What is an Electric Snow Shovel?

If you live somewhere where there is snow, you know how much work it can be to keep your stairs, walkways, patios, and driveway clear of snow. There’s now a gadget on the market called an electric snow shovel. What is an electric snow shovel, and can it make your life easier?

What is an electric snow shovel?

There are many different types of an electric snow shovel, but they operate on the same basic premise. Compared to a snow blower, they are much smaller and compact. Sizes vary, but on average they weigh under 20 lbs. and have a clearing width of 11 to 16 inches.

The way it works is simple. You turn it on and push forward like you would a snow blower. As you move forwards, the shovel takes the snow and throws it about 15 to 20 feet ahead. This means there is no more need to bend over, pick up the snow, and throw it yourself. If you’re a visual person and would like to see a video, have a look here.

The price of the electric snow shovels varies from roughly $85 US to $250 US depending on the features you are looking for. The bigger, more powerful shovels will be at the upper end of the price range while more compact ones will be at the lower end.

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Snow Shovel?

• Electric snow shovels are safer than shoveling the old fashion way. Shoveling related injuries are no joke. According to Business Insider, an average of 11,500 people found themselves in the Emergency room with shoveling-related injuries. Shoveling will put a strain on your back and neck, and a combination of cold and physical activity can have a negative impact on your heart and cardiovascular system. Using an electric snow shovel will lower that added stress on your body.
• It will get the job done quicker. We all have busy lives, and who wants to spend their time shoveling? The electric snow shovel will allow you to get it done fast so you can curl up inside with a hot chocolate and your favorite television show.
• They are compact and easy to store. Compared to a snow blower, finding storage for an electric shovel shouldn’t be hard. Like a regular shovel, you can keep them in the entrance or closet, so you have easy access.

What Are the Disadvantages of an Electric Snow Shovel?

• Not ideal for large surfaces like driveways.
• The blades could damage surfaces like patios or stairs.
• It may not be efficient in wet and heavy snow.
• Can’t control what direction the snow is being thrown.
• Consumers have reported that the blades sometimes chip and break.
• Because not all of them are battery powered, so you could be limited by the length of the cord.

How Do I Choose an Electric Snow Shovel?

According to Snow Removal Services Boston, who provides expert snow removal in Boston, there are several factors to keep in mind when looking to purchase an electric snow shovel. The one you choose will depend on your needs. These are the things you will want to consider:

• Size and Weight: Go to the store and physically hold them for yourself to see how heavy it is. Also, examine the how bulky it is considering how much space you have for storage.
• The power of the motor: How big the motor is will have an impact on many aspects. Obviously, the bigger the motor is, the heavier it will be. A bigger motor will have the capacity to remove more snow at a time. An increase in power also means that the snow will be thrown farther.
• Clearance width: This will tell you how wide the snow removal will be. Having a wider clearance will make bigger jobs go faster. However, if you want to do small spaces, you may want to choose something smaller.
• Overall design: This includes the handle, whether there is lighting added to it, how easy it is to push, and the power cord. You want a handle that feels good for you. Because everyone is different, some models come with adjustable handles as well. In terms of the power cord, you need to know if the length will be sufficient for the area where you wish to remove the snow.
• Price: After you have considered the above factors you can look at pricing. Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it is less quality. Depending on how much snow you must remove, a cheaper option may be the choice for you.

Electric snow shovels will not only be easier on your body, but it will also save you time. If you are not looking to clear big areas of snow, and you want a better and safer way to do it, an electric snow shovel could be a great investment for you.