Electric Lawn Mowers: Corded vs Cordless 

Choosing the right lawn mower can make garden maintenance quicker and easier. For UK households, the big decision often comes down to whether to go corded or cordless. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on the size of your garden, your budget, and how you prefer to work. 

Corded lawn mowers 

Advantages 

• Compact & lightweight 
  With no heavy battery to carry, corded models are lighter and easier to manoeuvre. This makes them a good fit for smaller gardens or users who prefer a mower that’s simple to handle. 

• Quiet & green 
  Corded electric mowers run quietly and don’t emit carbon fumes. If your electricity comes from renewables, the environmental impact is even lower. 

Disadvantages 

• Restricted by cables 
  Needing a plug-in power source can be limiting. Extension leads may be required for larger gardens, and you’ll need to watch carefully to avoid running over the cord. 

For a reminder of why safe equipment use is always critical, see Access Equipment Lesson 9. 

Cordless lawn mowers 

Advantages 

• No cables 
  The main benefit is freedom — cordless mowers don’t tie you to an outlet, making them better for larger or a wkwardly shaped lawns. 

• Environmentally friendly 
  Like corded models, cordless mowers are clean to run. If your home has solar panels or another renewable setup, you can mow knowing you’re staying eco-conscious. 

Disadvantages 

• Larger & heavier 
  Because they rely on on-board batteries, cordless mowers are bulkier. This can make them harder to handle in narrow spaces, and they take up more storage room. 

• Limited run time 
  Most batteries last only 20–30 minutes before needing a recharge. Buying a spare is often necessary to finish bigger lawns in one go. 

If you’re considering training in a trade where safe use of equipment matters just as much as efficiency, see Accident and Emergency Procedures Lesson 1. 

Costs to consider 

Purchase costs 

Corded models are usually the cheaper option upfront, making them ideal for smaller gardens or if you’re renting and want a budget-friendly solution. Cordless models cost more, but the added convenience and range can justify the price for larger spaces. 

Running costs 

Both types cost roughly 34p per hour to operate. The main difference comes with batteries: over time, performance fades and r eplacements are usually needed every 4 years. With good maintenance, either type should last around 10 years. 

If you’re weighing up long-term investments, our guide on Electrician Courses Stafford explains how making the right choice in training, like in tools, pays off in reliability and future value. 

Which is right for you? 

For small gardens, corded mowers are compact, affordable and efficient. For bigger spaces, cordless models offer flexibility at a higher price point. Ultimately, your budget, lawn size and storage space will guide the choice. 

Just as with any equipment, proper handling is vital. That’s why at Elec Training, whether in health and safety units or trade-specific courses, we teach learners to balance cost, performance and safe use. To see how structured training builds confidence, explore Electrician Courses Shrewsbury or visit Elec Training for the full range of pathways. 

1 – What’s the main difference between corded and cordless electric lawn mowers?

The main difference is power source and mobility: corded mowers plug into an electrical outlet via a cord for unlimited runtime and consistent power, but are restricted by cord length (typically 30-50m with extension), requiring careful management to avoid tangles or damage. Cordless mowers use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (e.g., 18V-56V), offering freedom of movement without cords, ideal for larger or obstacle-filled lawns, but limited by battery life (30-60 minutes per charge) and potential power dips in thick grass. Corded models are lighter and cheaper upfront, while cordless provide convenience but add battery maintenance. Elec Training recommends cordless for most UK gardens over 300m², aligning with safety standards like BS 7671 for outdoor use. 

2 – Are corded lawn mowers better for small gardens?

Yes, corded lawn mowers are often better for small gardens (under 100m²) due to their lightweight design (typically 4-6kg without battery weight), unlimited runtime without recharging, and lower cost, making them ideal for quick, frequent mows without cord reach issues. They’re compact, easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and provide consistent power for even cuts on flat, small lawns, though cord management is key to avoid tripping. For UK homes with compact plots, Elec Training suggests corded for budget-conscious users, as they avoid battery degradation over time. 

3 – How long do cordless lawn mower batteries typically last per charge?

Cordless lawn mower batteries typically last 30-60 minutes per charge, covering 250-500m² depending on grass thickness, terrain, and battery capacity (e.g., 4-6Ah at 40V), with eco modes extending runtime by 10-20%. Thicker grass or hills can reduce this to 20-40 minutes, while lighter conditions yield up to 70 minutes; dual-battery kits double effective time. Elec Training advises 40V+ models for UK gardens, noting charge times of 45-120 minutes for full recovery. 

4 – Do cordless mowers cost more than corded models?

Yes, cordless mowers generally cost more upfront (£200-£500) than corded models (£50-£150) due to battery and charger inclusions, though sharing batteries across tools reduces long-term expenses. Cordless offer better value for larger lawns via convenience, while corded suit budgets for small spaces; running costs are similar at 10-30p per mow. Elec Training highlights cordless as future-proof for UK net-zero goals, with battery platforms like Ryobi providing ecosystem savings. 

5 – How heavy are cordless mowers compared to corded ones?

Cordless mowers are typically 2-3kg heavier (15-20kg total) than corded models (12-15kg) due to integrated lithium-ion batteries, impacting maneuverability on slopes but offering balanced stability for even cuts. Corded’s lighter weight aids small UK gardens, while cordless’ added heft (from 4-6Ah packs) suits medium lawns without s training users. Elec Training recommends ergonomic designs for both, noting cordless’ removable batteries ease storage. 

6 – What safety precautions should you take when using a corded mower?

Key precautions include using a weather-resistant extension cord (13A, outdoor-rated) with RCD protection, keeping the cord coiled loosely to avoid overheating, never mowing over it to prevent shocks or cuts, and unplugging before adjustments or storage. Mow away from the plug, wear gloves/eye protection, and avoid wet grass to minimize slips or electrocution risks. Elec Training mandates RCD use in its safety training, aligning with UK Electricity at Work Regulations for outdoor appliances. 

7 – How often do cordless mower batteries need replacing?

Cordless mower batteries typically need replacing every 3-5 years or 500-1,000 charge cycles, depending on usage, storage, and maintenance—frequent heavy mowing shortens life to 2-3 years, while proper care extends to 5+. Signs like reduced runtime (under 30 minutes) or failure to hold charge signal replacement; costs £50-£150. Elec Training advises trickle charging off-season to maximize lifespan in UK climates. 

8 – Which type is more environmentally friendly — corded or cordless?

Corded mowers are generally more environmentally friendly due to no battery production/disposal impacts and direct use of grid electricity (potentially renewable), producing zero direct emissions and lower lifecycle carbon than cordless’ mining-heavy batteries. Cordless reduce emissions during use but add e-waste; both beat gas mowers. Elec Training favors corded for small UK gardens, promoting solar integration for zero-impact mowing. 

9 – What are the running costs of electric lawn mowers in the UK?

Running costs for electric lawn mowers in the UK average 10-30p per mow (based on 0.29p/kWh), or £10-£20 annually for 20-30 sessions, with corded at ~15p for 30 minutes (1,000W motor) and cordless similar per charge, far below petrol’s £1-£2/mow. Maintenance adds £5-£10/year for blades; batteries last 3-5 years (£50-£150 replacement). Elec Training calculates solar-powered use at near-zero, enhancing value for green homes. 

10 – Which is best value for money: corded or cordless mowers?

Corded mowers offer best value for small UK gardens (£50-£150, unlimited runtime, low maintenance), ideal for budgets under £100, while cordless (£200-£500) provide superior long-term value for medium+ lawns via convenience and shared batteries, recouping costs in 2-3 years via no fuel. Cordless edge out for versatility (e.g., Ryobi ecosystem). Elec Training deems corded best for starters, cordless for frequent users.