How Long Do Robotic Lawn Mower Batteries Last?

Traditional gasoline lawn mowers have been around for decades, and most of us know what to expect from their long-term use. In contrast, robotic lawn mowers, which are relatively new, people are quite curious about their overall life. We’re frequently asked this question: How long does their battery last?

There is no single number. A typical lithium-ion mower battery lasts about 5 to 7 years, depending on workload and charging habits. Replacement is also not as expensive as many people assume - most models allow a simple, affordable swap. 

This blog focuses on robotic lawn mower batteries. It breaks down how long these mowers run on a full charge, how many years the battery remains reliable, and what a replacement usually costs.

What Type of Batteries Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Use?

Robotic/electric lawn mowers commonly use any of three main types. Lead acid, lithium-ion, and LiFePO4. Each chemistry performs differently in cycle life, weight, charge efficiency, and cost.

Lead Acid

Lead acid packs were common in early mower models. Although they have a lower upfront cost, the main limitation is cycle life and weight; just 200 to 300 cycles before noticeable capacity loss. They are heavy and lose efficiency in partial-state-of-charge operation. Slow charging also reduces the mower’s daily coverage. 

Lithium-ion (Li-ion)

Lithium-ion batteries are the standard in most consumer electronic gadgets, including robotic mowers. It offers higher energy density, longer runtime per charge, and faster recharge. A typical pack delivers 500 to 800 cycles when handled within normal temperature and charging limits. Weight is comparatively lower, which reduces motor load and extends runtime. 

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate)

LiFePO4 batteries have a longer cycle life than standard Li-ion batteries. Packs often reach 1500 to 2000 cycles with slower capacity loss. However, not only do they carry a higher cost but also a lower energy density, i.e., battery packs are not suitable for compact versions, as new robotic lawn mowers are.  

How Long Does a Robotic Lawn Mower Run on One Charge

Another question that is often asked in the same context is how long a mower operates on one charge. The result depends on power use, motor load, and battery capacity. Larger packs deliver longer runtime and reduce the number of recharge cycles during a mowing session.

A Look at Different Segway Navimow Models

For the Navimow line, charging takes between 1 and 3 hours, and runtime ranges from 1 to 4 hours. Here is a breakdown of charging times for the full Navimow series.

How Long Do Lawn Mower Batteries Last?

Lithium-ion batteries are rated by cycle count. A cycle is one full discharge and recharge. Each cycle introduces a small amount of wear. After a certain number of cycles, the capacity drops to a point where the runtime becomes noticeably shorter.

Robotic lawn mowers mostly use lithium-ion packs, so their lifetime is tied to this cycle count. A typical pack offers about 500 to 800 full cycles under normal temperature and charging conditions.

Considering this cycle count, let’s evaluate the lifespan of a mower. Suppose your mower runs 4 hours per week, and one full charge provides 2 hours of runtime.

• Cycles needed per week = 4 ÷ 2 = 2 full cycles
• Total cycle life = 500 to 800 cycles
• Weeks of operation = 500 ÷ 2 to 800 ÷ 2 = 250 to 400 weeks
• Years of operation = 250 ÷ 52 to 400 ÷ 52
• Result ≈ 4.8 to 7.7 years

This aligns with the common lifespan range reported for lithium-ion robotic mower batteries, around 5 to 7 years.

Factors That Affect Mower Battery Life

While the average lifespan of a mower battery sits in a predictable range, several external factors can shift it up or down. If you manage these conditions, you can maintain capacity longer and avoid early degradation.

Ambient temperature during operation

Batteries don’t like extremes. Running the mower in very hot or very cold weather makes the battery work harder. Heat speeds up wear, and cold reduces capacity, so the mower ends up cycling more often.

Off-season storage

Where and how you store the mower also carries. During months of grass dormancy, for instance, if you keep it indoors, with a moderate charge, it slows down aging. However, leaving it fully charged in a hot shed or outside through winter can shave months or even years off the battery’s life. Learn how to winterize a lawnmower the right way.

Cutting load

The tougher the grass, the harder the battery works. Tall or dense grass, dull blades, and slopes all increase power draw. This drains the battery faster, which means more charging cycles over time. You should know how often to change lawn mower blades.

How Segway Navimow Mowers Prolong Battery Life?

You may know the common 80–20 charging practice recommended for smartphones. Charge up to around 80 percent and recharge when the level drops near 20 percent. This pattern reduces deep-discharge stress and slows cycle wear. Applying it to lawn mowers would help, but few users are able to follow up consistently.

In the case of Navimow mowers, you do not handle charging yourself. The system is autonomous. It returns to the charging base when the battery drops to about 15 percent and begins charging automatically. This avoids repeated deep discharges and reduces unnecessary full cycles.

The aim is to preserve the cycle count and keep the battery performing steadily throughout its service life.

Battery Replacement Costs of a Lawn Mower

Yes, the battery is indeed a key component of a mower, but it does not carry the full cost of the machine that most people think. A replacement pack represents about 20 to 25 percent of the mower’s price. 

For example, a mower priced at 1000 dollars usually has a battery available for roughly 200 to 250 dollars. After replacing the pack, you can expect several more years of regular operation, similar to the performance you had when the mower was new.

Final Words

So, if you’re planning to invest in a robotic lawn mower, the battery should no longer be a concern. With most packs lasting five years or more, you’re getting a smart, quiet, and fully autonomous system that handles your lawn without ongoing effort from your side. Compared with an engine-based mower, you avoid routine maintenance, noise, and fuel issues.

So, ready to take the leap? Explore the Navimow collection of robotic lawn mowers and find the model that fits your yard.

FAQs

Is it safe to leave a lawn mower battery charging overnight?

It might have been a concern in older systems, but modern robotic mowers handle this on their own. They have a cutoff feature that stops charging once the battery reaches its set level.

How long does a lawn mower battery last per charge?

It varies by the size of the battery installed. For Segway Navimow mowers, runtime generally falls between 60 and 240 minutes per charge.

How do I know if my mower needs a new battery?

Age is your first clue. If the battery is over five years old and you start noticing shorter runtime or more frequent docking, it’s a sign that battery capacity is dropping.

Does a lawn mower battery charge itself while running?

No. The mower only charges through its docking station connected to a power source. It won’t charge while running, but once it completes its cycle or the battery drops, it returns to the dock to recharge.