Before comparing electric or petrol mowers, take 2 minutes to "read" your garden as a playground.
1) The area to be mowed
- Small garden: lightness and manoeuvrability are more important than raw power.
- Large lawn: you want a machine that moves forward without faltering, and that doesn't require you to take breaks.
2) Mowing frequency
- Regular mowing (every 1-2 weeks): the grass stays short, and the machine exerts less force.
- Occasional mowing: the grass is taller, sometimes wetter, and the engine is put under greater strain.
3) Terrain: flat, sloping, obstacles
A garden with flowerbeds, trees, nooks and crannies and narrow passages puts manoeuvrability first. A slope puts traction and stability first.
4) Budget, storage space, day-to-day constraints
A lawnmower isn't just "buy it and go": there's storage, cleaning, sometimes maintenance, and transport if you change mowing location.
And if you're juggling between several tools as the seasons go by, the easiest way is often to go through a selection dedicated to garden & power equipment rental, so you can choose the right equipment at the right time.
Electric lawnmowers: advantages and limitations
Advantages of electric lawnmowers
A electric lawnmower (corded or battery-powered) is popular for one simple reason: it's easy to mow without the hassle.
- Lighter: pleasant to push, to turn, to take out of the garage.
- More discreet: the noise is much quieter than a gasoline engine, which makes all the difference in residential areas.
- Low maintenance: no oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel to manage.
- Immediate start: just press the button and off it goes.
- Ideal for small gardens: for a "classic" lawn, the cut is clean and regular.
A concrete reference point: if you have a well-kept, rather flat lawn, and you're looking for a simple machine, electric often ticks the boxes.
The limits of electric mowers
Comfort has its counterparts, especially when the terrain becomes demanding.
- More limited power on tall, dense or damp grass (depending on the model).
- Wired: cable constraint: you need to manage the extension cord, avoid running over it, and go around flowerbeds.
- Battery life: keep an eye on: for large surfaces, you can shorten the session or add a second battery.
- Less comfortable on very large surfaces: once you've mowed a certain amount of lawn, you'll notice the difference.
Thermal mower: advantages and limitations
Why choose a thermal mower?
When it comes to electric or thermal mower, the thermal mower retains a clear advantage as soon as the garden gets bigger.
- High power: it can cope better with thick grass and early-season regrowth.
- Total freedom: no cables, no batteries to recharge, you can go wherever you want.
- Extremely comfortable on large surfaces: it allows you to move forward at a steady pace.
- A good ally on "lively" terrain: bumps, slightly wild areas, taller grass.
Disadvantages to be aware of
The downside is that a combustion engine requires more attention.
- Noisier: the neighborhood can smell it going by, especially at sensitive times.
- Regular maintenance: cleaning, checks, sometimes oil changes and consumables.
- Heavier: maneuvering it around tight corners is not always a pleasure.
- Cost of ownership: fuel + maintenance, and sometimes more cumbersome storage.
Comparative electric vs internal combustion mower
Here's the "click" table to quickly decide between electric or internal combustion mower.
| Criteria | Electric | Thermal | --- | --- | | Ideal surface area | < 500 m² | > 500 m² | Power | Low to medium | High | Maneuverability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Noise | Low | High | Maintenance | Very low | Regular | | Ideal solution | Occasional use | Intensive use |
Which mower for your garden surface area?
Garden under 300 m²
For a small garden, you're looking for quick, easy mowing.
➡️ Corded electric mower if you have a nearby power outlet and few obstacles.
➡️ Battery-powered electric mower if you want more freedom around flowerbeds.
Garden from 300 to 800 m²
Here, everything depends on your mowing rhythm and grass density.
➡️ Powerful electric if the lawn is well-maintained and fairly regular.
➡️ Light thermal if the terrain is more demanding, or if mowing is not very frequent.
"Demanding terrain" tip: if your lawn is clumping, mossy or thatchy, it's not always the mower that's the problem. A visit to scarifier on hire can transform the spring recovery (and make subsequent mowings easier).
Garden of over 800 m²
We often switch to a longer mowing session, and the machine needs to keep some reserves.
➡️ Thermal mower recommended to keep up the pace and cope with variations (taller grass, wet areas, etc.).).
👉 If you only need one for a specific period (spring, refurbishment), lawnmower rental is often the right plan: you use an adapted machine, then return it.
Buy or rent your lawnmower?
For many people, the real dilemma is not just electric or thermal lawnmower. It's also: "Do I need it all year round?"
Buying means:
- An initial investment
- Storage (and a machine that sleeps a good deal of the time)
- Maintenance (especially with combustion engines)
- Transport, which can be a pain if the garden is not at home
Renting means :
- Efficient equipment when you need it
- Zero storage constraints
- A practical solution if you're moving house or garden, or if you're looking after a family plot
When renting makes sense:
- Seasonal mowing (or first time mowing)
- Overgrown land to be tidied up
- Occasional garden (holiday home, loaned plot, landscaping site)
And after mowing? Anticipating waste disposal saves time: this guide to green waste in the garden helps you sort, recycle and avoid accumulating bags.
Frequent mistakes to avoid
- Under-sizing the machine: a mower that's too "right" will struggle, jam and tire you out.
- Neglecting cutting width: too narrow and you'll have to go back and forth a lot; too wide and you'll have to maneuver around corners.
- Forget about operating comfort: handle, handlebar height, weight, traction... over 1 hour of mowing, you'll quickly feel the pinch.
- Choose without thinking about storage: if the mower is a pain to store, it becomes a chore right from the start.
- Confusing "tall grass" with "garden to be reworked": sometimes mowing is not the first step. If the vegetation is very dense, it's better to rough it up with the right tool before mowing again. (And if you also need to cut back branches, this guide to choosing a shredder can help avoid unpleasant surprises.)
FAQ
Which mower for 500 m²?
At 500 m², this is the "hinge" zone. A battery-powered may be suitable if mowing is regular and the terrain straightforward. If the grass is overgrown or you mow less often, a petrol mower will be more comfortable.
Electric or petrol mower for slopes?
On slopes, weight and grip count. A combustion engine with traction can make mowing more comfortable. On small slopes and small areas, a light electric can also do the job, provided you're careful.
What power mower should I choose?
Think "density + frequency". The taller and thicker the grass, the more reserve you need. If you mow often, you can afford a wiser motorization.
Is it profitable to rent?
Yes, as soon as the use is punctual or seasonal, or if you need a more powerful model for a short period. You save on purchase, storage and maintenance, while mowing with the right machine.
