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Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE: One minute review

The Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE is a complete cycling setup comprising a Zwift Ride smart frame and a Wahoo KICKR CORE trainer. The combined unit is an easy-to-set-up solution for indoor training that doesn't require mounting a traditional outdoor bike. It's a single tine at the front instead of a bike's usual fork and a rear wheel, designed to lock straight into the KICKR turbo trainer. Assembly is as simple as opening a few boxes, securing a few bolts in place, finding a place to locate it, and you're away.

Offering integrated handlebar controllers, a console-like gaming experience, and a system that is compact and quiet, the Zwift ride is a great piece of kit, especially given the price. As for build quality, the chassis is made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, which is solid and dependable, albeit a little utilitarian.

What sets the KICKR CORE apart from much of the competition is the single-sprocket Zwift Cog that enables virtual shifting. Instead of physically moving a chain across gears, the trainer uses a sophisticated algorithm to deliver resistance via the built-in electromagnetic system. This is capable of simulating the feel of 24 distinct gears and is a big win for users wanting a maintenance-free experience.

Versatility is a standout feature of the Zwift setup, as the frame is engineered to fit riders ranging from 5 ft to 6 ft 6 in with just a single tool. This makes it a perfect indoor bike for sharing between family members, something that I’ve enjoyed these past few weeks.

My first Zwift Ride experience has been a very positive one, and I’ve loved how easy it has been to use. Its design is solid but lacking finesse, its feature set is reasonable but nothing flashy, and its performance is fantastic for the price, compared to ultra-premium rivals like Peloton.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE: Specifications

Component

Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE

Price

$1,299.99 USD / £1,099 UK

Dimensions

135.89 x 58.42 cm / 53.5 x 23 in

Weight

35 kg / 78 lbs

Saddle Height Min-Max

59.9–86.5 cm / 23.58–34.06 in

Rider Fit Range

152.4–198.12 cm / 5 ft – 6 ft 6 in

Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE: Price and availability

• $1,299.99 USD / £1,099 GBP / $2,299.95 AUD
• A mid-range product with excellent build quality
• Cheaper than high-end alternatives

The Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE 2 bundle is one of the best-value smart bikes on the market. The bundle package is typically priced at $1,299 USD / £1,099 GBP / $2,299.95 AUD, although it's often found on sale for around $999 / £899 (rarely discounted in Australia) during seasonal events. It's not cheap, but it's in the bracket of affordable for anyone wanting to take their indoor cycling seriously.

The product bridges the huge gap between a budget wheel-on trainer and premium dedicated smart bikes like the Tacx NEO Bike Plus. As a result, Zwift is looking to tap into that mid-range market with a semi-affordable trainer that's always ready to go.

Value score 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE: Design

• Utilitarian design with solid materials
• Adjustable seatpost and handlebars
• Silent flywheel for a great user experience

The bundle consists of two elements: the Zwift Ride smart frame and the Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 with Zwift Cog. I appreciate that's quite the mouthful, and it could be confusing, but in essence, the Zwift Ride is the frame, while the KICKR CORE is the resistance trainer. Let's take a look at each in turn.

The Zwift Ride is the physical bike structure that you sit on. It stays in one location and is optionally attached to the trainer. The main chassis is constructed from heavy-duty powder-coated steel, which guarantees durability and longevity, but one of the best details of the bike's design is in its adjustability. With the ability to adjust the seatpost and handlebar system using a "sizing-by-letter" system, quick changes can be made and multiple riders accommodated.

At the front is a unique single-leg design with a wide rubber-padded base. Don't be fooled, though. It might look deceptively slim, but in reality, it provides a solid base to prevent rocking during sprints. The aluminum drop handlebars house built-in Bluetooth buttons for virtual shifting, steering, and navigating Zwift menus. Finally, central to the handlebars is a phone tray with a silicone mat and an optional tablet holder. These are essential for engagement with the Zwift app while riding.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

The Wahoo KICKR CORE trainer, on the other hand, is the engine that provides the resistance and communicates with the Zwift app. Sitting at the back of the frame, the unit contains a direct-drive unit containing a 5.4 kg (12 lb) electromagnetic flywheel and a single-sprocket cog that allows the bike to work without mechanical shifting. The whole setup is incredibly silent and removes the need for mechanically complex derailleurs. The Core is also sold separately in case you want to connect an actual bike.

