There is no reason why you should not still be able to enjoy taking care of your outdoor space just because age is catching up with you. They say that you are only as young as you feel, so even if your mobility is a little more limited than it once was, grab those gardening gloves and get outside because we have some great tips for sourcing the best lawn mowers for elderly gardeners & Senior Citizens in the UK in 2024.
Before we look in detail at what attributes makes a suitable lawn mower for seniors, let me list my top picks broken down by mower type.
My Picks For Best Lawn Mowers For Elderly
Best Cordless Lawn Mower
- Expandable Power with WORX PowerShare System - The Worx 2x20V Cordless Lawn Mower WG779E.2 is part of the WORX PowerShare battery system. This means you can share any WORX PowerShare 18V (20V MAX) batteries with this tool, expanding its power and ensuring you always have a backup. This feature offers flexibility and convenience, making it a smart addition to your collection of WORX tools.
- Cut-To-Edge Design for Less Trimming - The Worx 2x20V Cordless Lawn Mower WG779E.2 features a cut-to-edge design, allowing it to get closer than other mowers to fences and features on your lawn. This means less time spent on trimming edges, resulting in a more efficient and time-saving mowing experience. This design, coupled with the power of the twin 20V batteries, makes this cordless lawn mower a practical and efficient choice for maintaining your lawn.
- Single-Lever Adjustment and Powerful Performance - The Worx 2x20V Cordless Lawn Mower WG779E.2 is equipped with a single-lever adjustment, allowing you to choose the right height to accommodate different seasons and personal preferences. Despite its compact size, this lawn mower is packed with power, delivering a petrol-like output for a thorough and efficient mowing experience.
- Easy to Handle and Store - Despite its great power, the Worx 2x20V Cordless Lawn Mower WG779E.2 is designed to be easy to handle. It features a foldable handle that allows it to be folded down into a compact size, making it easy to carry or store. This makes it ideal for those with limited storage space or who require a more portable lawn mowing solution.
- Easy to Handle and Store - Despite its great power, the Worx 2x20V Cordless Lawn Mower WG779E.2 is designed to be easy to handle. It features a foldable handle that allows it to be folded down into a compact size, making it easy to carry or store. This makes it ideal for those with limited storage space or who require a more portable lawn mowing solution.
- No cables, no petrol, no pollution: Simply charge the battery and you're ready to go
- 330mm / 13" cutting width: Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns
- 3 adjustable cutting heights: Get the perfect finish on your lawn
- 30L grass collector bag with mulching option: Minimises time spent emptying cuttings
- Weighs just 11.4kg: Easy to push around the garden
- Run Time: (No Load) - Up to 60mins* (Light/Dry Conditions) - Up to 40mins* (Heavy/Wet Conditions) - Up to 20mins*
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Electric Lawn Mower
- A large-capacity, 40-litre grass box reduces interruptions for emptying
- Note: Front 2 Wheels are attached to the product and the back 2 wheels can be found in the back cover of the mower
- Note Comes with double folded handle not the double handle. Wheels included in the grass box
- Utilises a powerful 1400W motor so you can tackle your lawn with ease
- A 34cm cutting width and 20-60mm cutting height ensures a neat and tidy finish to your lawn
- Equipped with a large 35 litre grass box meaning less time spent emptying grass clippings
- It’s 10m cable gives you the freedom and flexibility to move around your garden area without the need to worry about reach
- Equipped with dual lever handles allow you to comfortably operate the lawn mower with either hand for greater flexibility and manoeuvrability.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Hover Lawn Mower
- Compact and lightweight, this hover mower is ideally designed for smaller gardens so you can mow your lawn in comfort
- Utilises a 1400 W motor so you can tackle gentle slopes and bumpy gardens with ease
- Comes with a 25 cm cutting width and 11-31 mm cutting height, as well as a 15 Litre grass box to ensure a neat and tidy finish to your lawn
