The Segway Navimow can make routine lawn mowing easier, but “near-perfect” depends on the model and the yard. In a Tom’s Guide test lasting most of the summer, the i215 mowed well and was relatively easy to set up; it also needed a map correction at a retaining wall, missed a small ball and spun its wheels on steep grass. Its strengths are real, but so are the trade-offs in slopes, edges and mowing controls.
Which Navimow is this review about?
Navimow is a range, not one mower with one set of capabilities. Models differ in recommended lawn area, cutting system, drivetrain and features, so i215 test results should not be applied to an i208 or another model.
This review focuses on the i215 findings reported by Mike Prospero for Tom’s Guide, based on using that mower in his yard for most of the summer. The separate i208 LiDAR findings below are identified as a UK review of a different model.
How well did the i215 mow?
Prospero described the i215 as easy to set up and good at mowing, and said it worked well with few complaints over the long run. That is a favorable account of one mower in one yard, not a guarantee of the same result on every lawn. The review was published August 26, 2026. Tom’s Guide’s i215 review
#1 Best Overall
- From Steep Hills to Rough Terrain, It Just Keeps Going. Uneven ground? No problem. This mower robot is built with an All-Wheel Drive system and automotive-grade stability control, giving you the confidence to tackle slopes up to 45%. If you're searching for a gps lawn mower robot that won't slip or stall on challenging grades, this robotic mower is your answer.
- Precision Steering That Protects Every Blade of Grass. Nobody wants a torn-up yard. Thanks to the zero-turn steering design, this lawn robot mower pivots smoothly without scraping or damaging the turf. The adjustable 2–3.6" cutting height paired with a 7.1" deck ensures a manicured look that makes your property the envy of the neighborhood.
- Power When You Need It, Savings When You Don't. This automatic lawn mower robot intelligently adapts—delivering extra torque for thick grass or inclines, then conserving energy on easier passes. With a 2.5Ah battery, this ai lawn mower robot efficiently covers up to 1,350 sq ft per charge, making it the ideal remote lawn mower robot for smaller to medium-sized lots.
- No Wires, No Headaches—Just Instant Mapping. Cut the cord for good. As a true robot lawn mower no wire system, it uses advanced EFLS Network RTK and Vision for one-tap auto mapping. You get centimeter-level GPS accuracy right out of the box, making this one of the most sophisticated robotic lawn mowers wire free available today.
- Your Yard, Zoned and Managed from Anywhere. Take command of up to 20 distinct mowing zones with optimized routes and seamless auto-resume charging. Plus, with real-time GPS alerts, this lawn robot lets you know instantly if it's been lifted or wandered off-course. It's the smart, secure way to automate your grass cutting.
The review reports that the i215 came to market in 2026, covers up to 0.37 acres and uses LiDAR and vision. Tom’s Guide listed a U.S. price of $1,599 in that August 2026 article; that is a dated reported price, not a current quote.
Where did the i215 fall short?
Mapping needs checking
In Prospero’s test, the mower initially drove off a retaining-wall edge. He corrected the map in the app. This illustrates why wire-free setup should not be treated as a substitute for inspecting the mapped boundary, especially around drop-offs or other hazards.
Obstacle avoidance has limits
The i215 navigated around a small soccer ball and a plastic child’s toy in the reviewer’s yard, but ran over a baseball-sized orange ball. Those observations do not establish a general detection rate. Pick up small objects before a scheduled mow rather than relying on the mower to identify every item.
Steep sections can damage turf
On steep parts of his lawn, Prospero reported wheel spin that tore grass. A slope specification alone cannot tell you how a mower will perform on your yard: traction also depends on the ground and the slope at boundaries and turns. Check the exact model’s limits and the terrain it must cross.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Edges and patterns remain considerations
The i215 app let the reviewer adjust mowing direction, but not choose patterns such as crosshatch or diamond. He also wanted edge mowing and an app record identifying obstructions. If precise edge finishing or selectable patterns matter to you, confirm those controls on the exact model and plan for any remaining trimming.
What does a different Navimow model show?
