Best Lightweight Lawn Mower For Elderly of 2024: Top 9 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-04-26

Lightness, compactness, and easy maneuvering are three priorities when choosing a lawnmower for the elderly.

Here are the best lightweight lawn mowers for elderly you can buy in 2024:

  • For Small Lawns (Corded Electric Lawn Mower): BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM
  • Best For Small Area (Corded Electric Lawn Mower): American Lawn Mower Company
  • Best For Bad Back (Corded Electric Lawn Mower): Goplus 1200W
  • For Medium to Large Lawns (Cordless Battery Lawn Mower): Greenworks G-MAX 40V
  • Most Durable (Cordless Battery Lawn Mower): WORX WG779 40V
  • Whisper-Quiet (Cordless Battery Lawn Mower): Sun Joe iON16LM 40V
  • For Larger Lawns (Gas Lawn Mower): Craftsman M105 140cc
  • Easy To Start (Gas Lawn Mower): PowerSmart 127CC
  • Best For Medium-Sized Area (Gas Lawn Mower): SENIX
9 Best Lightweight Lawn Mowers For Elderly
For Small Lawns
BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM
  • Corded Electric Lawn Mower
Best For Small Area
American Lawn Mower Company
    Best For Bad Back
    Goplus 1200W
    • Corded Electric Lawn Mower
    For Medium to Large Lawns
    Greenworks G-MAX 40V
    • Cordless Battery Lawn Mower
    Most Durable
    WORX WG779 40V
    • Cordless Battery Lawn Mower
    Whisper-Quiet
    Sun Joe iON16LM 40V
    • Cordless Battery Lawn Mower
    For Larger Lawns
    Craftsman M105 140cc
    • Gas Lawn Mower
    Easy To Start
    PowerSmart 127CC
    • Gas Lawn Mower
    Best For Medium-Sized Area
    SENIX

      Corded Electric Lawn Mower

      Corded electric lawn mowers tend to be the most affordable, most compact, and lightest models among other types of mowers. Thanks to these qualities, they may be a good choice for the elderly. However, you’ll have to deal with to messy cord, which may cause unnecessary inconveniences.

      For Small Lawns (Corded Electric Lawn Mower): BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM

      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM
      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM
      Pros
      • Super lightweight & compact
      • Flexible enough for narrow areas
      • Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) sytem
      • Adjustable handle & Cord retention system
      • 3 tools in 1 - mower, trimmer, edger
      Cons
      • Low power & narrow cutting path

      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM is my first recommendation. It is especially suitable for small lawns due to its super lightweight and compact construction. Thanks to this small design, the mower can easily move and maneuver in narrow and cornered areas.

      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM is pretty easy to assemble and easy to use as well. The handle is adjustable in position and height to fit your posture. The cutting path is 12 inches, and the cutting height is adjustable between 1.6 and 2.4 inches. You’ll also have a cord retention system for easier rewind the cord.

      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM features an Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system for automatically feeding, so you don't have to bump the mower or push a button to feed the line and enjoy a non-stop mowing.

      Besides, this mower can be converted into a trimmer or an edger, pretty versatile. However, as said above, BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM is an ideal choice for small lawns. When it comes to larger lawns, this mower may lack power and the cutting length is quite short.

      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM Specifications

      Weight

      13 Pounds

      Motor

      6.5 amps

      Cutting Width

      12 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1.6 / 2.4 inches

      Highlight Features

      Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) sytem; Adjustable handle; Cord retention system; 3 tools in 1 - mower, trimmer, edger

      Verdict

      BLACK+DECKER Besta512CM is a lightweight and versatile garden tool for small lawns.

      Best For Small Area: American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower

      American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower
      American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower
      Pros
      • Easy to maneuver, clean, and use
      • Sleek and attractive
      • Reasonable price
      • Effortless to install
      • Sharp
      Cons
      • Not sturdy handle

      If you choose a too large and bulky mower for a small yard, sometimes it's hard to reach tight spaces. This is not an essential investment.

      Instead, buy the American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower. With the size of‎ 52.09"D x 14.13"W x 38.03"H, you can mow grass in any position in your small yard. In particular, it doesn't take a lot of storage space when not in use, so it's easy to store.

      Although this machine is small, that doesn't mean that it's less powerful. It's lightweight enough for elderly to use, but its 11-Amp motor is as powerful as a gas-like cutting motor to handle any type of grass.

      American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower Specifications

      Weight

      20.28 Pounds

      Motor

      11-Amp

      Cutting Width

      14 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1" - 2.5" (5 options)

      Highlight Features

      2-in-1 discharge and mulching system at the back

      Compact and slim frame with foldable handles

      Verdict

      The American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower is lightweight, but effective enough to use in a small yard.