- Equipped with a 10 m cable so you can cover the length of your lawn without an extension cable
- Supplied with a metal cutting blade for premium cutting performance
- Compact and lightweight, this hover mower is ideally designed for smaller gardens so you can mow your lawn in comfort
- Utilises a 1400 W motor so you can tackle gentle slopes and bumpy gardens with ease
- A 25 cm cutting width and 11-31 mm cutting height ensures a neat and tidy finish to your lawn
- Equipped with a 10 m cable so you can cover the length of your lawn without an extension cable
- Supplied with a metal cutting blade for premium cutting performance
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Petrol Lawn Mower
- Easy-to-use self-propelled lawn mower with a 39cm cutting width, Lightweight chassis for manoeuvrability, Ideal for small- or medium-sized gardens, 40L grass collector
- Easy to use: Self-propelled, Adjustable cutting height (5 positions from 22-80mm), Grooved wheels for traction, Rust-proof chassis
- Stiga ST120 Autochoke petrol engine with 123 cubic capacity, Collection cutting method for ease of grass disposal, Light pack weight of 22.9kg, Max. working area 250m, 2-year manufacturer's warranty
- Lightweight sturdy polypropylene chassis, 40 litre grass collector is easy to remove and empty using the top handle, Handles fold-over for compact storage and easy transportation
- Contents: 1x Mountfield SP41 Self-Propelled Lawnmower, 1x 0.75L Fuel Tank, 1x 0.5L Engine Oil Tank, 1x 40L Grass Collector
- Engine: heavy-duty Wolf 139cc OHV 4 stroke petrol
- Fitted with specifically designed ultra-sharp 400mm (16") superior cutting blade for maximum cutting performance
- Self-Propelled: no effort is required to push with the highly efficient self-propelled system
- All steel deck and large fuel tank for maximum endurance, the large rear drive wheels minimise lawn damage and aid better traction on softer ground
- Single lever height adjustment for quick and simple height changes ranging from 25mm to 75mm across 7 different height settings
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Robotic Lawn Mower
- Ideal for smaller gardens, the EasiLife 150 GO is a compact robotic lawn mower that automatically cuts up to 150m2 so you don’t have to – giving you a tidy lawn with zero effort.
- Mowing every corner of the lawn, the EasiLife 150 GO is packed with functions to suit your lifestyle and can automatically adapt its schedule based on the weather through LawnSense and FrostSense,
- No screens or complex programming, the LED indicators guide you for quick and easy control, with the Bluetooth app giving you full access to the robotic mowers extended settings allowing you the set schedules and trouble shoot from the comfort of your home.
- Ultra quiet mowing at 58dB(A) means that you won’t disturb you or your neighbours when your robotic is mowing, allowing you to keep to a regular mowing schedule for a healthy greener lawn.
- The Intelligent guide wire allows for programmable start points for multiple cutting areas of lawn and efficiently guides the mower home without leading tracks. The PassageSense function also allows for the robotic mower to cut and navigate through narrow passages.
- Intelligent AIA Technology - The Worx Landroid WR141E Robot Lawn Mower is equipped with advanced AIA technology. This smart feature allows the mower to cut your lawn 30% faster than other robot mowers and prevents wearing of the lawn edges with its unique turning pattern.
- Adjustable Cutting Heights - The Worx Landroid WR141E Robot Lawn Mower offers flexible cutting height adjustments ranging from 20-50mm. This allows you to choose the optimal cutting height for all grass conditions, ensuring a neat and tidy lawn.
- Remote Control via App - The Worx Landroid WR141E Robot Lawn Mower is pre-programmed with a schedule that suits your size of lawn. However, it can be easily adjusted on the machine or via the App on your phone, from anywhere. This gives you the ultimate control over your lawn mowing schedule, even when you're not at home.
- Complete Package - The Worx Landroid WR141E Robot Lawn Mower comes with all the cables, wire, and pegs you need for your size of lawn, making it a plug and play device that requires no additional purchases.
