A Complete Guide to Electric Lawnmowers and How to Choose One (2026)

Last updated: January 29, 2026

If you are reading this, there is a good chance you are either replacing an older petrol machine or buying your first mower and trying to future-proof the choice. Either way, you are in the right place.

This electric lawnmower guide walks you through what electric mowers are, why they are taking over UK gardens in 2026, and how to pick the right model without overpaying or underbuying. We will cover the real-world differences between electric and petrol lawn mowers, the main electric mower types, the features that genuinely matter, and the accessories that make mowing easier, safer, and more satisfying.

An electric lawn mower is a mower powered by electricity instead of petrol, either via a mains cable (corded) or a rechargeable battery (cordless). Electric mowers are popular because they are quieter, cleaner at the point of use, and need less maintenance than petrol models. If you want to see what is available right now, start by browsing Toolden’s full range of lawn mowers.

Electric is also a big step towards sustainable lawn care. Even if your goal is simply a tidy lawn and fewer headaches, it is hard to ignore the convenience gains: push-button starts, less servicing, no fuel cans, and far less noise.

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Shop All Lawn Mowers


Table of Contents

1. Electric Lawnmowers vs. Petrol Lawnmowers

The “electric vs petrol lawnmower” debate used to be simple: petrol was for big lawns and thick grass, electric was for small patches. In 2026, that is no longer a fair summary. Cordless battery tech and brushless motors have pushed electric into territory that used to be petrol-only.

That said, there are still trade-offs. The best option depends on your lawn size, how often you mow, whether you let grass get long, and whether you want “quick and quiet” or “maximum brute force”.

Electric mower advantages (and where petrol still wins)

Electric mowers tend to suit most UK gardens because they:

Petrol still has strengths:

Quick comparison table: electric vs petrol lawnmower

FactorElectric lawnmower (corded or cordless)Petrol lawnmower
StartingPush-button or safety lever startPull start (sometimes electric-start models)
NoiseUsually lowerTypically louder
Emissions at point of useNoneExhaust emissions present
MaintenanceLow (blade, cleaning, occasional checks)Higher (oil, filters, spark plug, fuel system)
Running costsElectricity and bladesFuel, servicing, blades
Power deliveryStrong, consistent torque (especially brushless)Strong; well-suited to heavy, continuous use
RuntimeCorded is unlimited; cordless depends on batteriesRefuel and go
StorageClean and simpleFuel storage considerations, smells, winter prep
Best forMost small to medium lawns; larger lawns with the right battery systemLarge lawns, rougher conditions, heavy mowing sessions

Why the shift from petrol to electric is accelerating

Most households are not choosing electric to make a political statement. They are choosing electric because it is easier to live with.

The big drivers behind the move include:

If you are switching from petrol, the key mindset change is this: you stop thinking about engine size and start thinking about cutting width, drive type, battery platform (if cordless), and mowing routine.


2. Different Types of Electric Lawnmowers

Electric lawnmowers are not one category. Your experience can vary massively depending on how the mower gets power and how it cuts the grass.

2.1 Cordless vs Corded Electric Lawnmowers

A useful first split is:

Before you pick a type, read the table below. It captures the trade-offs most buyers actually feel after a few weekends of mowing.

Corded vs cordless comparison table

CriteriaCorded Electric MowerCordless (Battery) Mower
Power sourceDirect mains electricity via cableRechargeable battery pack(s)
RuntimeEffectively unlimited as long as plugged inLimited by battery (roughly 30 to 60 min typical per charge)
RangeRestricted by cable length and socket locationFull freedom of movement anywhere in the garden
Mobility / handlingVery light but cable can tangle and is a trip/cut hazardHeavier due to battery but no cable to manage
Best lawn sizeSmall to modest lawns near the houseSmall to medium lawns; larger if you have spare batteries
Set-up neededExtension lead and safe cable routingCharging batteries and managing charge cycles
Purchase costUsually cheaper to buyHigher upfront cost for mower plus batteries
Long-term costsLow; mainly electricity and occasional blade replacementBattery replacement after several years adds cost
Noise levelQuiet compared with petrolSimilarly quiet; some models even quieter under load
Environmental impactNo direct emissions; uses grid electricityNo direct emissions; battery production and disposal to consider
Ideal user / use caseBudget-conscious, has easy outdoor socket, simple small lawnWants cable-free convenience, has obstacles or awkward access, may already own same battery system

Corded electric mowers: who they suit best

Corded mowers make sense if you have:

The main benefit is simple: unlimited runtime. You can mow as long as you like without thinking about charging or spare batteries. The compromise is that you have to learn cable management. That means:

If you want an easy, garden-friendly extension lead, an example option is the Masterplug MSTCT1513 Garden Extension Lead 240V 15m.

