Electric lawnmowers and robotic lawnmowers: how to choose

Electric lawnmowers and robotic lawnmowers: how to choose (Portugal)

The search terms “ best electric lawnmower ” and “ robot lawnmower ” typically arise when there is a very practical goal: to cut grass with less effort, less noise, and less maintenance than a gasoline-powered model. The good news is that today you already have three very effective electric solutions:

  1. Electric corded lawnmower (230V)

  2. Battery-powered electric lawnmower

  3. Robotic lawnmower (automatic)

The right choice depends mainly on the area (m²) , slope , type of grass , obstacles (trees, flowerbeds, playground equipment) and your "profile" (do you want to do the mowing yourself or do you want to automate it).

Quick decision (in 30 seconds)

Choose corded lawnmowers if…

  • You have up to ~200–300 m² , a power outlet nearby, and want to spend less;

  • You don't mind managing the cable.

Choose a battery-powered lawnmower if…

  • You want mobility and convenience;

  • You have 200–700 m² (or more with extra batteries) and areas with obstacles.

Choose a robotic lawnmower if…

  • You want to automate (scheduling + minimal maintenance);

  • You have a "compatible" garden (good boundaries, few areas where it gets restricted) and you accept the initial investment.

1) Corded electric lawnmower: inexpensive, powerful, and simple.

It's the "classic" choice for small to medium-sized gardens. As a rule, it provides a consistent cut, doesn't require a battery, and offers good value for money.

Strengths

  • constant power (does not "drop" after 30–40 min)

  • usually cheaper than the battery

  • Simple maintenance (cleaning + sharpening the blade)

Points to pay attention to

  • cable (risk of cutting the wire and tripping)

  • range limitations (extension required)

Electrical safety: uses RCDs (very important)

When using an electric lawnmower plugged into an outlet, it is recommended that the outlet/wire have RCD (residual current device) protection to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire. Electrical Safety First recommends RCDs for sockets used with lawnmowers and suggests an RCD plug if the installation does not have adequate protection.

Practical tip: choose an extension cord suitable for outdoor use and always keep the cable "behind" your cutting path.

2) Battery-powered lawnmower: the perfect balance for many gardens.

Today, for many people in Portugal, this is the "ideal" option: mobility, less cable clutter, and good performance.

What to look for in the specifications (without falling for marketing)

  • Cutting width (cm): wider = faster, but less maneuverable.

  • Cutting height (mm): ideally with easy adjustments (central lever helps)

  • Mulching: shreds and returns nutrients (good for healthy grass)

  • Collection bag (L): larger = fewer stops

  • Actual autonomy: depends on grass density and chosen height.

Simple rule by area (m²)

  • Up to 300 m²: 1 battery may be sufficient (depends on the model)

  • 300–700 m²: it's best to have an extra battery or a "two-battery" system.

  • >700 m²: either additional batteries (and patience) or consider a robot.

3) Robotic lawnmower: always keeps the lawn perfectly trimmed with minimal effort.

The robotic lawnmower works for you: it cuts short, frequent cuts, keeping the grass short and beautiful (carpet effect), usually with mulching .

What makes a robot worth the price?

  • saves time every week

  • More even mowing (grass with a more uniform appearance)

  • Noise level is often lower than many traditional lawnmowers (depending on the model).

Two types of installation

A) With perimeter wire (most common):

  • A wire is installed to define boundaries and zones.

  • It's very reliable, but it requires some initial work.

B) Wireless perimeter (recent models):

  • Some models use satellite/RTK navigation and sensors/cameras;

  • They require good conditions (satellite coverage, few tree "tunnels") and can be more expensive.

"Buyer" criteria for robots (the ones that really matter)

  • Maximum recommended area (m²): purchase with a margin (e.g., garden 600 m² → robot for 800–1000 m²)

  • Slope (% or degrees): pay attention to ramps and embankments.

  • Multi-zone: if you have a front and back garden

  • Elevation/tilt sensors: to stop the blade when someone lifts the robot.

