Why mowing doesn't have to be so much effort
Mowing the lawn isn’t exactly known for being an easy job, especially if you’re working with an older push mower and a garden that’s anything but flat. Long grass, slopes, tight corners... they all slow you down and wear you out, turning what should be a quick trim into a sweaty, time-consuming task.
That’s where self-propelled lawn mowers come in.
Instead of pushing with force, you're simply guiding the mower while it moves under its own power. It might not sound like a big change, but the difference in time and energy spent is noticeable, especially over larger areas or uneven terrain.
Models like the EGO LM2230E-SP take that convenience a step further, combining a wide cutting width with features like variable speed control and a lightweight, durable, super compositive, polycarbonate, deck. The result? A more efficient mow that feels less like a chore.
In this article, we’ll look at how self-propelled lawn mowers work, what they’re best suited for, and how they can help you reclaim a bit of your weekend.
Time-saving benefits
One of the biggest advantages of a self-propelled mower is how much quicker it makes the job. Because the mower moves forward under its own power, you’re not wasting energy on pushing. That might not seem like a huge deal at first, but over the course of a full mow – especially if you’ve got a medium to large garden – it adds up fast.
Wider cut, fewer passes
A wider cutting width means you cover more ground in less time. The LM2230E-SP, for example, has a 55cm deck, so you don’t need to go back and forth as many times. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, particularly if your lawn’s on the larger side.
No refuelling stops
If you’re used to petrol mowers, you’ll know the drill. Mid-mow fuel stops, spill risks, and that familiar smell that seems to linger for hours. With a battery-powered model, it’s just a case of slotting in a charged battery and cracking on. No mess, no faff.
Adjusts to your pace
Many self-propelled mowers come with variable speed control, so the mower moves at a speed that feels comfortable for you. That means you’re not constantly stopping and starting, and you can move smoothly around flower beds or furniture without awkward manoeuvring.
Faster to store away
Some models are designed to be just as quick to pack down as they are to use. EGO self-propelled electric lawn mowers include a quick-fold handle, so once you’re done, it can go neatly into a shed or garage without needing a full reshuffle.
If you're prepping your mower for the first cut of the season, take a look at how to do your first mow of the year for tips on getting the best results straight away.
Energy-saving benefits
Pushing a mower around the garden can be hard work. Add in slopes, rough patches or a bit of long grass, and it quickly becomes a proper workout. Self-propelled mowers take a lot of that physical strain out of the job.
Let the mower do the heavy lifting
The main benefit is in the name: self-propelled. Rather than using your own strength to keep the mower moving, the motor does it for you. You’re simply guiding it, not forcing it forward. It’s especially useful if your lawn isn’t completely flat or if you tend to notice the effort after 20 minutes of mowing.
More comfortable for all fitness levels
Whether you’re mowing after a long week, sharing the job between family members, or just want to make things easier on your back and shoulders, the reduced effort makes a big difference. EGO’s mowers are designed with adjustable handles too, so you can set a height that’s comfortable and avoid awkward postures.
No engine strain, no petrol fumes
Battery-powered models are not only easier to start (just a few button presses and a pull of a lever), but they also avoid the effort and mess of dealing with petrol engines. There’s no pulling on starter cords, no oil top-ups, and no fumes to deal with.
Handles uneven ground with ease
On bumpy or sloped lawns, self-propelled motors really come into their own. Instead of pushing uphill or wrestling the mower over tree roots, the motor maintains momentum while you focus on steering. It’s a calmer, steadier experience.
EGO’s range includes kit options like the LM1702E-SP for smaller gardens and the LM2236E-SP for larger ones, all self-propelled to reduce effort across the board. Whether your garden’s compact, expansive, or full of tricky corners, there’s a model that makes the job feel less like a workout.
Terrain considerations
Lawns aren’t always perfect rectangles. They dip, slope, twist around trees and flower beds, and come with their fair share of lumps and bumps. That’s where self-propelled mowers can make a noticeable difference: not just in ease, but in the quality of the cut.
Slopes and inclines
Even a gentle slope can feel like a slog with a push mower. With a self-propelled battery lawn mower, the motor does the climbing, so you don’t have to lean your whole body into every uphill stretch. It’s less effort and more control, especially on longer gradients.
Uneven or soft ground
Mowers with larger wheels and a bit of extra traction, like those in EGO’s range, handle uneven terrain more smoothly. You’re not constantly stopping to reposition or lift the machine over awkward patches. The motion stays steady, even if the surface doesn’t.
Tight corners and obstacles
Guiding a self-propelled mower around garden furniture, raised beds or the odd overgrown patch is far less effort when the motor’s already moving. Kit models like the LM1903E-SP and LM2135E-SP offer a good balance of manoeuvrability and cutting width for gardens with more intricate layouts.
Different grass types and conditions
Some self-propelled mowers feature automatic variable speed, which helps you maintain a consistent cut across different types of grass without needing to stop and tweak settings.
Wondering how they handle less-than-perfect conditions? Here's what you need to know about cutting wet grass with a battery mower.
Cost and environmental benefits
It’s easy to assume that battery-powered mowers are more expensive up front - and in some cases, they are. But when you factor in the long-term costs of fuel, oil, spark plugs and regular servicing for a petrol model, a self-propelled battery mower can quickly start to look like the more affordable option.
There are fewer moving parts to maintain, no petrol to buy, and far less mess or mechanical upkeep. Once you’ve got your battery and charger sorted, ongoing costs are minimal. Many batteries are interchangeable too, so if you already use other EGO cordless garden tools, the investment goes further.
There’s also the environmental side. A battery-powered mower produces zero emissions while running, which makes a big difference over the course of a mowing season, especially compared to petrol models. They’re also much quieter, which is better for both your ears and your neighbours’ Sunday lie-ins.
When you add it all up, the running costs are lower, the maintenance is easier, and the environmental impact is reduced - all while still delivering the performance you'd expect from a petrol mower.
Why choose a self-propelled lawn mower?
If mowing your lawn feels like more effort than it should be, a self-propelled battery lawn mower can make a real difference. By powering itself forward, it takes the strain off your arms and legs - especially useful if you’ve got a sloped or uneven garden.
They’re ideal for larger lawns, older users, or anyone who simply wants the job done quicker with less physical effort. And because you’re just guiding the mower rather than pushing, it makes the whole experience more comfortable from start to finish.
If you’re looking to save time and energy while still getting a clean, reliable cut, a self-propelled lawn mower is a smart way forward. To see which one suits your garden, browse the full EGO range.