      Cordless battery lawn mowers are pretty easy to maneuver and convenient as they don’t have messy cords or require to refill the fuel. They are also easy to use and quite effortless to get the job done. However, they are also heavier and have limited runtime.

      Best for bad back (Corded Electric Lawn Mower): Goplus 1200W

      Goplus 1200W
      Goplus 1200W
      Pros
      • Ergonomically curved handle
      • Great maneuverability
      • Lightweight & Compact
      • Safe Dual Switch
      • Motor and cutting width are medium
      Cons
      • Wheels are quite small

      Goplus 1200W is an alternative to the Sun Joe MJ401E. If you find the Sun Joe MJ401E heavy, this Goplus 1200W, which weighs only 15 lbs, is the choice for you. Despite being very lightweight, this mower features a 12-amp motor and a 14-inch cutting path, which is at the equivalent power level to the Sun Joe MJ401E.

      Not only being so lightweight and compact but this Goplus 1200W also has an ergonomically curved handle and four wheels for easier maneuverability. At the handle, the safe dual switch is for quickly turn on and turn off the mower.

      The only drawback of Goplus 1200W is that the wheels are pretty small, which may be a discomfort when you want to move the mower through a long distance.

      Goplus 1200W Specifications

      Weight

      15 Pounds

      Motor

      12 amps

      Cutting Width

      14 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1 / 1.6 / 2.2 inches

      Highlight Features

      Curved handle; Safe Dual Switch; 8-Gal bag

      Verdict

      Goplus 1200W is an alternative to the Sun Joe MJ401E - lighter and more compact.

      Cordless Battery Lawn Mower

      Cordless battery lawn mowers are pretty easy to maneuver and convenient as they don’t have messy cords or require to refill the fuel. They are also easy to use and quite effortless to get the job done. However, they are also heavier and have limited runtime.

      For Medium to Large Lawns (Cordless Battery Lawn Mower): Greenworks G-MAX 40V

      Greenworks G-MAX 40V
      Greenworks G-MAX 40V
      Pros
      • SMARTCUT Technology
      • Rear bagging or Mulching
      • Powerful motor & 16-inch cutting path
      • Larger wheels for easy maneuvering
      • Cuts up to 4,300 sq. ft (400m2) on a single charge
      Cons
      • It takes a lot of time to recharge the battery

      Greenworks G-MAX 40V is my pick for medium to large lawns. It features a powerful motor and a 16-inch cutting path for fast and effective mowing. The cutting height is adjustable, you’ll have 5 options from 1-1/4 to 3-3/8 inches.

      The reputational SMARTCUT Technology of Greenworks ensures that grass of all types is evenly cut. You can choose between rear bagging and mulching options.

      Greenworks G-MAX 40V may be a bit heavy for the elderly; however, thanks to the larger wheels - 6-inch front wheels and 7-inch rear wheels, it is pretty easy to maneuver. Moreover, the battery has a high capacity, ensuring a non-stop runtime of up to 60 mins. On a single charge, the mower cuts up to 4,300 sq. ft (400m2).

      The only drawback of Greenworks G-MAX 40V is that it takes a lot of time to recharge the battery.

      Greenworks G-MAX 40V Specifications

      Weight

      37.5 Pounds

      Run time

      Up to 60 minutes

      Cutting Width

      16 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1-1/4 to 3-3/8 inches (5 positions)

      Highlight Features

      Rear bagging or Mulching; Larger wheels; SMARTCUT Technology

      Verdict

      Greenworks G-MAX 40V with reputational SMARTCUT ensures grass of all types is evenly cut.

      Most Durable (Cordless Battery Lawn Mower): WORX WG779 40V

      WORX WG779 40V
      WORX WG779 40V
      Pros
      • INTELLICUT - Torque on Demand
      • Rear bagging or Mulching
      • 6 height adjustments
      • Battery meter & Full-bag indicator
      • Easy maneuvering
      Cons
      • Narrow cutting width

      WORX WG779 40V is a reliable cordless lawnmower. It costs a bit higher than other mowers, but it is really worth it. This is a reliable mower with sturdy construction and the intelligent-cut technology that ensures any type of grass will be handled spotless. Also, you can expect this mower to last for many years before needing for replacement.

      Like the Greenworks G-MAX 40V, this WORX WG779 40V allows you to choose between rear bagging or mulching, features four larger wheels for easier maneuvering. You’ll have more options of cutting height - 6 positions from 1-1/2 - 3-1/2 inches. Besides, the battery meter and full-bag indicator are pretty convenient when operating and charging.