  • Anti-theft protection: PIN, alarm, app/location (varies by model)

4) Noise: how to compare “LWA” and choose the quietest one

For equipment used abroad (including categories such as lawnmowers), the EU has noise emission regulations to protect well-being and allow comparison between products.

In practice, many devices include an indication of the guaranteed sound power level (LWA) along with markings/labels. The goal is to help consumers and users make informed choices.

In Portugal, there is national legislation governing noise from outdoor equipment (transposition of Directive 2000/14/EC).

How to use this when shopping:

  • Compares products in the same category using the LWA (the lower the score).

  • Remember: “dB” is a logarithmic scale — small differences can be noticeable.

5) Safety and compliance (CE): the minimum you should require

Machinery and safety requirements

The new Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 (Machinery) has an implementation schedule and consolidates safety requirements and responsibilities of economic operators, replacing Directive 2006/42/EC. Full application is scheduled for 20/01/2027 .

Technical standards (what this means in practical terms)

There are specific safety standards for:

  • electric walk-behind lawnmowers (e.g., EN/IEC 60335-2-77)

  • Battery-powered robotic lawnmowers (e.g., EN 50636-2-107 / IEC 60335-2-107)

As a buyer, what do you do with this information?

  • Give preference to brands/sellers that clearly display CE markings , documentation, and identification of the economic operator;

  • Be wary of ads that are "too cheap" and lack technical information.

6) Gardens with animals: pay attention to hedgehogs and operate at night.

There is evidence and growing concern about injuries to hedgehogs caused by motorized gardening equipment, including robotic lawnmowers. Studies and analyses (Germany) point to a high number of documented cases and a serious impact on survival.

A good, simple practice (and very "garden-friendly"):

  • Avoid programming the robot at night (a time when small animals may be out and about).

  • prefers to cut during the day / early afternoon

  • Keep the garden free of "trap areas" (holes, narrow passages where the robot could push an animal).

7) Maintenance and real costs (what nobody tells you in the ad)

For electric lawnmowers (cord/battery)

  • Clean the lower area (with the equipment switched off).

  • Check/sharpen the blade (clean cut = healthier grass)

  • Do not mow very wet grass (it becomes heavy, clogs the blades, and increases engine strain).

For robotic lawnmowers

  • Replace small blades regularly (for a cleaner cut).

  • Review the perimeter (wire or virtual map) when you change flowerbeds.

  • Keeps the charging base protected and stable.

Battery charging safety (important at home)

For charging lithium batteries, safety recommendations include not charging unattended and avoiding charging while sleeping, as well as maintaining an unobstructed escape route and using appropriate chargers.

Shopping checklist (save and use in the store)

Electric lawnmower (corded):

  • RCD available (frame/plug)

  • suitable cutting width/height

  • Collection bag + mulching option (if you're interested)

  • noise (LWA) compared

Battery-powered lawnmower:

  • Realistic range + extra battery (if >300–400 m²)

  • Battery system compatible with other tools (long-term savings)

  • charging time and availability of fast chargers

Robotic lawnmower:

  • Maximum area with margin (no "limit" purchases)

  • maximum supported tilt

  • multizone (if needed)

  • security (PIN/alarm)

  • Daytime schedule (avoid nighttime due to wildlife)

FAQ

What is the best electric lawnmower for 200 m²?
Corded cutting is usually the most economical and sufficient option; it confirms RCD and provides a comfortable cutting width for your space.

Is a robotic lawnmower worth it?
It's worthwhile if you value the time and regularity of your lawn and your garden doesn't have many "traps" (holes, steps, narrow passages). A daytime schedule is recommended to reduce risks associated with wildlife.

How do you compare noise?
Look for the LWA (guaranteed sound power) and compare it within the same category; it's an indicator designed to inform the consumer.

Is a battery-powered lawnmower suitable for tall grass?
It works, but may require more passes (greater height → greater effort). In very tall grass, it lowers the height in stages and avoids cutting when it is wet.