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Which mower is right for me?
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Robotic lawn mowers have transformed garden maintenance, offering hands-free convenience, consistent results, and cutting-edge technology that takes the hard work out of lawn care. But like any tool, they’re not without their drawbacks. From upfront costs to performance limitations, it’s worth understanding the potential downsides before investing. In this article, we’ll explore the most common concerns—along with practical ways to overcome them—so you can decide if a robot mower is the right fit for your garden.
Robotic mowers are a significant upfront investment compared to traditional push or riding mowers. While some entry-level models are becoming more affordable, advanced models with features like GPS, RTK positioning, and AI-assisted mapping can be quite expensive. For many homeowners, the price tag of a high-end robotic mower might feel hard to justify when a conventional mower costs considerably less.
How to Overcome This Downside
While the initial outlay for a robotic mower like the Segway Navimow may be higher, it’s important to consider the long-term value. Wire-free mapping systems such as EFLS (Exact Fusion Locating System) remove the need for costly perimeter wire installation and maintenance, while over-the-air updates ensure your mower improves over time without additional expense. With their efficient route planning, low energy consumption, and minimal maintenance requirements, these mowers can save on fuel, servicing, and even the hidden cost of your own time spent mowing. Plus, because Navimow models are designed for durability—with IP66 waterproofing, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and robust build quality—they’re built to last for many years, spreading the cost over a long lifespan. In the bigger picture, the investment can pay for itself in convenience, efficiency, and consistently perfect results without the effort
This is a major hurdle with some brands. Traditional robotic lawn mowers often require a physical boundary wire to be installed around the perimeter of the lawn. This can be time-consuming, physically demanding, and frustrating—especially if your garden has multiple sections, intricate shapes, or lots of obstacles. Even with newer wire-free models that rely on GPS, there’s still an initial setup process to map your lawn, define no-go zones, and configure mowing schedules. For less tech-savvy users, this can feel like a daunting task.
How to Overcome This Downside
The Segway Navimow range is designed to make setup as simple and stress-free as possible. Models like the H Series, i Series, and X3 Series use app-guided virtual boundary creation—meaning no digging, no cable laying, and no risk of damaging perimeter wires later. The intuitive Navimow app walks you through the mapping process step-by-step, allowing you to set up multiple zones, no-go islands, and edge-mowing preferences in minutes. Advanced positioning systems like EFLS 2.0 and 3.0 deliver centimetre-level accuracy, ensuring your initial setup is a one-time process rather than a repeated adjustment. Once it’s done, you can easily update or refine boundaries from your phone without ever touching the mower itself—making it far more convenient than traditional wired models.
Robotic mowers are not designed for speed. Unlike petrol or ride-on mowers that can cover a lawn in one quick session, most robotic mowers move at a steady, slow pace to ensure precision and safety. This means it can take several hours—or even multiple sessions—to mow a large garden, especially if the mower has to recharge partway through. For some owners, this slower pace may feel less efficient.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow models maximise efficiency by combining systematic route planning with optimised blade performance, so they cover more ground in less time without compromising cut quality. The X3 Series is especially fast, mowing up to twice as efficiently as the industry average, with a long 240-minute runtime that reduces the need for mid-job recharging. Because Navimow mows little and often, it doesn’t need to rush—your lawn stays consistently neat, meaning you never notice the slower individual cutting speed. With the right scheduling in the Navimow app, mowing can be set for times when you’re not using the garden, so speed becomes less important than the convenience of an always-perfect lawn.
This is a critical limitation. Robotic mowers are designed for regular lawn maintenance, trimming a small amount of grass at a time to keep the lawn consistently neat. They are not intended for heavy-duty cutting of long, overgrown grass. If your lawn becomes too tall—such as after a long holiday, a prolonged rainy spell, or a period of neglect—you may need to use a traditional mower to bring it back to a manageable height before the robotic mower can take over again.
How to Overcome This Downside
The easiest way to avoid this issue is to let the mower work as intended: little and often. Segway Navimow models excel here, thanks to customisable mowing schedules and multi-zone programming. You can set your mower to operate several times a week, or even daily, so the grass never reaches an unmanageable height. If you know you’ll be away, you can remotely adjust the mowing frequency via the Navimow app, ensuring the mower keeps working even when you’re not at home. Models like the X3 Series, with longer runtimes and faster mowing speeds, can cover large areas more quickly—making it easier to catch up after rapid growth periods. By staying on top of your schedule and using Navimow’s smart planning, you can maintain a perfectly cut lawn without ever having to resort to manual mowing.
Most robotic mowers have centrally mounted blades, which means they can’t cut flush with the lawn’s edge. This leaves a narrow strip of uncut grass along borders, fences, flowerbeds, or paving stones. As a result, you may still need to use a string trimmer or a manual mower to tidy up these areas. For some owners, this extra step can take away from the “fully autonomous” appeal that robotic mowing promises.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow models are ahead of many competitors in this area, thanks to adjustable mowing boundaries and visual edge detection. The i Series offers both Standard Limit mode—keeping the mower neatly within its virtual boundary—and Overlap Limit, which allows the mower to straddle edges where your lawn meets level surfaces like patios or driveways, resulting in a cleaner finish. The X3 Series takes this further with high-precision edge cutting for crisp lines right up to the border. Even in gardens where a small trim is still needed, the time and effort are drastically reduced because the mower handles 95% of the work. With careful boundary setup in the Navimow app, you can maximise edge coverage and make those final touch-ups quick and easy.
