With apologies to OP, I couldn't agree more. I ended up w 2 mowers while selling one house, buying another. One gas, one electric, an 20" EGO electric bought in 2014. Still going fine, using orig batteries, 10th season. The EGO is the only mower my wife will use, much lighter, much, much easier to maneuver, easy to store, the handle folds and it sits on end. Easy to haul around. Much less noise. No need to winterize. Great for mowing around trees, flower beds, gardens, etc. I have 2 batteries, ~ 5 amp hr. EGO and HD/Ryobi both make good electrics. Pricy, due to batteries, decent models start around $400, more w 2 batteries. Ex the initial cost, a really good fit for applications like this.
Checked on Consumer Reports, the top push mower with electric start in their ratings is a Honda HRN216VLA, but its out of stock as best I can tell.
The Honda HRN216VLA lawn mower features electric start, Honda's adjustable speed Smart Drive transmission, Auto Choke™, MicroCut® twin blades, a powerful 4-stroke engine.
powerequipment.honda.com
The next model up, is $900, available on amazon, so too expensive... but seems to meet the requirements otherwise....