Yes, it needs a battery for the ignition (unless you have a magneto) but it doesn't need much of one.
I have driven several home and push started others using a dry cell lantern battery. They come in 6 and 12 volts and you can get them at the hardware store.
If the charging system is working the engine can run for a long time. If it isn't, you can get it home as long as you don't run lights, heater, etc.