Cordless (battery-powered) mowers: petrol-like freedom without the fumes

A battery powered electric lawn mower gives you the freedom that petrol owners love, but without fuel mixing, pull starts, or exhaust fumes. For most people, this is the most enjoyable way to mow.

The biggest “win” with cordless is choosing a mower that fits a battery platform you will stick with. Many buyers already own a compatible cordless drill or garden tool range, so it makes sense to stay in the same ecosystem.

Toolden has dedicated battery and charger ranges for major cordless platforms, including:

If you are comparing packs across brands, focus on two numbers:

A handy way to compare batteries across systems is to think in watt-hours (Wh):

Wh = V × Ah

Example: an 18V 5.0Ah battery is about 90Wh. Two of them in a twin-battery mower can be about 180Wh (depending on how the mower uses them).

That still does not give you exact runtime, because mowing load changes with grass length, moisture, cutting height, and blade sharpness. But it helps you compare “small battery vs big battery” realistically.

If you are building a cordless kit from scratch, browse Toolden’s full batteries & chargers selection, or jump straight to batteries and chargers.


2.2 Types of electric lawnmowers according to cutting system and application

Once you have picked corded vs cordless, the next decision is how the mower cuts and moves. This affects cut quality, ease of use, and how forgiving the mower is if you miss a week.

Rotary electric lawnmowers: the most popular, practical all-rounders

Rotary mowers use a fast-spinning horizontal blade. They are the most common choice in the UK because they:

If you are choosing your first cordless electric lawn mower, a rotary design is typically the safest bet.

Cylinder electric lawnmowers: best for show-lawn stripes and a finer finish

Cylinder mowers cut using a rotating cylinder of blades against a fixed bottom blade, like scissors. This can give a very clean cut, which is great for lawn health and appearance.

Choose a cylinder mower if:

Avoid cylinder mowers if you regularly let the grass grow long or your lawn is bumpy, because they can struggle and may scalp uneven ground.

Hover lawnmowers: useful for slopes and awkward shapes

Hover mowers float on a cushion of air, which makes them handy on:

They are usually light and easy to manoeuvre, but they can be less satisfying for formal lawns because striping and collection can be more limited depending on the model.

Electric push mowers: simple, light, and budget-friendly

A push mower is exactly what it sounds like: you provide the movement. In electric form, these are often:

They are ideal for flat lawns, smaller gardens, or anyone who wants maximum control and minimal complexity.

Self-propelled mowers: the comfort upgrade for bigger or sloped lawns

Self-propelled mowers drive their wheels, reducing effort. They are worth paying for if you have:

Self-propelled cordless models have come a long way, and they are a strong “petrol replacement” option when matched with the right battery system.

Mowers with mulchers: tidy lawns and free fertiliser

Mulching mowers (or mowers with a mulching plug) chop clippings into finer pieces and drop them back into the grass. This can:

Mulching works best when you mow regularly and the grass is not too long or wet. A simple example accessory is a mulching plug such as Makita GB00000067 Mulching Plug for DLM330 Cordless Lawn Mowers.

Robot lawnmowers: set-and-forget mowing

Robot mowers are designed to maintain the lawn little and often. They can be brilliant if you want a consistently neat lawn without spending your weekends behind a mower.

Key things to understand before buying a robot mower:

Robot mowers are a separate buying journey because installation and garden layout matter more than raw cutting width.

Battery-powered tractors and riding lawnmowers: for big land, not typical gardens

Riding mowers and lawn tractors make sense when:

For most UK homes, a wide-deck cordless walk-behind mower is the more practical “big lawn” step-up, especially if storage space is limited.


Shop electric lawnmowers by brand on Toolden

If you are ready to browse, here are quick links to leading mower ranges on Toolden:

Shop Makita Lawn Mowers!

Shop Makita Lawn Mowers!

Shop DeWalt Lawn Mowers!

Shop DeWalt Lawn Mowers!

Shop Milwaukee Lawn Mowers!

Shop Milwaukee Lawn Mowers!


3. Things to Consider Before Choosing an Electric Lawnmower

Choosing an electric mower is not just about “corded vs cordless”. The best mower is the one that fits your lawn and your habits.

Below is a practical checklist of what matters most, especially if you are comparing small electric lawnmowers and large electric lawnmowers, or deciding between an 18V vs 36V mower.

Lawn size (m²) and shape

Start with lawn area, then adjust for complexity:

If you are unsure, measure roughly: length × width for each area (in metres), then add them up to get square metres.

Cutting width (deck size) and why it matters

This is your biggest time-saver. A wider deck means fewer passes, but it also means:

Use these UK-friendly starting points:

Tip: if you have narrow gates, tight paths, or awkward corners, do not automatically go wide. A slightly smaller deck that fits everywhere can be quicker overall than dragging a wide mower into tight spaces.

Cutting height adjustment: do not overlook it

A good mower should have at least 3 to 5 cutting height stages. More is better, but only if it is easy to use.

Why it matters:

Central height adjustment (one lever) is usually more convenient than adjusting each wheel.

Power rating for corded electric lawnmowers

Corded models are often listed in watts (W). Higher wattage can help in thicker grass, but it is not the only factor. Blade design, deck airflow, and grass collection design matter too.

As a general guide:

Lawnmower battery life and power for cordless models

For a cordless mower, battery decisions often decide whether you love it or regret it.

What changes real runtime:

Practical advice:

If you already own compatible packs, staying in the same ecosystem can save a lot. For example, browsing DeWalt batteries & chargers or Makita batteries & chargers can be a sensible step before committing to a mower platform.

Drive type: push vs self-propelled

Ask yourself one honest question: do you enjoy pushing a mower?

Self-propelled is not “lazy”, it is a fatigue reducer. Less fatigue means more consistent mowing, and consistent mowing usually means a better lawn.

Grass handling options: collect, mulch, side discharge

Most rotary mowers can collect into a grass box. Some can also mulch, and a few offer side discharge.

If you like the mulching idea, make sure the mower is designed for it, or supports a plug. An example is Makita 191D46-2 Mulching Plug for DLM382/DLM432 Cordless Lawn Mowers.

Weight, ergonomics, and ease of turning

A mower can look perfect on paper and feel awkward in your hands.

Look for:

If you are buying for a household where different people mow, ergonomics matter even more.

Size and storage

Measure your shed, garage, or storage space before you buy.

Consider:

Noise level and neighbours

Electric mowers are usually quieter than petrol lawn mowers, but noise still varies. If you live in a tight area, it is worth prioritising quieter designs and keeping blades sharp (dull blades can make mowing louder and rougher).

Build quality, warranty, and support

Look for:

This is another reason buyers choose big battery ecosystems, because they tend to have better long-term support.

Price and total cost of ownership

For cordless models, the “real price” includes:

If you already own batteries, a body-only mower can be great value. If you do not, a kit (mower + batteries + charger) is often the simplest way to start.


4. Functions, Accessories, and Attachments to Look For Before Buying

Once you have chosen the right size and power type, features become the difference between “fine” and “I love using this”.

Mulching plugs

Mulching plugs convert many collection mowers into mulchers. Choose mulching if:

Example accessory: Makita GB00000067 Mulching Plug for DLM330 Cordless Lawn Mowers.

Rear rollers: the professional “British stripes” look

If you want classic stripes, a rear roller helps flatten grass in alternating directions as you mow.

Rear rollers are especially popular in the UK because:

Do note: rollers are not magic. Stripes are more visible when you mow regularly and keep the lawn healthy.

Self-propelled drive: the slope saver

Self-propelled drive is a must-have if:

A grass box with a level indicator or foldable design

A good grass box:

Some mowers also offer fabric bags that collapse for easier storage.

Handlebars and handle adjustments

Look for:

Grass combs and edge cutting

If you want a clean edge line, look for designs that let the mower cut closer to walls and borders. Some mowers include comb-style features that lift grass near edges.

Leaf collect mode

Some mowers are better at picking up leaves than others. If you have trees, a mower that can “vacuum” leaves into the box can save time in autumn.

Anti-vibration systems and general comfort

Cordless and corded mowers are generally smoother than petrol, but vibration still matters:

Comfort features might not sound exciting, but they are often what turns mowing from a chore into an easy routine.


5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you cut wet grass with an electric lawnmower?

Technically possible, but strongly discouraged.

Wet grass tends to:

For corded models, there is an additional concern: wet conditions increase the risk of electrical hazards if you use damaged leads or unsafe connections. If you ever do mow in damp conditions, make cable safety and RCD protection non-negotiable.

How long do electric mower batteries last per charge and overall?

