The Top 10 Questions People Ask When Buying a Robot Mower for UK Gardens

Thinking about switching to a robotic lawn mower? You’re not alone. UK homeowners are embracing this time-saving tech — but not without asking a few key questions first. Here are the top 10 most common questions (and our expert answers) to help you decide if a robot mower is right for your garden.

1. Is my garden suitable for a robot mower?

Modern robot mowers can handle lawns of various sizes, shapes, and complexities. They work on uneven terrain, slopes up to 45%, and multi-zone gardens. If your garden has narrow passages, flower beds, or gravel, look for models with advanced navigation and adjustable cutting zones.

2. Do I need to install a boundary wire — and how hard is it?

2025 is really the years where the perimeter wire has become largely redundant in nearly all use cases. It is recommended to ask an expert whether your garden will work with an RTK based robot. This way you can do away with boundary wires. Generally speaking the technology is more advanced, cheaper to purchase, easier to install and ultra-reliable.

For some models, yes, a boundary wire defines the mowing area. You can peg it down or bury it just under the surface. DIY installation is common, but we recommend professional help for more complex gardens or multi-zone setups.

3. How do robot mowers actually work?

Robot mowers trim small amounts of grass frequently, using sensors and boundary wires (or GPS on advanced models) to navigate. Many feature app control, smart schedules, and obstacle detection to keep your lawn tidy without supervision.

Robo mowers are now advancing to a point where the technology is ultra reliable, in all but a few cases, without the need for a perimeter wire and so easy to set-up, that DIY installation has become the norm.

4. Can a robot mower cope with rain and the UK climate?

Yes. Most robot mowers are weatherproof (IPX4 or better) and can operate in light rain. Some models pause mowing during heavy rainfall via rain sensors. It’s best to store the mower indoors during winter months. Admirably robots often outperform human operated machinery in poor weather.

5. How long does it take to mow the lawn — and how often does it cut?

They cut little and often, typically running daily or every other day. Mowing sessions last 60–90 minutes, followed by a 45–75 minute charge. This results in consistently short, healthy grass. This said, newer RTK GPS driven robots typically cut lawns in less than a day, or couple of days if pushing the areas coverage to the max.

6. Are robot mowers safe around pets and children?

Yes. Features like lift sensors, tilt shut-offs, obstacle detection, and PIN security make robot mowers safe for homes with children and pets. They instantly stop blades when lifted and avoid obstacles. Ai cameras in our recent model launches from Mammotion and Segway have taken things to new levels; robot now recognise obstacles in a far smarter, reliable fashion – often navigating away from potentially dangerous situations.

7. How much electricity does a robot mower use — and is it eco-friendly?

They use very little electricity (typically around 2–5 kWh/month), costing just a few pounds to run each month. They’re fully electric and emission-free, making them far greener than petrol mowers.

8. Are they noisy? Can I run one at night?

Robot mowers are quiet — around 55–65 dB. That’s about the volume of a normal conversation. Some have night modes for even quieter operation, making them suitable for evening use.

9. Can someone steal it? What security features do robot mowers have?

Most robot mowers come with PIN codes, alarms, GPS tracking, and mobile alerts. If stolen, they are often rendered useless without the original base station and PIN. With models such as the Model X from Segway Navimow, you can also embed an Apple AirTag.

10. Are robot mowers really worth the money?

Robot mowers save you time and effort, reduce mowing costs over time, and keep your lawn looking its best. Entry models start at less than £1,000, with premium models offering advanced features for larger or more complex lawns.

Still unsure? Visit The Robot Mower UK to compare models, get expert advice, and find the perfect fit for your lawn.