I remember the Sunday morning ritual all too well. Dragging the heavy, cumbersome gas mower from the back of the shed, wrestling with the pull-cord, and then enduring the deafening roar and smell of exhaust fumes, all to cut a patch of grass not much bigger than a living room rug. It felt like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Then there was the corded electric phase—constantly worrying about slicing through the power cable or getting tangled around the rose bushes. For those of us with smaller yards, townhome plots, or just a desire for simplicity, traditional lawn care often feels like an exercise in frustration. The problem isn’t just the work; it’s the oversized, overcomplicated tools we’re often forced to use. This frustration leads to procrastination, overgrown patches, and a sense that maintaining our little slice of green is more trouble than it’s worth.
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What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your weekend and maintaining your outdoor space with ease. In the world of modern lawn care, cordless electric mowers have emerged as game-changers, especially for homeowners with small to medium-sized properties. They offer the freedom of gas mowers without the noise, fumes, and maintenance headaches, and the convenience of electric without the tether of a power cord. The main benefit is a quieter, cleaner, and more pleasant mowing experience, turning a dreaded task into a manageable, almost therapeutic activity. They are typically lighter, easier to store, and simpler to start, making them accessible to a wider range of users.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a compact yard, limited storage space, or a desire to move away from fossil fuels. Think of the city dweller with a small garden, the senior citizen who needs a lightweight and easy-to-start machine, or the environmentally conscious family. It might not be suitable for those who have sprawling estates over a quarter-acre or who regularly tackle dense, overgrown fields. For those users, a more powerful gas mower or a riding mower would be a more practical investment. For others who want a truly zero-emission, silent option and have a very flat, simple lawn, a classic push reel mower could be an even simpler alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Cutting Width & Deck Size: The cutting width, often called the deck size, determines how wide a path the mower cuts in a single pass. A 13-inch deck, like the one on the LiTHELi, is purpose-built for small, intricate yards. It allows for excellent maneuverability around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles. For larger, open lawns, a wider deck (20 inches or more) would be more efficient, but would sacrifice that nimble handling.
- Battery Performance & Runtime: This is the heart of any cordless tool. Pay close attention to the battery’s voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). Voltage is a measure of power, while amp-hours indicate capacity or runtime. A 20V system is standard for light-to-medium duty tasks. The advertised runtime of 15-25 minutes is critical; measure your expectations and your yard size against this figure. Always consider the cost and availability of a second battery, as it can be a non-negotiable accessory for many.
- Materials & Durability: Most compact cordless mowers utilize a high-impact plastic deck and body to keep the weight down. This is a significant advantage for portability and ease of pushing. However, these plastic components are not as resilient as the heavy-gauge steel decks found on premium gas mowers. For its intended use on residential lawns, a durable plastic construction is perfectly adequate and offers the benefit of being rust-proof.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify your life. A single-lever height adjustment is far superior to changing the height on each wheel individually. A push-button start is a core benefit of electric mowers. Consider the ergonomics of the handle, the ease of folding it for storage, and how simple it is to attach and empty the grass collection bag. Maintenance on these units is minimal—just keep them clean, charge the battery, and sharpen or replace the blade annually.
Keeping these factors in mind, the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower stands out in several areas, particularly for its target audience. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is an excellent choice for a specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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Unboxing and First Impressions: A Compact Powerhouse in Bright Orange
Opening the box for the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower was a refreshingly simple experience. There was no intimidating bag of a hundred nuts and bolts. True to the promise of ease, assembly was a breeze; as one user aptly put it, all that was needed “was putting the handle on it.” The main mower body is fully assembled, and attaching the multi-part handle took less than five minutes without even glancing at the manual. The unit feels incredibly light—at just 24 pounds, it’s easy to see why an 80-year-old reviewer mentioned they could lift it with one hand. The bright orange and black plastic housing is modern and feels solid enough for its purpose, though it’s clearly not designed to be banged against concrete curbs. The wheels are plastic and functional, and the single lever for the 5-position height adjustment feels sturdy and clicks into place reassuringly. The included 4.0Ah battery has a quality feel, and its ability to double as a USB power bank is a clever, if non-essential, bonus feature. My initial impression was that this mower is an appliance designed with pure user-friendliness in mind.