Per charge, a lot depends on deck size, grass length, and battery capacity, but many cordless mowers land in the ballpark of 30 to 60 minutes in typical conditions.

Overall lifespan: many lithium-ion batteries are designed for hundreds of charge cycles. In normal home use, that often works out at around 3 to 5 years before you notice a meaningful drop in runtime. How you store and charge batteries makes a big difference.

Simple runtime estimate:

If your lawn pushes the limits of one charge, the best fix is usually practical rather than technical: buy a second compatible battery so you can swap and keep mowing.

You can explore compatible options in Toolden’s batteries section, or within brand ranges like Milwaukee batteries & chargers.

Is an electric mower powerful enough for tall grass?

Yes, with the right mower and the right approach.

Two big factors matter:

  1. Brushless motors: brushless designs tend to be more efficient, run cooler, and maintain torque under load. That helps in thicker, taller grass.
  2. How you mow: if the lawn is very overgrown, raise the cutting height and take a first pass, then lower the height for a second finishing pass.

If you regularly deal with long grass, also consider:

Can you store an electric lawnmower outside?

It is better not to.

Electric mowers contain motors, switches, and electrical contacts that do not love moisture, frost, and long-term damp exposure. If you must store outside:

A shed, garage, or sheltered storage box is a safer long-term solution.

Are electric lawnmowers better for the environment?

For most homeowners, electric is a positive move for sustainable lawn care, mainly because:

Cordless mowers do involve battery manufacturing and end-of-life recycling, so the most sustainable choice is usually the one you will keep and use for years. Buying into a long-lived battery ecosystem, then using batteries across multiple tools, can also reduce waste over time.

Which are better: electric lawnmowers or hand pushed versions?

It depends on what you mean by “hand pushed”.

For most households, a push electric mower is the easiest balance of convenience and affordability, especially for small and medium lawns.

How much electricity does an electric lawnmower use?

Electricity use depends on motor power and time.

A simple estimate:

Cordless mowers consume electricity too, but you see it through battery charging rather than direct use. Either way, electric mowing is typically inexpensive to run compared with buying petrol, especially when maintenance costs are considered.

What is a good electric lawnmower?

A good electric mower is one that matches:

For many UK buyers, a “good” cordless mower often includes:

To see a wide cross-section of options, browse Toolden’s full lawn mowers range and filter by power type, cutting width, and brand.

Which brands for electric lawnmowers do you recommend and why?

A few brand ecosystems stand out because they combine mower performance with strong battery platforms and wider tool compatibility:

The “best” brand is usually the one that matches batteries you already own, or the one you are happy to commit to across multiple tools.

Can I cut long grass with an electric lawn mower?

Yes, but do it in stages:

Trying to scalp long grass low in one go is the fastest way to clog the deck and drain a battery.

What makes electric lawn mowers safe with electric shock?

Safety comes from both mower design and user habits.

Key safety features often include:

For corded mowing, adding an RCD device is a common extra safety layer. One example is the Masterplug MSTARCDKGMP Safety RCD Adaptor.

What size electric lawn mower do I need?

Use lawn area as your baseline:

Then adjust for lawn shape. Narrow passages and lots of obstacles often push you towards slightly smaller decks for easier manoeuvring.


6. Maintenance and Safety Tips

A well-maintained mower cuts better, lasts longer, and is safer. Below are practical, do-this-not-that tips you can follow across corded and cordless models.

Basic safety advice before any work

Safe operating practices

After-each-use care

Specific checks for corded mowers

Specific checks for cordless mowers

Motors, vents, and fasteners

Blade maintenance: keep it sharp for a healthy lawn

A sharp blade:

Practical guidance:

If you are not comfortable removing blades, a local garden equipment service can sharpen or replace them safely.

Battery storage: avoid extreme temperatures

If you are investing in extra packs, browse batteries and make sure you match the right platform.

Cable safety: use an RCD for corded models

Storage and winterising


7. Conclusion

Electric is no longer just for “small gardens”. In 2026, a well-chosen electric mower is a genuine petrol replacement for the vast majority of UK households, especially when you pick the right cutting width, the right drive type, and a battery platform that fits your garden and your routine.

If you want to compare models right away, start here:

Shop All Lawn Mowers

Shop All Lawn Mowers

Shop Makita Lawn Mowers!

Shop Makita Lawn Mowers!

Shop DeWalt Lawn Mowers!

Shop DeWalt Lawn Mowers!

Shop Milwaukee Lawn Mowers!

Shop Milwaukee Lawn Mowers!


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