All in, it took around an hour to put it together with every part working seamlessly out of the box. The design is notably utilitarian compared to aluminum or carbon-composite alternatives, and the lack of tilting mechanisms to simulate further climbing is a reminder of its price point.

When both the frame and trainer are combined, the total weight is about 35 kg (78 lbs). While this weight makes it cumbersome to move, it does help keep the unit "planted", which is an essential quality during high-intensity rides.

Design Score: 4/5

Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE: Features

• Console-like gaming experience
• Fast and quiet virtual shifting
• Automatic spindown calibration

From a features point of view, the Zwift is designed with simplicity in mind. This begins with the handlebar integration that serves up a console-like experience where you can control the Zwift interface without having to reach for a keyboard, mouse, or phone. This includes menu navigation and selecting routes as well as in-game actions such as deploying power-ups and moving your avatar to find a draft.

Rather than a physical derailleur, the Zwift hardware uses software-based virtual shifting that is faster and quieter than a mechanical drivetrain. The virtual nature of it makes it possible to choose between Shimano or SRAM logic, or even a sequential 24-gear progression. It also allows for shifting gears when you're not pedaling, which, although not realistic, is ideal if you happen to find yourself stationary while in the middle of a steep climb.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

One of the most user-friendly technical features is the automatic spindown calibration, which measures the internal drag of the device so that the power numbers you see in Zwift are accurate and not skewed by things like belt tension or room temperature.

Unlike older trainers that required a manual spindown test every few weeks to ensure power accuracy, the KICKR CORE calibrates itself automatically while you coast. In line with Zwift's focus on convenience, firmware updates happen automatically over WiFi, so the trainer is always up to date.

Features Score: 4/5

Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE: Performance

• Smooth, quiet, and dependable
• Accessible and easy-to-use controls
• Lacking high-end features such as frame tilting

After moving successfully through the incredibly straightforward process of building the bike, I was ready to jump on. It was actually my son who jumped on first, but as he had helped me build the thing, I thought it only fair to let him have a ride. He and I were impressed by how smoothly the unit operates with a super-quiet flywheel and drivetrain. This performance continued throughout my subsequent rides with no deviation in quality.

At the heart of the KICKR CORE is the Zwift Cog with virtual shifting. This again performs excellently with almost instant gear shifts, and there's no crunch or lag often felt on bikes when shifting under heavy load on a climb. This software-led approach means you can focus on your ride without concern that you’re going to bend the derailleur.

The gear shifting can be easily customized to mimic different gear ratios. I cycled through the sequential, SRAM, and Shimano options and tested each one to make sure they accurately performed to their advertised capabilities. The sequential option is pretty straightforward with a simple shifting through gears one at a time. The other two are a little more complex, but Zwift's ability to replicate their feel is expertly implemented.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

The physical ride is only half the story, though. The Zwift app is as integral a part of the overall riding experience as the physical build. This app is operated through the handlebar controls, which enable users to move through menus and engage fully with the virtual riding experience. As with any new device, the Zwift’s button placement and associated actions took a little getting used to, but it wasn’t long before it became second nature.

My overall experience of the app was a little less positive, unfortunately. I loaded it onto my phone and was immediately forced to view it in landscape mode. This wasn’t too much of a problem until I realised that the mounting pad at the front of the bike is portrait only. My phone was therefore balanced a little precariously to account for that. Making use of the dedicated holder with a tablet would overcome this, but not everyone has access to these.

I also found that the app drained my phone’s battery to a degree that I wouldn’t have expected. Maybe it’s a result of the 3D graphics or the expectation that you keep your device permanently plugged in. Either way, I think Zwift could make significant improvements to the app to enhance the overall user experience.

Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A mid-range smart bike that delivers great performance at a semi-affordable price.

4.5/5

Design

A utilitarian bike that lacks the finesse of higher-end alternatives.

4/5

Features

A limited set of features, but what it does have is well implemented.

4/5

Performance

A smooth riding experience that lacks a number of high-end features. The app is also a little buggy at times.

