For homeowners with limited storage space, a foldable lawn mower is a game-changer. Garages and sheds no longer need to be dominated by bulky outdoor equipment. These innovative mowers are designed to collapse or stand upright, taking up a fraction of the space of traditional models without sacrificing cutting performance.
Whether you have a small urban lawn or simply want to reclaim your storage area, a compact mower offers the perfect solution. From lightweight electric models to space-saving reel mowers, this roundup covers the best options for keeping your yard tidy and your storage organized. Finding the right balance of power, runtime, and collapsible design has never been easier.
The Best Foldable Lawn Mowers for Compact Storage
- Litheli 16 Inch Lawn Mower 2x20V Electric Coreless Lawn Mower
- Litheli Electric Lawn Mower Cordless,Grass Cutter Machine for 1300 Sq.Ft
- Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower
- Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 10.6-Gal Bag
- WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
- Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Push Lawn Mower
- EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
- AMERISUN 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower, Self Propelled
- RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
Litheli 16 Inch Lawn Mower 2x20V Electric Coreless Lawn Mower
This Litheli cordless mower is built for efficiency and easy storage. Its coreless motor provides strong torque for a clean cut while operating quietly. With the ability to mow up to 2,700 square feet on a full charge, it is well-suited for medium-sized lawns.
The 16-inch cutting width offers a good balance between maneuverability and coverage. You can fine-tune your lawn’s look with the six-position height adjustment, which allows you to set the blade between 0.98 and 2.98 inches. The included two 4.0Ah batteries ensure you have enough power to complete the job.
Litheli Electric Lawn Mower Cordless,Grass Cutter Machine for 1300 Sq.Ft
For smaller lawns up to 1,300 square feet, this compact Litheli model is an excellent choice. Its 13-inch cutting width makes it highly maneuverable around tight corners and garden beds. The high-performance motor spins the blade at 3400 RPM for a precise cut.
This mower includes a generous 8-gallon collection bag to reduce the frequency of stops for emptying. The cutting height can be easily adjusted across five different positions, from 1 inch to 2.5 inches, giving you control over your grass length. Its smaller size naturally contributes to a smaller storage footprint.
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower
The Greenworks 40V mower stands out for its ultra-lightweight design, which is 35% lighter than many comparable models. This makes it exceptionally easy to push and lift for storage. It provides gas-like performance with up to 35 minutes of runtime, perfect for yards up to half an acre.
Its smart features include a single-lever that controls cutting height across five positions, from 1.25 to 3.375 inches. The 2-in-1 design allows you to either mulch grass clippings for nutrients or collect them in a rear bag for a clean finish. Its compact 16-inch deck is ideal for fitting into tight storage spaces.
Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 10.6-Gal Bag
Sun Joe’s MJ401C-PRO is a robust option for small to medium lawns, capable of mowing up to 2,150 square feet on a single charge. The 14-inch steel cutting deck provides a precise cut, and the large 10.6-gallon collection bag means less time spent on emptying clippings.
Powered by a 28V lithium-ion battery, this mower offers a cordless, hassle-free mowing experience. The cutting height can be tailored to your preference with a simple 3-position manual adjustment. Its manageable size and efficient design make it a practical choice for sheds with limited room.
WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
Designed specifically for small yards, the WORX WG779 is a compact and lightweight workhorse. It uses two 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries to deliver 40V of power, and these same batteries are compatible with over 140 other WORX tools, adding great value.
A standout feature is the Intellicut system, which uses sensor technology to automatically adjust cutting power based on grass density. This ensures a smooth cut in tough conditions while conserving battery in lighter grass. With six height adjustment positions, you can easily achieve your desired lawn height.
Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Push Lawn Mower
For those needing a wider cut but who still want cordless convenience and foldable storage, the Snapper XD is a compelling option. Its 21-inch steel deck covers more ground with each pass, significantly reducing mowing time for larger lawns.
This mower offers a 3-in-1 design, giving you the flexibility to mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings based on your preference. It should be noted that this model is part of a tool system, and the battery and charger are sold separately. This can be an advantage if you already own other Snapper XD tools.
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
The EGO POWER+ LM2102SP combines power, runtime, and convenience in a cordless package. With up to 60 minutes of run time from the included 56V 7.5Ah battery, it can handle substantial lawns on a single charge. The self-propel feature makes mowing large or hilly areas much less strenuous.
You have full control over the mower’s speed, with an adjustable self-propel range from 0.9 to 3.1 MPH. The cutting height is easily modified across six positions, from 1.5 to 4 inches. Despite its advanced features, it is designed to be stored upright to save space.
AMERISUN 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower, Self Propelled
If you prefer gas power for its extended runtime and traditional feel, the AMERISUN model delivers robust performance. Its 170cc 4-stroke engine provides reliable power to cut through tall and thick grass in medium to large yards.
This mower is self-propelled, with a high-wheel design featuring 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels for excellent maneuverability over uneven terrain and slopes. The 3-in-1 function allows for side discharge, mulching, or rear bagging. While gas mowers are typically bulkier, many modern designs feature foldable handles for more compact storage.
RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless
RYOBI’s 40V brushless mower offers efficiency and durability for a well-maintained lawn. The brushless motor technology provides longer runtime, more power, and a longer motor life compared to brushed alternatives. Its 20-inch cutting deck is a great middle ground for efficiency and storage.
This mower is part of RYOBI’s extensive 40V ecosystem, allowing you to use the same battery platform across a wide range of outdoor tools. The design often includes a foldable handle, making it a space-saving champion for your garage or shed after use.
American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
For the ultimate in compact, eco-friendly mowing, the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a timeless choice. This manual mower requires no gas, oil, cords, or batteries, operating solely on your push power. It provides a quiet, clean cut that is excellent for grass health.
Weighing significantly less than power mowers, it is incredibly easy to carry and store. Its slender profile allows it to be hung on a wall or tucked into the smallest of spaces. This is the perfect solution for very small, flat lawns where noise and storage are primary concerns.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Foldable Lawn Mower
When my garage started to look more like a mower storage unit than a place for my car, I knew I needed a better solution. That’s when I really started looking into foldable lawn mowers. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I think you should consider before buying one of these space-saving machines.
First, think about the fold itself. Not all folding mechanisms are created equal. Some mowers fold vertically, standing up tall and slim like a book on a shelf. Others fold horizontally, where the handlebars collapse down over the deck. The vertical ones are fantastic for saving a huge amount of floor space, especially if you have a narrow shed or a corner in the garage. The horizontal ones are great for sliding under a workbench or into a low storage closet. Check how the mower locks in both its open and closed positions. A secure, easy-to-use latch is crucial for safety and peace of mind.
Next, let’s talk power. Your choice here depends entirely on your lawn. For a small, flat yard, a simple corded electric mower might be perfect. You don’t have to worry about batteries or gas, but you are tethered to an outlet and an extension cord. For more freedom, a battery-powered model is the way to go. Just make sure the battery life matches your lawn’s size, and maybe consider a model that comes with two batteries. For larger or tougher lawns, a gas-powered model still packs the most punch, but remember they require more maintenance and you can’t store them vertically in an enclosed space due to fluid leaks.
Don’t forget about the deck material and size. A steel deck is durable but can rust over time, while a polymer deck is rust-proof and lighter, making the mower easier to lift and maneuver. The cutting width determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A wider deck (21 or 22 inches) covers more ground quickly, while a narrower one (18 or 19 inches) is easier to store and navigate around tight corners and garden beds.
Finally, consider the extra features. A high-quality grass bag is a must if you collect your clippings. Look for one that’s easy to attach and detach. Height adjustment should be a simple, single-lever system so you can change it quickly without fiddling with each wheel. Some models even have a built-in carry handle, which is a huge help when you’re lifting it into a storage position. By thinking about how you’ll use and store the mower, you can find the best foldable lawn mower for compact storage that truly makes your life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foldable lawn mowers as durable as regular ones?
This was my biggest worry too. A folding hinge sounds like a potential weak spot. From my experience, a well-built foldable mower from a reputable brand is just as durable as a standard model. Manufacturers design these hinges and latches to withstand the vibrations and pressures of mowing. The key is to look for models with a robust locking mechanism made from strong materials. A flimsy latch is a red flag, but a solid, metal one should give you years of reliable service.
Can I store a gas-powered mower on its end?
You have to be very careful with this. Most manufacturers strongly advise against storing a gas mower vertically for long periods. Fluids like oil and gasoline can leak into parts of the engine where they shouldn’t be, like the air filter or cylinder, which can cause serious starting problems or even engine damage. If you must store a gas mower vertically, it’s best to completely drain the fuel and oil first, which isn’t practical for everyday storage. This is why battery-electric models are often the preferred choice for vertical, compact storage.
How much space do I actually save with a folding mower?
The space savings can be pretty dramatic. A typical non-folding mower might take up a 4-foot by 2-foot square on your garage floor. A vertically folding model, when stood on its end, might only use a 2-foot by 2-foot footprint, freeing up that entire square for other things like bikes or bins. It’s not just about floor space, either. By folding the handle down, you can slide the mower under shelves or benches, utilizing otherwise wasted space. It really does open up your storage area.
What is the average weight of a foldable lawn mower?
Weight varies a lot depending on the power source and deck material. A lightweight battery-electric model with a polymer deck might weigh as little as 35 to 45 pounds. This makes it relatively easy to lift into a vertical storage position. Heavier gas-powered models or those with steel decks can weigh 60 to 80 pounds or more. If lifting is a concern for you, definitely prioritize a lighter model and look for one that has a dedicated carry handle to make the job easier.
Is it difficult to fold and unfold the mower each time?
Not at all, and that’s the whole point! A good foldable lawn mower is designed for simplicity. The process is usually straightforward: release a latch, fold the handle, and secure it with another latch or strap. It should take less than 30 seconds. I’d recommend checking user reviews for specific models to see if anyone complains about a complicated or stiff folding mechanism. A smooth, easy-to-use system means you’ll actually use the folding feature instead of just leaving the mower out.