We look at the pros and cons of electric start petrol lawnmowers to help you decide if you need one and also guide you in the direction of where to buy one
Is an electric start petrol lawnmower the right choice for you?(Image credit: Webb)
If you've followed advice on the best time to lay new turf and your garden is now your pride and joy, you'll want the best tools to keep it in great condition. Electric start petrol lawnmowers are often favoured for their ease of start combined with the performance of a petrol lawnmower.
We asked gardening expert, Adam Woolcott , four times RHS gold medal winner to explain why he likes them so much and what he thinks are their pros and cons so you can decide if it's a purchase you might want to make.
Adam Woolcott
Adam Woolcott is Webb Garden Power's gardening expert. Adam has over 30 years of experience as a professional gardener and has many accolades, but is probably best known for his four Gold Medals at The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show and his three BBC/RHS People’s Choice Awards at the show (of which he is particularly proud) which he won as one half of Woolcott & Smith.
An electric start petrol lawnmower is essentially as the name suggests - a lawnmower that is electronically started, but then relies on petrol to fuel it for cutting the grass on your lawn ideas - however big or small your garden is.
"Electric start lawnmowers are my favourite," says Adam Woolcott. "They allow for effortless ignition with just the push of a button. This eliminates the need for pull cords and manual starting, making it easier and quicker to get your lawn mowing underway without the hassle."
Are there different types?
"Depending on the size of your lawn, there are a range of electric start lawnmower cutting widths available," says Adam. "With cutting blade sizes ranging from 41cm to 53cm, you can choose a lawnmower to suit your needs.
"Whether you have a medium-sized lawn or a more expansive lawn, you can choose an electric start petrol lawnmower to get the job done."
Wondering when you should be using it? Find out the best time to mow a lawn and how to cut long grass if you've left it a bit long in between cuts, or have been away and returned to extra growth.
What are the benefits of an electric start petrol lawnmower?
"Electric start petrol lawnmowers are very user-friendly, eliminating the need for a recoil cord," explains Adam. "This makes starting the mower effortless and saves you from the physical exertion typically associated with pull cords.
"This is especially beneficial for the elderly or those with physical conditions, ensuring that lawn care is accessible and easy for everyone."
If the thought of no cords appeals, take a look at some more options in our guide to the best cordless lawnmowers.
What are the disadvantages?
"Unfortunately, the electric start lawnmower requires a battery to power the electric start feature," says Adam. "This means you will need to remember to charge the battery before using the lawnmower."
Are they best suited to a certain type or size of garden?
"Electric start petrol lawnmowers are robust and powerful, making them an excellent choice for medium to large gardens," says Adam. "Their sturdy build and high-performance engine ensures they can handle demanding mowing tasks with ease, providing a reliable and efficient solution for maintaining your lawn.
"With the added convenience of an electric start, these lawnmowers combine power and ease of use for a great gardening experience."
How do they compare cost-wise to other types of lawnmower?
"Due to the added convenience of the electric start feature, these lawnmowers tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional petrol lawnmowers," says Adam. "However, the ease of use and the time saved by avoiding manual starting make them a worthwhile investment.
"I think the extra cost is justified by the enhanced user experience and the reduction in physical effort however," says Adam, "which is particularly beneficial for those who may find pull cords challenging. In my opinion, this great feature is well worth the money, offering both efficiency and comfort in your lawn care routine."
Electric start petrol lawnmowers for gardens of all shapes and sizes
Webb Wer460es Classic 46cm (18") Self Propelled Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mower
A 46cm electric-start model from Webb’s ‘Classic’ line of high-quality but affordable petrol rotary mowers
Hrx 537 Hz Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower With Electric Start
Suitable for medium sized lawns, (1-2 tennis court size) and has a 7 year domestic use warranty
Petrol Lawn Mower Wolf Fox 4 Blades 510e 20", 51cm, Electric Start, Self Propelled
Equipped with a heavy-duty petrol engine and large rear drive wheels, it's ideal for damp and inclined lawns
Hyundai Hym430spe Self Propelled Electric Start 17" Petrol Lawn Mower
A low maintenance self-propelled RWD (rear wheel drive) lawnmower suited for small to medium sized lawns
Petrol 146cc Push Lawnmower 18inch Cutting Width Fuxtec Rm4646eco
An economical and manoeuvrable option push mower for straight surfaces - without self-propulsion
Hyundai Self-Propelled Petrol Mower, 224cc, 4-Stroke, Electric-Start Lawnmower, 21”/53cm Cutting Width, 8 Cutting Heights, 70l Bag & 3 Year Warranty
The larger 53cm cutting width makes it ideal for larger lawns up to 400 m2 with 8 cutting heights for different length grass
Wondering when you should put the mower away for winter? Find out when to stop cutting your grass each year for the best results.
Get the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.