4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You want a clean, well-built indoor exercise bike

The Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE is a grease-free, always-ready setup for cycling enthusiasts.

You need a solution that works with multiple users

Thanks for a sizing-by-letter system and single-tool adjustment; it's incredibly easy to swap for different heights.

Don't buy it if...

You don't want to be locked into Zwift

Virtual shifting through the Zwift Cog only works within the Zwift app.

You want a highly customizable ride feel

The trainer provides resistance, but nothing about the bike adjusts to mimic the feeling of going up or down a hill.

Also consider

Peloton

An all-in-one fitness solution that gives you the experience of boutique spinning classes without leaving home. If you’re looking for a great way to get into spinning, the Peloton Bike could be it.

Read our full Peloton reviewView Deal

Garmin Tacx Neo Bike Plus

An ultra-premium indoor trainer designed for elite cyclists, prioritizing realistic ride simulation including gear shifts and surface textures.

Read more about the Garmin Tacx Neo Bike PlusView Deal

How I tested

I performed a full unboxing and kit construction, enabling me to make informed comments on how users might experience the setup process. I downloaded and utilized the Zwift app, partaking in dozens of rides which made use of the full spectrum of features on the bike. I also asked other members of my family to test it. This enabled me to check the fit across multiple users and take on board other people’s perspectives and experiences.

First reviewed: February 2026

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The Zwift Ride and KICKR CORE is one of the best mid-range smart bikes on the market, with a good build quality and impressive performance for the price.

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Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: two-minute review

If you’re in the market for a sterling autonomous plug-and-play robot lawn mower with a wider cutting tract than most, the new Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 comes wholeheartedly recommended. Available in three different battery capacities, this particular model is designed for large, complex lawns with shaded areas, lumpy terrain and very steep gradients, though it is equally at home on even the most standardised of suburban and rural lawns. However, it would most definitely be considered overkill if used on a small-to-medium urban lawn.

Like its highly-regarded stablemate, the LUBA 2, the new LUBA 3 AWD 3000 requires no boundary wires and no degree in IT to set it up – simply install its charging base, log on to the Mammotion app and it will map the boundaries of your lawn automatically or, if you prefer, manually by steering the robot around your lawn’s permitter like an RC car.

A big upgrade from its stablemate, this new model is now equipped with an impressive Tri-Fusion navigation system combining LiDAR, netRTK positioning over WiFi or 4G, plus AI camera vision to map, mow and avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy — day or night.

Performance is where the LUBA 3 AWD 3000 really impresses. Using its all-wheel drive system and full suspension, this beast can handle slopes with inclines of up to 80% and traverse uneven terrain, roots and edges with impressive confidence. Dual 165W cutting motors and AI-adjusted power, meanwhile, allow it to deal effectively with thick or damp grass, while intelligent route planning minimizes missed patches.

The result is an impressively neat and perfectly striped finish to the lawn that may leave your jaw on the floor. What’s more, because it is equipped with a much wider cutting deck (40cm) than the vast majority of the competition, the beautiful lawn stripes it creates are much more akin to that of a conventional mower.

(Image credit: Future)

Granted, the LUBA 3 is very much in the premium-price band, but then you are getting marine-grade build quality, reliable navigation, excellent obstacle avoidance and consistent cutting performance for your hard earned.

I gave this model’s forebear, the LUBA 2, a full five stars on TechRadar in 2024, mostly because it was head and shoulders above anything else around at the time while being extremely efficient and super reliable. But that was then. Today we have a lot more competition with a veritable slew of extremely efficient wire-free robot mowers from the likes of Segway, Anthbot, Roborock, Ego, Eufy, Terramow and Worx, and that makes it even more difficult to justify a full five-star rating.

Nevertheless, if the earlier LUBA 2 — which I have been using for the past 18 months – is anything to go by, you can safely expect this new model to continue providing a fuss-free autonomous grass cutting service with almost zero babysitting for many years hence.

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: price & availability

• How much does it cost? £2,399 / $2,399
• When is it available? Available in most regions now
• Where can you get it? Pre-order in UK; available USA and rest of the world, bar Australia

The Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD series sits firmly in the premium segment of the robot mower market, with UK pricing typically between £2,099 to £2,899 ($2,399 to $3,299) depending on lawn capacity. While this positions it well above entry-level robotic mowers, the price reflects its incredible build quality, advanced navigation system, all-wheel-drive traction and ability to scale steep hills, making it particularly appealing for large, complex garden layouts and even large fields.

