Electric vs Petrol Lawnmowers: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between an electric and petrol lawnmower is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when investing in lawn care equipment. Both types have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

Electric Lawnmowers

Advantages

Environmentally Friendly Electric mowers produce zero emissions at the point of use, making them an eco-conscious choice. They’re perfect for environmentally aware gardeners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Low Maintenance With fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or fuel system maintenance, electric mowers are remarkably easy to maintain.

Quiet Operation Electric motors are significantly quieter than petrol engines, allowing you to mow early morning or evening without disturbing neighbours.

Easy to Start Simply press a button or pull a lever - no pull-cord wrestling required. This makes electric mowers particularly suitable for those with mobility issues.

Lower Running Costs Electricity is cheaper than petrol, and with minimal maintenance requirements, your ongoing costs will be lower.

Disadvantages

Limited Range (Corded) Standard corded electric mowers restrict your movement and are only practical for smaller gardens near a power outlet.

Battery Life (Cordless) Battery-powered models offer freedom from cables but typically provide 30-60 minutes of runtime before needing a recharge.

Less Powerful Generally, electric mowers have less cutting power than petrol equivalents, which can be problematic for long, thick grass or challenging terrain.

Initial Cost (Cordless) Quality cordless mowers with good battery life can be expensive upfront, especially if you need spare batteries.

Petrol Lawnmowers

Advantages

Superior Power Petrol engines deliver more torque and cutting power, making them ideal for large gardens, tough grass conditions, and uneven terrain.

Unlimited Runtime As long as you have fuel, you can keep mowing. This makes petrol mowers perfect for large properties.

No Cables or Charging Complete freedom of movement without worrying about cable length or battery depletion.

Self-Propelled Options Many petrol mowers feature self-propulsion, making it easier to cover large areas without fatigue.

Professional Performance For commercial use or very large domestic gardens, petrol mowers offer unmatched performance and durability.

Disadvantages

Higher Maintenance Regular oil changes, air filter cleaning, spark plug replacement, and winterization are necessary.

Noise and Emissions Petrol mowers are louder and produce emissions, which may concern environmentally conscious users.

Heavier Generally more substantial than electric models, making them harder to maneuver and store.

Starting Issues Pull-cord starting can be challenging, especially with older machines or in cold weather.

Higher Running Costs Fuel, oil, and maintenance add up over time.

Garden Size Recommendations

Small Gardens (up to 100m²)

Recommendation: Corded electric mower

• Adequate power for small spaces
• Low cost
• Easy storage

Medium Gardens (100-500m²)

Recommendation: Cordless electric mower

• Freedom of movement
• Sufficient battery life
• Good balance of power and convenience

Large Gardens (500m²+)

Recommendation: Petrol mower

• Consistent power for extended use
• No runtime limitations
• Better for varied terrain

Special Considerations

Sloped Gardens

Petrol mowers generally handle slopes better due to their power and weight distribution. However, some modern cordless electric mowers are surprisingly capable on gentle inclines.

Storage Space

Electric mowers are typically more compact and lighter, making them easier to store in sheds or garages with limited space.

Environmental Impact

If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, electric mowers (especially when powered by renewable energy) are the clear winner.

Budget

Consider both initial purchase price and long-term running costs. Electric mowers have lower running costs but potentially higher upfront costs for quality cordless models.

Our Verdict

Choose Electric If:

• Your garden is under 500m²
• You prioritize convenience and low maintenance
• You’re environmentally conscious
• Noise is a concern
• You want lower running costs

Choose Petrol If:

• Your garden exceeds 500m²
• You need maximum cutting power
• You have challenging terrain or very thick grass
• You require unlimited runtime
• You’re comfortable with regular maintenance

Remember, there’s no universal “best” choice - the right lawnmower depends entirely on your specific situation. Consider your garden size, terrain, storage facilities, and personal preferences when making your decision.

For specific product recommendations, check out our Lawnmower of the Week series where we review both electric and petrol models in detail.