Why the Segway Navimow i108A might just be your next mower!
Meet the Segway Navimow i108A: A Smarter Way to Keep Your Lawn Pristine
If you’ve been dreaming of a lawn that looks immaculate all the time — without breaking a sweat — the Segway Navimow i108A might just be your new best friend. This robotic mower is part of Segway’s “i‑Series” line, blending advanced positioning tech, smart automation, and robust build design for lawns up to a certain size. Below, I’ll walk you through what makes it compelling — and where you’ll want to keep an eye out — so you can decide whether it’s right for your yard.
What It Is & What It Offers
At a glance, here are the headline specifications and features of the i108A:
FeatureDetailRecommended Mowing AreaUp to 800 m²
Cutting Height Range20 mm to 60 mm (manual adjustment)
Cutting Width~18 cm (180 mm)
Battery5.1 Ah Li‑ion, ~120 minutes runtime per charge
Charge Time~120 minutes
Noise Level~58 dB(A)
Slope HandlingUp to 30% incline
Connectivity & ControlBluetooth, Wi-Fi, optional 4G
Positioning / NavigationRTK / GNSS (EFLS 2.0), AI-assisted mapping, VisionFence for obstacle detection
Water / Dust ProtectionIP66 rating
Weight / Dimensions~10.9 kg; footprint ~545 × 385 × 285 mm
Highlights That Make the i108A Stand Out
Wire‑free boundaries via RTK / Virtual Boundary / VisionFence
Traditional robotic mowers often require laying boundary wires — a time-consuming and sometimes finicky setup. The i108A is designed to eliminate that requirement by using RTK satellite positioning plus on-board AI and camera vision (VisionFence) to detect obstacles and determine boundaries.
The “Assist Mapping” tool helps it learn your lawn shape automatically.Quiet, efficient performance
At ~58 dB(A), the i108A is relatively quiet, letting you mow without disturbing the neighborhood.
Its swing‑back blades and mulching approach mean grass clippings are finely shredded and left behind, helping return nutrients to your lawn.Smart app control & scheduling
You can manage mowing schedules, adjust settings, monitor performance, and more via Segway’s app — whether you’re home or away.
The mower supports multiple zones, so you can partition your yard or manage tricky layouts.Solid slope and weather handling
The ability to tackle slopes up to 30% lets it handle many hilly backyards.
IP66 protection means it’s resistant to dust and water splashes, though heavy downpours will still call for caution.Reasonable battery / runtime for its class
With 5.1 Ah capacity, users can expect about 120 minutes of mow time per charge. That’s enough to handle many 800 m² lawns, especially if the layout is efficient and slopes are moderate.
Strengths & Compromises: Where the i108A Shines — and Where It Has Limits
Pros
Hassle‑free setup
Because you don’t need to lay boundary wire, getting started is smoother. The AI & RTK system handles most of the heavy lifting in mapping your lawn.Autonomy + convenience
Once configured, much of the mowing process is automatic. You can “set it and forget it” and let the i108A maintain your lawn in the background.Adaptability & zone control
The ability to manage multiple mowing zones (for complex yards) adds flexibility.Quiet operation
At roughly 58 dB(A), it’s less intrusive than many gas or even electric ride‑on mowers.Modern tech stack
The use of RTK, vision, AI mapping, and over‑the‑air updates means the i108A is relatively “future‑friendly.”Weather resilience
IP66 rating helps with dust and splashes; slope capability gives it adaptability across varied terrains.
Limitations / Things to Watch Out For
Manual cutting height adjustment
While many mowers allow motorized height changes, the i108A uses manual adjustment between 20–60 mm. That means you’ll need to physically tweak it rather than command it in-app.Software / firmware quirks
Some users report issues with firmware updates that get “stuck” or cause connection problems. For example:“my i108e started the new update and it never gets finished … light ring is spinning white”
And error codes (e.g. 3107) have surfaced in user forums where clearing them isn’t always straightforward.
So, reliability of updates is something to keep on top of.Station / map changes can be delicate
Some owners report that moving the charging station or RTK antenna can require remapping or recalibration.
However, in newer app versions, the mower may prompt re‑calibration without full map loss.Software‑based mapping / area limits
The “800 m²” is often described as a “recommended area.” But in practice, some users suggest a stricter cap in the companion app (e.g. 960 m² mapping limit) even if the mower might physically be able to exceed that.
If your yard is much larger or fragmented, you might hit software constraints before the hardware does.GPS/positioning sensitivity
Since RTK and satellite signals are critical, issues like satellite loss (due to interference, signal blockage, or other anomalies) can disrupt operation. Some owners report “no satellites” errors after initial success.
Also, firmware or signal design plays a large role in making it robust.Terrain constraints
Slopes are okay up to 30%, but extremely steep or uneven ground might still push the mower’s traction and wheel grip beyond its capacity, particularly under wet or slippery conditions.Edge / narrow passage challenges
In very narrow pathways or tight corners, the mower might struggle with navigation or turning radius.
Is the i108A Right for Your Lawn?
Here’s a quick decision framework to help you decide whether the Navimow i108A is a suitable choice for your property:
✅ It’s a great candidate if:
Your lawn is around or under 800 m² (or within the practical range given layout and battery constraints).
You want autonomous, low-maintenance lawn care with minimal manual input.
You dislike wiring or trenching a boundary wire.
You have sloped terrain (but within 30%).
You’re comfortable managing occasional firmware updates and troubleshooting via app.
You value quiet, eco‑friendly operation.
Tips & Best Practices for Users
To get the most out of your i108A (and minimize headaches), consider these tips:
Choose a good location for the charging dock & RTK antenna
Make sure it has clear sky view (minimal signal blockages). Avoid placing it too close to metal structures or under dense foliage.Map more than once, refine gradually
Let the mower do initial mapping; walk around and mark obstacle zones, refine zones after observing behavior.Check firmware updates but proceed carefully
Update when stable Wi-Fi is strong, and don’t interrupt updates mid‑stream. Backup or note key settings in case of rollback.Maintain cleanliness
Clear debris, stones, sticks, and ensure the underside of the mower is kept clean to avoid blade or sensor interference.Monitor battery health & seasonal behavior
Batteries degrade over time; plan for periodic checks or replacement. In very wet seasons, adjust schedules to avoid mowing when the ground is too soft.Watch slope performance & traction
If certain slopes or sections seem to strain the mower, raise cutting height or avoid those zones.Use the app’s diagnostic tools
Many error codes can be reset or diagnosed via app menus; don’t ignore error alerts — they often provide direction to fix.
Final Thoughts
The Segway Navimow i108A is a compelling midrange robot mower, particularly for properties in the ~800 m² range that want a wire‑free, smart, autonomous solution. Its advanced positioning tech, smart mapping, and quiet operation make it an attractive choice for someone who values convenience and innovation in yard care.
However — tech like this still comes with caveats. Firmware stability, signal robustness, and app maturity are just as important as the hardware. If you're comfortable with managing those elements (or choosing support from a reputable dealer), the i108A can deliver a lawn that looks sharp day in, day out — with minimal effort from you.