What We Like
- Incredibly lightweight (24 lbs) for supreme maneuverability and easy transport
- Tool-free, straightforward assembly right out of the box
- Compact, folding design is perfect for sheds, garages, or even closets with limited space
- Quiet operation compared to gas mowers, making for a more pleasant mowing experience
- Included 20V battery is part of an interchangeable system and doubles as a power bank
What We Didn’t Like
- Single 4.0Ah battery provides very short runtime (15-25 minutes), often insufficient for a full mow
- Struggles and stalls in thick, wet, or tall grass, requiring multiple passes or higher settings
- Some users report build quality concerns, such as the blade dulling quickly or height adjustment slipping
A Deep Dive into the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ Performance
A lawn mower’s worth is ultimately decided on the grass. After assembling the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower, we charged the battery to full—an essential first step as many users noted—and put it through a series of real-world tests on a typical small suburban lawn. We evaluated it on everything from its effortless handling to its cutting power and, most critically, its battery endurance.
Handling and Maneuverability: The Featherweight Champion
This is where the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ absolutely shines and earns its “Handy+” moniker. At just 24 pounds, pushing this mower feels less like a chore and more like gliding a vacuum cleaner across a carpet. The difference between this and a 60-pound gas mower is night and day. We navigated tightly around garden beds, swung it around a birdbath with one hand, and easily maneuvered in tight corners where larger mowers would require a three-point turn. This was an experience shared by many users, particularly an older woman who celebrated its small size and how easy it was for her to push. The lightweight design does have a small caveat, as we discovered on an uneven patch of lawn. It can bounce and jump over small bumps if you’re moving too quickly, potentially leaving an uncut patch. A slow, steady pace yields the best results. When the job was done, the ergonomic handle folded down in seconds, allowing the mower to be stored vertically against a wall or carried up a flight of stairs by its integrated handle, a feature that owners with limited storage will deeply appreciate.
Cutting Performance and Versatility: A Tale of Two Lawns
The cutting performance of the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is highly dependent on the condition of your lawn. On our primary test area—a regularly maintained, relatively thin fescue lawn—it performed admirably. The 3400 RPM motor spun the 13-inch blade with enough force to deliver a clean, even cut. We tested various heights using the simple single-lever adjustment, which offers five positions from 1 to 2.5 inches. The 8-gallon collection bag, while small, did its job well, though we found it needed to be emptied frequently to prevent clogs. One user noted you have to shake the bag a bit to get clippings to the back, otherwise, the mower’s sensor might stop it prematurely, a tip we found to be accurate and helpful.
However, when we moved to a thicker, slightly damp, and overgrown section of the yard, the mower’s limitations became apparent. It frequently shut off, a safety feature designed to prevent the motor from burning out. This experience was a common thread in user feedback, with many initially thinking the mower was broken. As one savvy owner pointed out, the solution is in the manual: raise the cutting height to its maximum (2.5 inches), make a first pass to trim the top, and then make a second pass at a lower height. This two-pass method works, but it effectively doubles your mowing time and battery consumption. We also observed the mower struggling in very dense turf, confirming reports that it can be “too weak” for thick patches. Additionally, one long-term user reported that the factory blade dulled after only 6-8 uses, requiring them to make multiple passes to get a clean cut. This suggests that investing in a higher-quality replacement blade early on might be a wise decision for maintaining peak performance.
The Elephant in the Yard: Battery Life and Power Management
Let’s be unequivocally clear: the single biggest talking point, both in our tests and across a vast majority of user reviews, is the battery. The included 20V 4.0Ah battery powers the mower for approximately 15 to 25 minutes, depending heavily on the thickness and height of your grass. In our test on the tough, thick grass, we barely broke the 15-minute mark before the battery was depleted. On the easier, well-kept section, we pushed closer to 25 minutes. While LiTHELi rates this for yards up to 1,300 sq. ft., this is an optimistic estimate for a pristine, flat lawn. For many real-world small yards, this simply isn’t enough to get the job done in one go.
This reality was the source of the most passionate user feedback. One reviewer stated, “Buy a second battery!” Another lamented, “One full charge was only able to cut a quarter of the yard.” The charging time of several hours means you can’t just take a short break and finish; a depleted battery effectively ends yard work for the day. This mower should, for all practical purposes, be considered a package deal where a second battery is a mandatory, not optional, purchase for anyone with a yard that takes more than 15 minutes to mow. The fact that the battery is part of LiTHELi’s universal 20V system is a plus for those invested in their other tools, but as a standalone product, the single battery is a significant handicap that holds back an otherwise brilliantly designed machine.
What Other Users Are Saying
Diving into the collective experience of other owners provides a well-rounded picture of the LiTHELi U20 Handy+. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive on one key point: its weight and ease of use. A particularly glowing review came from an 80-year-old, 5-foot-tall user who was overjoyed, stating, “I couldn’t be happier… I can pick this machine up with one hand.” This sentiment is echoed by many who praise its quick assembly and intuitive operation.
