Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).  

4. Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow

Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow is powered using two Makita's 18V LXT 5.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries for a total of 180 Wh of energy.

Note: during operation, Makita XUC01PTX1 uses only one battery, and when that battery is discharged, a second battery is used.

The operating time on the single battery is up to 45 minutes. The maximum load capacity is 275 pounds (~125 kg).

The unit features two-speed settings with a maximum speed of 2.5 mph on a 12° slope - low forward speed is 1 mph, and reverse speed is 0.62 mph.

Makita XUC01PTX1 weighs 87.2 pounds (39.5 kg) with physical dimensions (LxWxH) of 43-3/4" x 23-1/4" x 32-1/4".

One of the interesting features of Makita XUC01PTX1 is that it comes with one main wheel and two rear castor wheels, which are adjustable from 19" to 30" (48 - 76 cm).

Also, it features a steel bucket/tub, which is interchangeable with the optional steel tube flatbed.

Additional features include two LED lights on each side and a 7" mechanical disc brake for faster stopping.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Makita XUC01PTX1 Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).  

5. SuperHandy Wheelbarrow Li-Ion Electric Powered Utility Cart

SuperHandy Wheelbarrow Li-Ion Electric Powered Utility Cart is powered by a pair of 2.0Ah 48V lithium-ion power fade-free batteries for a total energy capacity of ~177.6 Wh - batteries feature 12 3.7V cells for a nominal voltage of 44.4V and a maximum voltage of 48V.

Depending on the use, load, and terrain, two fully charged 2.0Ah batteries ensure 2-5 hours of use.

SuperHandy Wheelbarrow Li-Ion Electric Powered Utility Cart features two relatively large all-terrain 13" (~33 cm) wheels, and in combination with a 500W brushless electric motor, ensures a maximum upward slope of 12°, maximum load capacity of 330 pounds (~150 kg) and 4 cubic feet capacity.

The unit doesn't feature a castor wheel. Also, the unit doesn't feature a brake.

Both forward and reverse speeds are variable - forward speed is between 0 and 3.1 mph (0-5 km/h), and reverse speed is between 0 and 2.2 mph (0-3.5 km/h).

SuperHandy Wheelbarrow Li-Ion Electric Powered Utility Cart features all powder-coated steel construction, preventing rust and ensuring high load capacity at an acceptable price.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the SuperHandy Wheelbarrow Li-Ion Electric Powered Utility Cart Amazon link (link opens in the new window).  

6. Landworks 500W Electric (AGM) Utility Cart/Power Wagon

Landworks Utility Cart uses a 48V electric system and is powered using four 12V 7.0 Ah AGM SLA batteries for a total of 336 Wh of energy stored - at least in theory.

The maximum weight capacity is 500 pounds (~227 kg), but the unit is able to haul 1000+ pounds.

Operating time depends on the load and slope, but generally, one may expect some 2-5 hours of use on the single battery pack charge.

Speeds are variable, with a forward speed in the 0-3.1 mph range and a reverse speed in the 0-2.2 mph range.

Landworks Utility Cart comes with one castor wheel and two main 13" (33 cm) wheels.

The off-loading handle is placed on the right side of the unit.

The cargo bed/tub is modular, featuring a 6 cubic feet capacity, but it also may be used as a flatbed for different types of cargo.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Landworks 500W Electric (AGM) Utility Cart/Power Wagon Amazon link (link opens in the new window).  

7. SuperHandy Electric 48V DC AGM Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon

SuperHandy Electric 48V DC AGM Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon is powered by a 500W energy-efficient brushless electric motor combined with four (4) 12V 7Ah deep-cycle AGM batteries connected in series.

The maximum load capacity is 500 pounds (~226.5 kg), and the maximum haul capacity is 1000 pounds (~453 kg), with 6 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Thanks to the unloading handle, cargo can be unloaded quickly and easily.

The maximum forward speed is 3.1 mph (5 km/h), and the maximum reverse speed is 2.2 mph (3.5 km/h).

The unit features two pneumatic 13 inches (33 cm) carrying wheels and one full-swivel castor wheel, ensuring good maneuverability and a 15° maximum slope.

The entire design is simple and robust and very similar to other such units - just note that this is AGM batteries-powered unit - the batteries last longer when not being discharged deeply and when not being pushed to the maximum.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the SuperHandy Electric 48V DC AGM Utility Service Cart/Power Wagon Amazon link (link opens in the new window). 

8. SuperHandy Ultra Duty AGM Electric Powered Wheelbarrow

SuperHandy Ultra Duty AGM Electric Powered Wheelbarrow comes with two 13" (33 cm) wheels, with no castor wheel. It is powered by two 12V 7.0 Ah AGM SLA batteries with a total of 168 Wh of stored energy (at least in theory).

The maximum weight capacity is 330 pounds (150 kg) with a volume capacity of 4 cubic feet.

Speeds are variable, with the forward speed in the 0-3.1 mph range and reverse speed in the 0-2.2 mph range.

The expected operating time on the single battery charge is 2-5 hours, depending on the unit's load and type of terrain and slope.

SuperHandy Ultra Duty AGM Electric Powered Wheelbarrow features relatively simple construction and high load capacity at an acceptable price - it lacks a third (castor) wheel, off-loading assist handle, and a few more features found on other models.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the SuperHandy Ultra Duty AGM Electric Powered Wheelbarrow Amazon link (the link opens in the new window). 

9. Landworks 24V DC AGM Electric Utility Cart/Wheelbarrow

Landworks 24V DC AGM Electric Utility Cart/Wheelbarrow is a simple and reliable electric utility cart/wheelbarrow powered by a pair of AGM 12V 7Ah batteries, providing power to the 180W electric motor.

Depending on the load, terrain, slope, and other working conditions, one may expect up to 2-5 hours of operation from a single battery charge.

The maximum slope is 12°, the maximum forward speed is 3.1 mph (5 km/h), and the maximum reverse speed is 2.2 mph (3.5 km/h) - unit features a pair of 13 inches (33 cm) wheels, with no third (castor) wheel.

Controls are on the handles, easy to reach and use.

The maximum load is 300-330 pounds (136-150 kg) and four (4) cubic feet, although, on slopes, one should load less than that for safety reasons.

All in all, this is a rather versatile AGM-powered unit that is easy to use and maintain and that comes in handy in many situations in the garden, backyard, or lawn ...

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Landworks 24V DC AGM Electric Utility Cart/Wheelbarrow Amazon link (the link opens in the new window). 

Few Final Words

Motorized wheelbarrows and garden carts may be of great help in any garden, yard, construction site, and similar. Since these models are electric, they are quiet during operation, they don't emit smoke or fumes, and are generally easy to use and maintain - when they arrive, be sure to read the manual/Owner's Guide, and if required, keep it near the unit, just in case.

Their price differs depending on their features and specifications - thanks to advances in technology, lithium-powered models are more and more common, despite the price difference.

When choosing the right electric motorized wheelbarrow and/or garden cart, be sure to choose according to your own needs and preferences.