Electric Lawn Mowers vs. Petrol Lawn Mower

If you’re in Kenya and thinking about buying a lawn mower for the first time or replacing an old one, the big question is: Electric lawn mowers vs. petrol lawn mowers— which one should you choose?

A well-kept lawn makes your home look smart and gives you a good place to relax or for your kids to play. But let’s face it, picking the right mower can be confusing, especially if you don’t know much about them. Don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you in a simple way.

What is an Electric Lawn Mower?

An electric lawn mower is a type of machine that cuts grass using electricity. These mowers come in two types: corded (you plug it into electricity) and cordless (uses a rechargeable battery).

In Kenya, electric lawn mowers are becoming more popular, especially in towns like Nairobi and Mombasa, where electricity is readily available. They are easy to use, quiet, and good for the environment because they don’t produce smoke.

Why People Like Electric Lawn Mowers:

• They are quiet, so you don’t disturb your neighbours.
• Easy to move around because they are light.
• Don’t need a lot of maintenance.
• They are eco-friendly because they don’t use petrol or produce harmful gases.

What is a Petrol Lawn Mower?

A petrol lawn mower uses fuel (petrol) to power its engine. These mowers are stronger and can handle tough jobs like cutting large or overgrown lawns.

In Kenya, petrol lawn mowers are popular in rural areas and places where electricity might not be reliable. They can work anywhere as long as you have fuel, but they need regular maintenance and are noisier.

Why People Like Petrol Lawn Mowers:

• Very powerful, so they can cut even thick grass.
• Perfect for large lawns or farms.
• You can use them anywhere without worrying about electricity.

Electric Lawn Mowers vs. Petrol Lawn Mower: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a simple table to help you see how they compare:

Feature	Electric Lawn Mower	Petrol Lawn Mower
Power Source	Electricity (plug or battery)	Petrol (engine)
Noise	Quiet	Loud
Maintenance	Low (just clean and charge)	High (needs fuel and servicing)
Best for	Small to medium lawns	Large lawns or farms
Environmental Impact	Clean, no smoke	Produces smoke and pollution
Cost to Run	Cheap (electricity is affordable)	Expensive (fuel prices are high)
Mobility	Limited by cord or battery life	Unlimited (as long as you have fuel)
Price	Cheaper upfront	More expensive to buy

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Go for an Electric Lawn Mower if:

• You live in towns or estates with reliable electricity.
• Your lawn is small or medium-sized.
• You don’t want to deal with noisy machines or high maintenance costs.
• You care about the environment and want an option with no smoke.

Go for a Petrol Lawn Mower if:

• You have a big compound or farm with thick grass.
• You live in rural areas where power isn’t stable.
• You don’t mind the extra work of fueling and servicing the machine.

The Kenyan Perspective

In Kenya, many people are moving to electric lawn mowers because they are affordable to run and easy to use, especially in urban areas. But if you’re in a rural area or have a large farm, a petrol lawn mower is still the best choice.

At the end of the day, electric lawn mowers vs. petrol lawn mowers comes down to what works for your lawn and your lifestyle. If you want something simple and eco-friendly, go for electric. If you need power and flexibility, petrol is the way to go.

Do you already have a lawn mower? Which type are you using? Share your thoughts below!