- Ideal for Medium Gardens - This model is specifically designed for large gardens up to 500m2, ensuring efficient and effective mowing for your specific lawn size.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Manual Lawn Mower
- Wide cutting width (30 cm) for a speedier finish when cutting the lawn
- Strong and light weight hand mower
- Large 16 L collection bag for grass cuttings
- Generous range of cutting height settings: 15-42 mm
- Five robust steel blades for effective cutting
- Effortless lawn maintenance: Enjoy simple, quick, and easy mowing of small areas without the need for petrol or electricity
- Tool-free click-adjustable cutting adjustment: Customize the cutting height with ease for a perfectly manicured lawn
- Efficient cutting system: Features a cylinder with 5 helical blades made of hardened steel, ensuring precise and clean cuts
- Stepless cutting height adjustment: Achieve your desired height of cut ranging from 12 to 40 mm for optimal results
- Compact and versatile: With a 38 cm cutting width, this mower is designed for small areas, making it ideal for urban gardens and narrow lawns
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Should I Look For In A Lawn Mower For Elderly Gardeners and Seniors?
In your golden years, you will likely want a lawn mower that is easy to use and above all, safe. There are several things that you should consider before splashing your cash on a shiny new mower, since not all of them are going to be suitable.
Types Of Lawn Mower For Elderly Gardeners & Seniors
One of the first things that you need to think about is the type of lawn mower that will work best for you. In the main, there are three types of lawn mower to choose from.
Rotary Lawn Mowers
These are very common mowers and are seen frequently in homes around the country. They are very easy to use and feature a rotating blade that sits in a deck, usually made from steel.
These mowers usually sit on four wheels (or two wheels and a rear roller), which means that they have an excellent level of stability and can be used on uneven or sloped ground without much difficulty. This is ideal for users whose mobility may not be as good and will prevent you from having any accidents.
They are excellent at tackling rough grass and even work well on damp terrain. If you have a medium or large-sized lawn, these could make a very good investment. However, you will also need to think about how the mower is powered; we will look at this in a little more detail later on.
Cylinder Mowers
This is a more traditional type of lawn mower that you probably are very familiar with. Unlike the rotary blade of the previous mower that we looked at, the cylinder mower features a roller with a series of sharp blades that act like a pair of scissors.
These are very effective at cutting dryer grass, however they may be a lot more challenging to use on uneven ground. If you are looking for a mower for an elderly or seniors user then these may not be as easy to use.
Hover Mowers
A hover mower is very similar to a rotary mower in its design and the blades are the same. However, a key difference is that these mowers do not have wheels and appear to ‘hover’ over the ground.
They are much more lightweight and are far easier to push across the lawn. However, the downside is that they cannot be wheeled to the lawn meaning that the user must carry them. If your strength has waned as you have became older, this could pose a problem. The last thing you want is to cause yourself a strain or injury. Having said that there are a few hover mowers that have a small integrated wheel at the rear to allow them to be transported easily from the garage/shed to the lawn and vice versa. A hover mower should be a serious consideration when looking for the best lawn mower for elderly gardeners and seniors.
Things To Consider For Elderly Gardeners & Seniors
Power
The way in which the mower is powered is potentially one of the most important considerations when buying a lawn mower for anybody, but even more so for seniors and elderly gardeners.
There are four main types of power to choose from and each has its advantages and disadvantages. But you should understand these before parting with any of your hard-earned cash.
Petrol Mowers
Petrol mowers are without a doubt, the most powerful of all lawn mowers. They will get the job done easily and efficiently. However, they may not be ideal for anyone who struggles with strength and getting around. This is largely because these tend to be cumbersome pieces of equipment and require a fair amount of strength to move around the garden.
They feature a robust engine which adds to their weight, but this also requires a lot of upkeep. Unless you enjoy and are able to spend time maintaining this intricate piece of garden equipment, it might be better to opt for something a little less high-maintenance.
A petrol mower is great for more extensive lawns owing to the lack of being tied up to the power source with a cable and their generous running time. If you have a larger lawn and think that you would work well with this type of mower, it might be worth looking for one which is more lightweight. You may also want to opt for a self-propelled petrol lawn mower as this will take most of the strain out of you pushing the mower around your lawn. Just remember that with most self-propelled petrol lawn mowers, the self-drive works in combination with the mowing blade, so therefore you will still have to manually push the mower from your garage/shed to the lawn and back. There are however a few self-propelled petrol lawn mowers that allow you to engage the self-drive independently of the mowers blade.
