A perfectly trimmed lawn is a dream for many homeowners, and with the invention of the self mowing lawn mower, that dream is now easier to achieve. These modern machines take over the tough job of mowing your grass, operating automatically while you relax or focus on other tasks. However, when deciding to invest in one, a common question arises—should you go for a petrol or electric self mowing lawn mower?
Both types come with their own set of pros and cons. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key differences between petrol and electric self mowing lawn mowers so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
What is a Self Mowing Lawn Mower?
A self mowing lawn mower is an automated device that trims your lawn without you having to push it. Once programmed, it moves around the lawn on its own, cutting grass evenly and efficiently. Most models can navigate around obstacles, work on a schedule, and return to their charging station after finishing the job. Depending on your lawn type and personal preference, you can choose between petrol-powered or electric-powered self mowing lawn mowers.
Petrol Self Mowing Lawn Mowers – Pros and Cons
Petrol self mowing lawn mowers are known for their strong cutting power. They are ideal for large lawns and areas with thick, tall grass. These machines can run for longer periods since they rely on fuel instead of a battery, which means you won’t have to worry about recharging. They also perform well on uneven or rugged terrain, where more torque is required to handle the job.
However, there are some downsides. Petrol self mowing mowers require regular maintenance like oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleaning. They are also heavier and noisier than electric models. Another concern is the environmental impact—they produce emissions and contribute to air and noise pollution. Plus, you’ll need to buy and store petrol, which can be inconvenient and costly over time.
Electric Self Mowing Lawn Mowers – Pros and Cons
On the other hand, electric self mowing lawn mowers are gaining popularity for good reason. They are much quieter, lighter, and more environmentally friendly than petrol models. Since they don’t burn fuel, they produce zero emissions, making them a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Maintenance is also minimal—no oil, no spark plugs, and no fuel. You just need to keep the blades sharp and the device clean.
Electric models often come with smart features like GPS navigation, rain sensors, theft protection, mobile app control, and auto boundary setup. They’re perfect for tech-savvy users who want maximum convenience.
However, electric mowers do have limitations. Battery life can restrict how long the mower can run, especially on large properties. Some lawns may require the mower to return to its charging station more than once to finish the job. Also, the initial cost of electric models with advanced features may be higher, although they tend to save money over time due to lower maintenance and fuel costs.
Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing between a petrol vs electric self mowing lawn mower, think about your lawn size, the terrain, and how much effort you want to put into maintenance.
If you have a large lawn—say over 2,500 square meters—with thick grass or uneven surfaces, and you don’t mind handling fuel and regular upkeep, a petrol mower might be better suited for you. Petrol mowers offer the power and endurance needed for demanding conditions.
But if your lawn is smaller or medium-sized, relatively flat and well-kept, and you prefer a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly solution, then an electric self mowing lawn mower is likely the better option. These are especially handy in residential neighborhoods where noise is a concern, and their quiet operation won’t disturb your family or neighbors.
People who care about sustainability and modern technology also lean toward electric models, especially as features like RTK GPS, AI navigation, and app-based controls become more common in 2025. Though they may cost more upfront, the long-term savings in fuel and maintenance often make up for it.
Final Thoughts
Both petrol and electric self mowing lawn mowers have their advantages. The right choice depends on your personal preferences, lawn size, terrain conditions, and how much time you’re willing to invest in maintenance.
Petrol mowers are powerful and ideal for larger, rougher areas, but they require more upkeep and emit pollutants. Electric mowers, on the other hand, are clean, quiet, and smart—great for small to medium lawns and users who want an easy, plug-and-play solution.
If you’re planning to upgrade your lawn care game, investing in a self mowing lawn mower—whether petrol or electric—is a decision that will save you hours of manual labor every week. And with ongoing advancements in electric technology, more homeowners are now shifting toward smarter, cleaner, and more automated solutions.
Looking for a Self Mowing Lawn Mower?
If you’re ready to buy, now is a great time to explore electric self mowing lawn mowers from top brands. In Australia, MoeBot offers innovative models like the MoeBot S20 and MoeBot Acre Eater, packed with intelligent features like wireless operation, vision sensors, and automatic boundary detection. These mowers are perfect for modern Aussie homes, and with seasonal discounts of up to 70% off, you can upgrade your lawn without breaking the bank.
Visit Moebot.com.au today to find the perfect self mowing lawn mower for your garden.
