Think the Ryobi was $4200 (last year). Not aware of difference in controls between the Ryobi and Ego. The ZT480e has the 2 "oars" to each side of you.
A couple days ago, I had a vibration from the blades. Stopped and went to the garage and lifted the front with my floor jack (using that attachment point for the deck right in front). One of the blades was slightly bent and loose. I removed both and sharpened them and tried to straighten the bent blade. It's causing the left side to cut about 1/2 to 3/4" lower than the right side. Just ordered new blades from Home Depot: $33. LOTs easier doing the blades with the floor jack than removing the deck, etc.
I've taken to mowing a lot more stuff now that I replaced the OEM turfs with Carlisle Super Lugs (MUCH safer with MUCH better grip). Cannot imagine what caused the one blade to bend down a bit. Likely some big piece of wood/branch.
The battery level has never gone below 70% even with the increased amount of mowing I've been doing with it.
The Ego at Lowes now is $4,999.