The Black and Decker Electric Lawn Mower is a great option if you are looking for an inexpensive, lightweight mower, especially for relatively small yards (ie your mowing is limited by the length of your extension cord).
There is some assembly required, but everything you need is included and assembly only requires connecting the handle together with knobs and screws, then sliding the handle into the mower base.
There are benefits to having an electric mower. Because this is not a gas engine, you don’t have the added expense of buying gas and engine maintenance/repair. This mower is also a lot quieter than a gas engine, which is good for your hearing. Moreover, unlike gas mowers, you can keep this mower inside your house without worrying about toxic fumes. On the downside, you will have to be sure not to run over your electric cord!
The mower itself has a 17" cutting diameter. There are six cutting height adjustments (from 1" to 3") that are selected with a tab by the left rear wheel.
The handle has two tabs for helping wrap the electric cord when you are finished mowing, and there is also a plastic cord strain relief to help keep the electric extension cord safely and securely connected to the mower.
On top of the mower are two bike grips. To start the mower, you must squeeze the grip trigger then press the start button. To keep the mower on, you must squeeze at least one of the bike grips. The bike grips may take some getting used to if you’ve never had a mower with them before, but in use I found them to be just as comfortable as the plain horizontal bar (the bike grips may actually be slightly better from an ergonomic perspective).
It’s up to you whether or not you use the grass catcher. There is a clear plastic door on the rear of the mower–simply lift the door and slide the grass catcher into place.
In practice, the mower is very light, so it is easy to maneuver and push. With a 12 Amp mower had no difficulty cutting even tall grass, though when not using the grass catcher some grass clippings collected in the back of the mower between the clear plastic door and the mower body. However, the clippings were easily cleaned. In fact, the entire mower can be easily turned onto its side to gain access to the mower blade area. Note however that this mower does not mulch.
All in all I was very happy with this mower. This mower is perfect for smaller yards, especially where the added expense, weight, and maintenance/storage hassles of a gas mower doesn’t really make sense. It’s powerful, quiet, lightweight, and easy to store–it’s a solid choice for the right yard!
Pricing and Availability on Amazon: Black and Decker Electric Lawn Mower (aff)