While robotic mower blades are generally small and inexpensive, they do require more frequent replacement than the robust, sharpenable blades on a traditional mower. Depending on usage and lawn conditions, you might need to replace them several times a season. Over the years, this can become an ongoing maintenance cost that some owners don’t anticipate at the time of purchase.
How to Overcome This Downside
Even with more regular replacements, the process is quick, inexpensive, and requires no special tools—making it far simpler than sharpening or replacing a large mower blade. Segway Navimow’s blades are designed for easy DIY swapping in just minutes, so you can do it yourself without a service call. Because Navimow mowers follow planned, efficient routes rather than random patterns, the blades work more evenly and encounter less unnecessary wear, which can help extend their lifespan. Choosing high-quality replacement blades and sticking to a regular cleaning routine will also reduce how often you need to replace them. In the bigger picture, the lower fuel, servicing, and storage costs of a robotic mower often offset these minor consumable expenses.
While GPS/RTK technology makes wire-free setup possible, it isn’t entirely flawless. The system relies on a clear line of sight to satellites and a connection to a base station. Dense tree canopies, tall buildings, or other obstructions can disrupt the signal, causing the mower to lose its position and pause operation. In heavily shaded or complex gardens, this can be a source of frustration for some owners.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow has engineered its positioning systems to minimise these challenges. The H Series uses EFLS (Exact Fusion Locating System), blending RTK GPS with multiple onboard sensors for centimetre-level accuracy, even when signal strength varies. The i Series upgrades to EFLS 2.0, which integrates AI-assisted GNSS and vision-based assistance to maintain precision under trees or near buildings. The flagship X3 Series goes further with EFLS 3.0, combining RTK, VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), and VIO (Visual Inertial Odometry) to keep mowing reliably in complex, low-signal environments such as narrow passages and shaded areas. These hybrid systems mean that even if satellite reception dips, the mower can continue working using its onboard navigation and visual mapping. For users in particularly challenging gardens, the X3’s advanced technology offers industry-leading resilience against signal interruptions.
Robotic mowers are a high-value item that operates outdoors, often unattended, which can make them a tempting target for theft. While many models include basic anti-theft measures such as PIN code protection, alarms, or GPS tracking, the concern remains valid—particularly for homeowners with gardens that are visible or easily accessible from public spaces.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow models are equipped with robust, multi-layered security systems that make theft far less likely and recovery far more achievable. All models offer real-time app alerts if the mower is moved outside its virtual boundary, allowing you to respond immediately. The H Series features EFLS tracking for location updates, while the i Series supports the optional Navimow Access+ 4G module for remote tracking even without Wi-Fi. The X3 Series adds an advanced anti-theft alarm, integrated GPS tracking, and a dedicated slot for your own item tracker—offering belt-and-braces protection. With instant notifications, precise location data, and loud audible alerts, a stolen Navimow becomes very difficult to hide or resell. Placing charging stations in less visible spots and using the app’s security settings further reduces the risk, giving you confidence to leave your mower to do its job.
Battery capacity directly affects how much lawn a robotic mower can handle in a single session. On larger properties, the mower may need to return to its charging station multiple times, which can extend the total time it takes to finish the job. Over the years, battery performance can gradually decline, and replacing a high-capacity lithium battery can be a significant long-term expense.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow models are optimised to make the most of their battery life. All models use intelligent route planning, which avoids unnecessary overlap and reduces wasted energy—helping each charge go further. The i Series is ideal for modest lawns, while the H Series can run for up to 200 minutes, and the X3 Series offers an impressive 240 minutes of runtime—more than enough for large gardens in fewer charging cycles. Both the H and X3 recharge quickly and automatically resume mowing exactly where they left off, ensuring the lawn is completed without manual intervention. Because Navimow’s cutting system trims small amounts of grass frequently, the mower works more efficiently and uses less energy per pass. With proper care—such as avoiding deep discharges and storing the mower indoors during winter—the battery lifespan can be maximised, delaying replacement costs for many years.
Most robotic mowers perform best in dry conditions. Wet grass can be slippery, causing the mower to lose traction, and it can clog the blades, reducing cutting performance. Prolonged operation in damp conditions may also damage models that aren’t fully waterproof. While rain sensors can pause mowing to protect the machine, this also means your lawn won’t be cut during extended wet spells—something that’s not uncommon in the UK.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow models are built with IP66 waterproofing, meaning they can withstand splashes, and even regular hose-down cleaning without issue. The H Series uses a built-in rain sensor with adjustable sensitivity, so you can decide whether mowing should stop at the first sign of drizzle or continue in light rain. The i Series and X3 Series automatically pause mowing in poor weather and resume when conditions improve—preventing damage while still keeping on schedule. Because Navimow mowers operate on a “little and often” approach, they can catch up quickly once the weather clears, avoiding the overgrowth that might otherwise occur during wet spells. For year-round reliability, storing the mower on its charging dock in a sheltered area between jobs also helps keep it in peak condition.
