We tested each mower for ease of use, versatility and value for money
Mowing the lawn is a key job at this time of year when the grass is growing fast. If you have a large, complex or sloping garden and want to take the strain out of mowing, then a self-propelled lawn mower is the answer. These mowers offer an extra boost thanks to a drive bar on the handle that makes the mower move forward. You don’t have to push it, just walk behind, guiding it where you want to go.
They are heavier than push mowers, but tend to be the larger mowers on the market with a wider cutting width. This makes them ideal for bigger lawns, saving you both time and effort. To see what you get for your money, we tested seven cordless self-propelled mowers, ranging in price from around £400 to over £900 (including battery and charger). They were all suitable for medium or large lawns and were unpacked, assembled and used to mow a range of grass and terrains. The following criteria were used to assess the mowers, with equal weight given to each: