Top Electric Lawnmowers Tested: Eco-Friendly Choices for 2026
Maintaining a neat lawn while embracing eco-friendly practices is easier than ever with modern electric mowers. While letting your lawn grow into a wildflower meadow is ideal for pollinators, many homeowners still prefer a tidy grass area for play or aesthetics. Electric models have replaced petrol mowers, offering energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. After rigorous testing, here are the top picks for 2026.
Why Trust This Review
With decades of experience mowing lawns and reviewing products, the author brings expertise to this evaluation. From childhood memories of noisy petrol mowers to professional testing, the insights are grounded in hands-on use. Testing was conducted on a challenging, patchy lawn, with each mower assessed on cutting performance, battery life, noise levels, and special features. All mowers were loaned by manufacturers and will be donated to charity if uncollected.
Best Overall and Best Cordless Lawnmower: Makita DLM432PT2
Priced at £439.98, the Makita DLM432PT2 excels with a 43cm cutting blade and dual-battery system. It offers a long battery life of over 57 minutes and a quick 51-minute charge time. However, the grass box can be finicky, and the warranty is only one year. Its wide cutting path reduces mowing time, making it ideal for medium to large gardens.
Best Budget Lawnmower: Einhell GC-EM 1600/37
At just £104, the Einhell GC-EM 1600/37 is a corded model that delivers quality cuts without the cost of batteries. It features a 37cm blade and a three-year warranty. The main drawback is the need for cable management while mowing, but its affordability and performance make it a great choice for small to medium lawns.
Best Value Cordless Lawnmower: Worx WG737E
The Worx WG737E, priced at £229.99, offers excellent value with a 37cm blade and a mulching accessory included. It's perfect for small gardens, with a 50-minute battery life. However, batteries take over four hours to recharge. Its edge-cutting capability and easy-to-use design stand out in this category.
Other Notable Models
The Stihl RMA 239 C (£324) is best for easy storage, with a compact foldable design, but it can be harder to push. The Bosch AdvancedRotak 36V-40-650 (£440.89) features a large 50-litre grass box and quiet operation, though it's expensive and has awkward cutoff buttons.
Essential Lawnmower Knowledge
Understanding mower types is key: rotary mowers are common, using spinning blades, while cylinder mowers roll over grass. Electric mowers come in cordless (battery-powered) or corded (plug-in) versions, both more eco-friendly than petrol models. To extend your mower's life, perform annual servicing, clean after use, and sharpen blades in winter. Sharpening involves removing the blade, filing evenly, and ensuring balance.
Renting and Sustainability Tips
Renting a mower is an option for infrequent use or limited storage. Services like HSS or Library of Things offer rentals starting at £16 per day in London. For grass clippings, compost them with carbon-rich materials or use as mulch. Dispose of old mowers at recycling centres or donate to charity. Mowing provides moderate exercise, contributing to NHS-recommended weekly activity levels.
This review, updated in March 2026, ensures you have the latest information for making an informed, sustainable choice for your lawn care needs.