What’s more, petrol mowers are noisy and cost more to run. There is the cost of fuel and oil as well as buying replacement parts such a spark plugs and air filters. And let’s face it; you deserve to spend your retirement funds on something a little more exciting than maintaining your lawn mower’s engine.
Corded Mowers
In the main, corded lawn mowers are excellent because they are extremely easy to move around the garden. But one of the main problems is that they can pose a tripping hazard. This is because of the long power cord that follows you around as you mow. If you are starting to become a little unsteady on your feet or your reactions have slowed down, it might be wise to err on the side of caution and opt for a different type of mower.
Electric corded mowers are very good for larger lawns as you will not be limited on your power supply. But do keep in mind that this may require additional equipment such as an extension cord.
Cordless Mowers
Cordless mowers are much the same as corded mowers only they do not connect to the mains supply but run on a rechargeable battery. These are great because the trip hazard of the power cord is non-existent and you do not run the risk of inadvertently running over and cutting through your power cord.
Battery technology has evolved immensely over the last couple of years, so they provide lawn mowers with power and performance that is comparable to their petrol and electric counterparts.
While these are still much more lightweight than a petrol model, they are a little heavier than their corded counterparts because of the addition of a battery. But they are still pretty easy to manoeuvre.
If you have a smaller garden, then a corded mower is a great option. For larger lawns, you will need to consider that the run-time on these devices is limited as the battery will need to be recharged. However, you could purchase more than one battery and while this may require a more substantial initial outlay, these batteries can often be used with other power tools, which makes them rather convenient.
Again, as with petrol lawn mowers, you have the added benefit of purchasing a self-propelled cordless lawn mower making it even more convenient and easy to manoeuvre around your lawn. Another advantage over a petrol self-propelled lawn mower is the ability to engage the self-drive without running the mower’s blade. Why is this such a good thing? Well, it means that you can easily walk with the mower that is powering itself to and from the lawn – no effort on your part is needed.
Robotic Mowers
It is important to remember that you will need to set the mower up and this requires an ability to work with modern technology. Fortunately, the instructions are pretty clear and even if you do not have the relevant equipment such as a smartphone to download the accompanying app, you could borrow this from someone else or use the onboard display.
Robotic mowers are extremely reliable and once you have completed the initial setup, you will find that you don’t need to do much at all. Your mower will charge itself and follow a pre-set mowing schedule keeping your lawn tidy and trimmed at all times. This leaves you free to sit back and enjoy your free time.
One thing to keep in mind is that owing to the technology and innovation that goes into creating this type of mower, they tend to be a little pricier.
Also a point worth noting is that most robotic mowers will not cut completely to the edge, so whilst they take away 99% of you having to mow your lawn, you will still need to occasionally trim the edges.
Robotic mowers will need to be taken in over the winter months, however these mowers are relatively lightweight and can be easily lifted and carried to either the shed or garage.
Ease Of Use
When you are looking for a mower for an older user, you need to make sure that it is easy to use and will not require a degree in engineering or mechanics to figure out. Furthermore, it is vital that no heavy lifting or strenuous activity is required to operate the mower. There are several things that you should look at to determine how easy the mower will be to use.
- Is the lawn mower easy to start? With some petrol mowers, recoil start is used and this can be exhausting, especially if the mower is stubborn. However, there are plenty of options that come with a push start on petrol mowers, although you will pay a little more for this privilege. All electric and cordless mowers have this easy electric start feature.
- You should also look at how easy the mower is to move around the garden. There are many lawn mowers which have a self-propelled drive meaning that you don’t need to physically push them around – they move of their own accord. This is far easier for someone whose strength is not as good or is suffering from an injury. Many of the self-propelled models are petrol, which as we have learned, are heavier. That being said, there are more and more electric and cordless mowers that now have this self-propelled feature too.
- Can the mower be turned easily? You should make sure that the mower is not overly large or heavy as this can make it difficult to turn. This can be particularly difficult if you purchase a mower with a rear roller, unless the roller is split into 2 parts to allow it to turn more easily.
- What is the grass box capacity? If you purchase a mower with a gigantic grass box, this will mean that you have to stop less frequently to empty it. However, it also means that the grass box may be very heavy so you must consider your abilities here. You might opt for a mower that has a mulching plug as this will eliminate the need to empty a box entirely as well as the mower being lighter and easier to push. Not mentioning all the benefits of mulching your lawn providing free organic fertiliser for a healthier and greener lawn.