However, the praise is almost always followed by a significant “but” regarding the battery. One user bluntly stated, “I am giving this 2 stars because it should never be sold with just one battery.” Another frustrated owner noted they had to change the battery three times to mow their small yard, with the charge lasting a mere 10 minutes on the final attempt. This is the most consistent and critical piece of feedback. A few negative reports also touch on build quality and customer support. One user experienced the bolt connecting a wheel to the height adjuster falling off and had no success contacting the company for a replacement part. This highlights a potential risk if you encounter issues down the line.
How Does the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ Compare to the Alternatives?
The LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower operates in a competitive market. Understanding its position relative to other options is key to making an informed decision. We’ve compared it against three distinct alternatives that cater to different user needs.
1. PowerSmart 21-Inch 144cc Push Mower with Bagging
- Gas Powered Engine: A 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine equipped with recoil starter and auto choke for easy start, delivers strong power.
- 2-in-1 Steel Deck: All-steel deck built to last, combine mulching and bagging capabilities in 1.
- 21" Cutting Blade: The heavy-duty blade delivers better cutting effect, allowing you to mow more in less time.
The PowerSmart is a traditional gas-powered mower that represents the opposite end of the spectrum. With its 144cc engine and a wide 21-inch cutting deck, it offers sheer brute force. This mower will tear through tall, thick, and wet grass without hesitation and is suitable for medium to large yards where the LiTHELi would be completely overwhelmed. Its runtime is limited only by the size of its fuel tank. However, this power comes at the cost of weight, noise, regular maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs), and exhaust fumes. Someone should choose the PowerSmart over the LiTHELi if they have a larger yard (over 2,000 sq. ft.), frequently deal with overgrown conditions, and prioritize raw cutting power and speed over convenience and quiet operation.
2. Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower
- Hand-push reel mower with 16" cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
The Earthwise reel mower is the ultimate eco-friendly, minimalist choice. It requires no gas, no oil, and no batteries—only your own physical effort. It’s virtually silent, maintenance-free (aside from blade sharpening), and produces an extremely clean, scissor-like cut that is very healthy for grass. With a 16-inch cutting width, it’s slightly wider than the LiTHELi. However, reel mowers are only effective on relatively short, well-maintained grass and struggle significantly with tall weeds, twigs, or uneven terrain. This is the perfect mower for someone with a small, flat, “manicured” lawn who enjoys the exercise and wants the quietest, most environmentally friendly option available. It’s for the purist, whereas the LiTHELi offers powered convenience.
3. LawnMaster CLM2413A 13-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
- [12.4-INCH CUTTING WIDTH] With 13-inch high impact rust resistant deck
- [POWERFUL ENGINE] Powered by a 24V MAX* li-ion battery(ASIN:B093FJDKFM) provides a speed of 3700 RPM
- [5 CUTTING POSITONS] Effortlessly change the height of cuts between 1-inch to 2.55-inch using the one-touch lever
The LawnMaster is perhaps the most direct competitor to the LiTHELi. It shares the same 13-inch cutting deck, making it ideal for small, complex yards. It is also lightweight and designed for easy maneuverability. The crucial difference, however, lies in its power system. The LawnMaster runs on a 24V MAX system and, most importantly, comes packaged with *two* 4.0Ah batteries and a charger right out of the box. This immediately solves the primary weakness of the LiTHELi—runtime. A buyer can expect to complete their entire lawn without needing to stop and recharge. For a user who is sold on the concept of a compact cordless mower but is wary of the LiTHELi’s battery limitations, the LawnMaster presents a compelling, ready-to-go alternative, likely for a comparable total investment once a second LiTHELi battery is factored in.
Our Final Verdict: A Niche Product That Excels in the Right Yard
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion on the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is clear: it is a fantastic machine for a very specific user. If you have a small yard (under 1,000 sq. ft.), prioritize lightweight handling and easy storage above all else, and your lawn is generally well-maintained, this mower is a joy to use. Its near-effortless maneuverability makes it perfect for navigating complex garden layouts and is an ideal choice for seniors or anyone with reduced physical strength.
However, we cannot recommend it without a strong caveat regarding its battery life. The included single battery is its Achilles’ heel, providing a runtime that is simply too short for many “small” yards. If you purchase this mower, you should do so with the expectation of buying a second battery almost immediately. For those who need more power or runtime out of the box, alternatives like the gas-powered PowerSmart or the dual-battery LawnMaster are likely better fits. The LiTHELi is a specialist, not a generalist. It solves the problem of weight and storage brilliantly, but at the significant trade-off of endurance.
If you’ve decided the LiTHELi U20 Handy+ 13 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is the right fit for your specific needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API