While modern robotic mowers are equipped with sensors to detect and avoid obstacles, they can still be tripped up by smaller items such as fallen fruit, small branches, or children’s toys. These objects may go unnoticed by basic detection systems, leading to blockages, tangled blades, or even the mower becoming stuck mid-job. This means you may still need to check the lawn before mowing to prevent interruptions.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow mowers offer industry-leading obstacle detection that reduces the need for constant lawn checks. The i Series features a 140° wide-angle camera capable of identifying over 150 different obstacle types, from garden furniture to pets, and includes an Animal-Friendly Mode to protect wildlife. The H Series uses VisionFence technology along with bumper, tilt, and lift sensors for multi-layer protection. The X3 Series raises the bar with VisionFence 2.0, delivering a 300° field of view and AI-powered recognition for precise avoidance—even in complex gardens. This technology means the mower can intelligently navigate around most obstacles without stopping. While it’s still good practice to keep your lawn clear of hazards, Navimow’s systems dramatically cut down on interruptions and help protect both the mower and your belongings.
Not all robotic mowers are designed to cope with steep slopes or heavily uneven lawns. Each model has a maximum incline it can handle, and if your garden includes steep hills, dips, or rough patches, some robotic mowers may struggle with traction, stability, or navigation. In such cases, a mower that can’t handle your terrain might stall, slip, or miss certain areas entirely—limiting its usefulness.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow offers models that outperform many competitors on challenging terrain. The i Series comfortably handles slopes of up to 30% (around 17°), making it suitable for modestly sloped gardens. The H Series pushes this further to 45%, while the flagship X3 Series can tackle inclines up to 50% (about 26°)—putting it among the most capable robotic mowers on the market. Powerful hub motors and 14-bit magnetic positioning sensors ensure stable movement, even on bumpy ground, and torque is automatically adjusted to suit changing conditions. For uneven lawns, Navimow’s obstacle detection and precise navigation help it stay within its virtual boundaries without getting stuck or veering off course. Choosing the right model for your garden’s incline ensures smooth, consistent performance without the terrain holding your mower back.
While robotic mowers offer convenience, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each model is designed for lawns within a specific size range, and exceeding this can affect performance or require more frequent recharging. Complex layouts with narrow passages, multiple mowing zones, or numerous obstacles can also pose a challenge—especially for less advanced models. For some gardens, these factors may limit how effectively a robotic mower can operate without manual intervention.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow’s range covers a broad spectrum of garden sizes and layouts, making it easier to find the right fit. The i Series is ideal for smaller lawns up to 800 m², the H Series suits medium to large gardens up to 3,000 m², and the X3 Series can manage vast areas from 1,500 m² up to 10,000 m². All models feature multi-zone mapping, so they can mow separate lawn sections and navigate narrow connecting paths with precision. Advanced positioning systems—EFLS, EFLS 2.0, and EFLS 3.0—combined with smart route planning and AI-assisted mapping mean even irregularly shaped gardens can be mowed systematically and efficiently. For very complex layouts, the X3 Series’s combination of RTK, VSLAM, and VIO technology ensures accurate navigation, even under tree cover or in tight corners. By matching the mower’s rated capacity and navigation features to your garden’s size and shape, you can achieve reliable, consistent results without compromise.
As sophisticated electronic devices packed with sensors, cameras, and GPS systems, robotic mowers can occasionally experience technical issues. Diagnosing and troubleshooting these problems may not be straightforward for the average user, and repairs—particularly for advanced components—can be expensive if the mower is out of warranty. Depending on the brand, parts availability and service times may also affect how quickly your mower can get back to work.
How to Overcome This Downside
Segway Navimow models are designed for long-term reliability and ease of upkeep. Many common adjustments—such as boundary tweaks, obstacle detection calibration, or firmware resets—can be performed directly through the Navimow app, without professional intervention. Free Over-the-Air (OTA) updates mean the mower’s software is continuously improved, often solving potential issues before they become problems. The modular design of key components, like blades and wheels, allows for quick DIY replacements of wear parts, reducing maintenance costs. As the official UK distributor, UK Navimow provides direct access to trained service teams, genuine replacement parts, and expert technical support. This combination of self-service features, ongoing software improvements, and dedicated after-sales care helps minimise downtime and keeps repair costs under control.
While robotic lawn mowers do have their challenges, many of these can be greatly reduced—or even eliminated—by choosing the right model for your garden. With advanced navigation, wire-free setup, multi-zone mapping, and robust safety features, the Segway Navimow range offers some of the most capable and user-friendly solutions on the market. Whether you have a compact urban lawn, a medium-sized family garden, or expansive grounds, there’s a Navimow designed to make lawn care easier, smarter, and more reliable.
If you’re ready to enjoy a perfectly maintained lawn without the effort, explore the Segway Navimow models today and see how the right robotic mower can transform the way you look after your garden