Maintenance
If you choose a petrol model, then there is no getting away from the fact that it will need servicing and maintaining, but buying from a reputable company will ensure that you get something of a high standard that won’t break easily. Just remember that with some petrol lawn mowers the continuation of the warranty is dependant on the mower being serviced annually through an authorised dealer.
However, if you opt for a cordless or an electric model, it is highly likely that you won’t need to do much maintenance at all. Just remember to ensure that the batteries are charged and stored in a cool dry place. You will also, as with any lawn mower, need to ensure that you brush down and clean the underside of the deck after use to ensure efficient collection of the grass cuttings. It is worth noting that on some petrol mowers, there is a wash port integrated into the mower’s deck allowing you to connect a garden hose for easy cleaning without having to turn the mower over.
Your Garden
We have touched on the various types of lawn mowers and the size of your garden will determine the best type to go for. In the main, smaller gardens work well with cordless mowers but these can also be used with larger lawns if you have extra batteries. But do keep in mind that they are less powerful when compared to petrol mowers so may not be the best choice if you are going to cut infrequently and allow your lawn to become very long/neglected.
Petrol mowers, on the other hand, are great for bigger gardens but are not as lightweight and can be more difficult to use, maintain and start.
You must also consider the type of terrain as some lawn mowers may not be suitable for rough ground or gardens that are sloped. A petrol mower is not safe to use on steep ground, especially if you are unable to control it, so you should always go for a more lightweight model in this case.
Safety Features
Most modern mowers come with a handle that must be gripped and held in place to get the blades to work. This is an important safety feature as it will prevent the mower from getting away from you should you lose your grip on the machine.
But there are other features that have your safety in mind such as a back flap to stop items and debris from flying back and injuring you. You might also look for a mower with a throw guard to stop the same from happening at the side of the machine.
Most battery cordless mowers will also come with the added feature of a safety key. With this key removed the mower can simply not be started.
As for robotic mowers you may be thinking that these may not be as safe as a traditional mower, however this is not the case. Robotic mowers are packed full of safety features, such as bump sensors, lift sensors, obstacle sensors, floating decks etc making them a good choice for elderly users.
Conclusion
When you are looking to purchase a lawn mower for an elderly gardener or seniors, you should make sure that it is lightweight and easy to move as well as being reliable and low-maintenance. Furthermore, you must consider the size of the garden and the type of mower that would suit the terrain as choosing the wrong type could make the job more difficult.
If you would like any further information or have any questions please feel free to ask them in the comments box below and I will be happy to help and make a personal recommendation based on your specific requirements.
Why not see my Best Lawn Mowers for Elderly Gardeners shortlisted below for your convenience.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
Hi Mark,
Old lady. Quite weak. INSISTS on doing her small/medium lawn (6 x 3m). Does one strip at a time with her old Flymo 330. She struggles to get the the mower out of the shed and onto the lawn but once it’s on the lawn she’ll leave it there for a couple of days until she’s mowed the lawn.
She needs a light, maneuverable mower which (ideally) will mow up to the edge.
Any help will be most appreciated.
Hi Gary
If build quality, performance and being lightweight is the main requirement, then the Mountfield Battery Lawnmower Electress 34 Li is worth a look. Yes it does cost more than the equivalent Hyundai or WORX, but I think it’s worth it.
Link to this mower is https://amzn.to/3Kh73Bm
Review is here – https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/mountfield-electress-34-li-review/
thanks
Mark
We had a mower with wheels but I found it difficult to turn it at the end of the lawn to start the next row. Then we bought a hover with a grass box but I find it too heavy to push. Is there a mower that swivels so I don’t have to keep turning it around?
Hi Susan
Not that I’m aware of. There are zero turn mowers but these are predominantly heavy petrol mowers.
Have you considered a robotic mower? I will be doing a review of a LawnMaster robotic mower that you simply turn on and press start. You will still need to run a perimeter wire, but once that’s done you are good to go.
Mark