      However, one thing I don’t like about this WORX WG779 40V is that the cutting width is pretty narrow, which is only 13 inches. It may take a lot of time to mow a large lawn.

      WORX WG779 40V Specifications

      Weight

      35.3 Pounds

      Run time

      Up to 1/8 acre / 5000 sq ft

      Cutting Width

      13 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1-1/2 - 3-1/2 inches (6 positions)

      Highlight Features

      INTELLICUT; Rear bagging or Mulching; Battery meter & Full-bag indicator; Larger wheels

      Verdict

      WORX WG779 40V is a reliable mower with sturdy construction and Intelligent-Cut.

      Whisper-Quiet (Cordless Battery Lawn Mower): Sun Joe iON16LM 40V

      Sun Joe iON16LM 40V
      Sun Joe iON16LM 40V
      Pros
      • Powerful brushless motor
      • Rear bagging or Mulching
      • 6 height adjustments
      • ETL approved; Energy Star certified
      • Charges fast and lasts long
      Cons
      • Maneuverability is not as good as the two above

      Sun Joe iON16LM 40V features a powerful brushless motor, which is completely quiet while operating and lasts longer thanks to its less-friction operation. If you want a smooth and quiet mower, this one is the choice for you.

      Besides, Sun Joe iON16LM 40V is also ETL approved and Energy Star certified for its environmental-friendly performance. The battery charges fast and lasts long.

      Other features are pretty the same as the WORX WG779 40V: Rear bagging or Mulching, 6 height adjustments, Large wheels, Quick start-stop switch. However, This Sun Joe iON16LM 40V is not as easy to maneuver as the two above.

      Sun Joe iON16LM 40V Specifications

      Weight

      37.3 Pounds

      Run time

      40 mins

      Cutting Width

      16 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1.18 to 3.15 inches (6 positions)

      Highlight Features

      Brushless motor; Rear bagging or Mulching; ETL approved; Energy Star certified; Large wheels

      Verdict

      Sun Joe iON16LM 40V features a brushless motor for a smooth and quiet performance.

      Gas Lawn Mower

      Gas lawn mowers are not so popular these days due to its emission and operation cost. Moreover, they require a bit of effort to start the engine and maintenance through winters. However, their advantages are the higher level of power and easiness to maneuver. Among the three types of mowers, gas lawn mowers are the best in terms of the speed of getting the job done.

      For Larger Lawns (Gas Lawn Mower): Craftsman M105 140cc

      Craftsman M105 140cc
      Craftsman M105 140cc
      Pros
      • Powerful engine
      • Wide cutting path & High cutting height
      • Pull to start & auto choke
      • Great Maneuverability
      • Side discharge, Rear discharge, & Mulching
      Cons
      • Pretty heavy

      Craftsman M105 140cc features a powerful engine - 140 cc. This, along with a wide cutting path - 21 inches, is ideal for large lawns with tough grass. Moreover, the cutting height can be set at pretty high - 3.75, fitting some special purposes.

      Craftsman M105 140cc offers you three options of discharge - side discharge, rear discharge, or mulching. The mower is simple to assemble and easy to start with a pull-to-start cord and an auto choke mechanism. Besides, it has four large wheels for easier maneuvering.

      The main drawback of this Craftsman M105 140cc is that it is quite heavy - 65 lbs, which may be a bit troublesome for the elderly.

      Craftsman M105 140cc Specifications

      Weight

      65 lbs

      Engine Size

      140 cc

      Cutting Width

      21 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      From 1.25 to 3.75 inches

      Highlight Features

      Pull to start & auto choke; Side discharge, Rear discharge, & Mulching

      Verdict

      Craftsman M105 features a powerful engine and a 21inch cutting path, ideal for large lawns.

      Easy To Start (Gas Lawn Mower): PowerSmart 127CC

      PowerSmart 127CC
      PowerSmart 127CC
      Pros
      • Powerful 4-stroke engine
      • Forced air-cooling system
      • Side discharge, Rear discharge, & Mulching
      • 8-inch rear wheels
      • 3 years warranty
      Cons
      • Narrower cutting path

      PowerSmart 127CC features a 4-stoke engine, which has a higher fuel efficiency, a higher level of power, and less emission. Moreover, with the forced air-cooling system that ensures continuous performance, this mower is pretty reliable and easy to start.

      PowerSmart 127CC is lighter than the Craftsman M105, also has larger wheels, so it is much easier to maneuver - a good choice for the elderly. Besides, this mower also offers you three options of discharge - Side discharge, Rear discharge, & Mulching. You’ll be backed by a 3-year warranty.