T3’s Lee Bell reviewed the i208 LiDAR in a UK context. After mapping, it cut parallel lines and produced a tidy, even result in his test. Auto-mapping failed in his garden, so he drove the mower around the perimeter manually; T3 later clarified that auto-mapping exists and other reviewers had made it work. Small cables could still trip the mower, and a strip remained at the edge for a strimmer. The i208 mulched clippings rather than collecting them; Bell noted that regular mowing helped keep the clippings small. These are observations about the i208 in that test, not i215 specifications. T3’s i208 LiDAR review
Rank #2
- All-Wheel Drive, All-Terrain Performance: Conquer uneven or sloped terrain with confidence using this robot lawnmower. Automotive-grade Electronic Stability Control actively stabilizes the mower, delivering smooth and controlled mowing on demanding 45% (24°) slopes.
- Zero-Turn Steering, Gentle on Grass: This lawn mower robot features a concentric third-wheel design for true zero-turns without lawn scraping. Adjustable cutting height from 2–3.6 in and a 7.1 in cutting width ensure an even, consistent finish.
- On-Demand Drive for Energy Savings: The adaptive drive system provides extra power only when needed, reducing energy use and extending runtime. Powered by a 5.1Ah battery, this AWD robot mower covers up to 2,690 ft² per charge.
- Hands-Free Setup with No Boundary Wires: EFLS Network RTK with one-tap auto mapping enables fast deployment in minutes. Tri-frequency Network RTK combined with Vision ensures centimeter-level accuracy, making it one of the most advanced robotic lawn mowers.
- Smart Multi-Zone Control & Security: Manage up to 20 mowing zones with optimized paths and seamless resume after auto-charging. Real-time GPS alerts notify you via app if the robot lawn mower is lifted or exits designated areas.
What wire-free operation does—and does not—mean
Segway describes its U.S. i Series as offering wire-free setup, AI-assisted mapping, multi-zone management, scheduling, weather responsiveness, child lock and anti-theft alerts. These are manufacturer-stated features, and availability can vary by model and region. Wire-free does not mean setup-free: the map and positioning still need to work for the specific yard.
Segway says Network RTK access and required cellular data are included at no extra cost where Network RTK coverage is available. Check coverage for your address before relying on it. The company also says some extended connectivity and tracking features require the Navimow Access+ 4G module. Segway’s U.S. i Series page
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Segway’s European i Series comparison shows why model-level checking matters: the models listed have recommended mowing areas from 500 to 3,000 m², with different cutting heights, widths, drivetrains and slope figures. For example, that page lists the i105E at 500 m² recommended area and a 20–60 mm cutting-height range. These European i Series figures are not i215 specifications. Use the page for the exact model and region you are considering. Segway’s European i Series specifications
How to decide whether a Navimow suits your yard
Compare the exact mower with the actual lawn and the work you expect it to remove. A mower with substantially more capacity than a small, simple lawn may not justify its cost; a steep or complex yard may be a poor fit even if its area is within the advertised coverage.
- Area: Match recommended mowing area to the lawn, not the total property. Segway says map storage can reach up to 1.2 times recommended mowing area, but the actual mappable area varies with yard layout and complexity.
- Terrain: Check slopes, boundary edges, turns and ground conditions—not just the broadest slope figure.
- Navigation and setup: Find out which positioning method the model uses and whether relevant coverage is available at your address. Allow time to inspect and correct the map.
- Obstacles: Consider the objects actually left on the lawn, including small toys and cables. Clear items before scheduled mowing.
- Finish and controls: Verify edge performance, zones, schedules and available mowing-direction or pattern controls on the exact model.
- Total ownership cost: Check the current local price and whether desired connectivity features require a separate module. Confirm consumable compatibility by model before ordering.
For model-specific basics, Segway’s European product page identifies the i105E, while its comparison page covers the listed European i Series models. Neither should be used as a substitute for checking the exact model sold in your market. Segway Navimow i105E product page
Verdict: capable, but not near-perfect for every lawn
The i215 looks like a strong candidate for owners who want routine mowing automated and whose lawns suit its coverage and terrain limits. The extended hands-on account is positive about mowing and setup, but exposes practical gaps: map boundaries need scrutiny, small objects may be missed, steep ground can cause wheel spin, and edge finishing and pattern options may not meet every owner’s expectations. Buy for the yard and the specific model—not for a range-wide promise of effortless mowing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