      A big drawback of this mower is that the cutting path is only 17 inches, which obviously does not make the most out of the power level of the engine.

      PowerSmart 127CC Specifications

      Weight

      52 lbs

      Engine Size

      127 cc

      Cutting Width

      17 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      From 1.18 to 3.0 inches

      Highlight Features

      4-stroke engine; Forced air-cooling system; 8-inch rear wheels; Side discharge, Rear discharge, & Mulching

      Verdict

      PowerSmart 127CC features a 4-stoke engine for a higher fuel efficiency and less emission.

      Pros
      • Easy to start, maneuver, and adjust the wheel height
      • Effortless to mow in holes that your dog digs
      • Not loud
      • Powerful
      Cons
      • Hard to put together

      Choosing the right machine size for the right yard size plays an important role in mowing grass in your yard.

      A too small machine requires you to make more passes over the same area, damaging your lawn while a too large model doesn't allow you to maneuver it around tight spaces and obstacles. Thus, if you have a medium-sized yard, choose this medium-sized mower.

      SENIX Specifications

      Weight

      41 pounds

      Engine Size

      125cc

      Cutting Width

      20 inches

      Cutting Height Adjustments

      1.35-inch - 3.15-inch (3 options)

      Highlight Features

      A unique vortex tunnel design and a side discharge chute

      7-Inch wheels

      Ergonomic handle

      Verdict

      The SENIX Gas Lawn Mower is compact, but it effectively works in a medium-sized yard.

      How To Choose The Best Lightweight Lawn Mower For Elderly?

      When choosing a lightweight lawnmower for elderly, you should pay attention to:

      • Source of power: Three common types of lawnmowers are corded, battery, and gas-powered. For power, a gas-powered lawnmower is the choice. For lightness and compactness, a corded lawnmower is the choice. For convenience, a battery lawnmower is the choice.
      • Its power & cutting width: For a home lawn, which is usually not so large, a 14-inch cutting path and a not-so-powerful motor would do the job. However, if your lawn is larger, you should choose a more powerful lawnmower with a wider cutting path.
      • Easy maneuvering: Since you have to push the lawnmower when mowing your lawn, the machine should be easy to maneuver.

      Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Lawn Mower For Elderly?

      Sun Joe/Snow Joe - Corded Electric Lawn Mower

      Sun Joe/Snow Joe is my picked brand for corded lawnmowers. This brand has a diverse portfolio of electric tools, from air compressors, chainsaws, lawnmowers, leaf blowers to pressure washers, trimmers, edgers, splitters and ice tools. Sun Joe/Snow Joe is a well reputational brand worldwide, at least, you can trust in this reputation, which they has built for about 20 years. Moreover, Sun Joe/Snow Joe is well-known for their environmental concerns.

      WORX - Cordless Battery Lawn Mower

      When it comes to cordless battery lawnmowers. WORX is my recommendation. This is a very famous brand for DIY-lovers. They make a wide range of lawn and yard tools, including blowers, mulchers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, lawnmowers, pole saws. All their tools are durable and high-quality. Moreover, WORX has a distribution network all over the world, so you can confident that your tools will be taken care of whenever you are.

      Craftsman - Gas Lawn Mower

      For gas lawn mowers, Craftsman is the choice. This is an American iconic brand with 100 years in operation. They provide power tools and hand tools for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and master mechanics. Their gas lawnmowers are well-known for their superior quality, high performance, and great reliability. The quality control process of Craftsman is also a noteworthy thing, every product before reaching the customer's hand is carefully tested, so you can be 100% confident when purchasing from Craftsman.

      FAQs

      How many hours will a lawn mower engine last?

      You can expect a lawn mower engine to last very long if you maintain it well, at least 1,500 hours.

      Is it worth repairing a lawn mower?

      If something wrong with your engine, I recommend replacing it with a new one as repairing an engine is quite expensive.

      How often should you replace your lawn mower?

      You have no reason to replace it when it still functions well. Typically, a good lawn mower won’t be broken within ten years.

      Is 200 hours on a lawn mower a lot?

      200 hours on a good lawn mower is quite a little amount of time. Lawnmowers are expected to last at least 1,500 hours.

      Should I sharpen my lawn mower blade or buy a new one?

      Sharpen the blade until it cannot. When the blade has large dents and chips on the edge, it is time to replace it with a new one.

      Conclusion

      Lightness, compactness, and easy maneuvering are the three priorities. I hope this review helps you find a suitable lawnmower.

      I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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