Compared with more affordable models, the LUBA 3’s value depends largely on lawn size and complexity. Budget alternatives for smaller lawns like the perimeter wire-free Segway Navimow i2 and Worx Landroid Vision Cloud cost under £700 while Mammotion’s equally-competent LUBA Mini 2 AWD 1000 (which boasts many of its larger sibling’s features, including the ability to climb slopes of up to 80%) also retails at a much more affordable £1,399.

Ultimately, I think that the LUBA 3 AWD 3000 I’m reviewing here is decent value for owners of large, uneven or multi-zone lawns who can fully exploit its advanced autonomy. For smaller gardens, however, many cheaper robot mowers deliver perfectly adequate performance, meaning buyers should carefully consider whether the LUBA 3’s premium technology is truly necessary.

Value score: 4 / 5

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: specs

Max lawn size

3000㎡

Navigation

360 LiDAR + NetRTK + Dual-Camera AI Vision

Cutting deck width

40cm (two 6-blade cutting discs)

Cutting height adjustment

25-70mm, motorised

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Maximum climbing ability

80% (38.6˚)

Maximum zones

30 zones

Drop-and-mow function

Yes

Obstacle avoidance

360° LiDAR, NetRTK, and dual-camera 1080P AI vision

Connectivity

Wi-fi, Bluetooth & 4G (3 years free data)

Security

GPS tracking + 4G

Noise

70dB

Waterproof

IPX6

Rain sensor

Yes

Mow time per charge

175 mins

Charging time

120 mins

Weight

19kgs

Dimensions

690 x 533 x 279mm

Product code

LUBA 3 AWD 3000

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: design

• Three-way navigation
• Wider-than-average cutting deck
• Impeccable fit and finish

Most of the mowbots I review are clad in flimsy shells that bend dramatically as you pick them up. By stark contrast, the F1-inspired LUBA 3 AWD 3000’s beautifully polished white plastic cowling feels inches thick and akin to the hull of a premium speed boat. But it doesn’t stop there because the exposed metal work, too, screams Formula One levels of build quality with high-spec machining and expert fit and finish with zero tolerance between the various components.

In short, every inch of this lawn beast is built to the very highest standards. Hence, this level of build quality doesn’t come cheap and nor does it lack in weight – at a hefty 19kgs, it’s a good job you will only likely need to lift it once to remove it from the box and pop it on its charging plinth.

(Image credit: Future)

The LUBA 3 (as I shall call it from now on) is available in three battery-capacity variants for lawn sizes of 1,500㎡, 3,000㎡ for the variant we’re reviewing here, and 5,000㎡. It arrives almost fully assembled in a huge, expertly packed box. In fact, the only thing the user needs to do is remove some protective pieces on the robot — including the cutting deck protector underneath – and screw on the sensor-equipped bumper. Then it’s a case of mounting the charging base on a flat edge of the lawn that’s within range of an outdoor electricity supply. This model comes with a 5m charging cable, which is sadly about half the length of the one that came with the LUBA 2. Nevertheless, you should be able to purchase an extension cable from Mammotion sometime in the near future.

Now that the LUBA 3 is on its base, it’s time to open the Mammotion app, create an account and add the LUBA 3 by following the set of on-screen instructions. Since this model uses Wi-Fi and 4G-based NetRTK for part of its three-way navigation, there is no need to install an RTK antenna. In fact, it doesn’t even come with one though I’m led to believe that an RTK aerial will soon become available for those with poor Wi-Fi and/or 4G reception.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve connected the bot to the app, it’s time to map your lawn and this can be performed in two ways — automatically or manually. With auto mapping the LUBA 3 follows the perimeter of any grassy areas until it arrives at its starting point. Voila, map created. In manual mode — my preferred option — you carefully drive the LUBA 3 around the perimeter of the lawn using the app’s virtual joysticks until you arrive where you started.

Once mapped, the only thing you may need to do is add a few no-go zones around any trees, garden furniture or ornaments by steering the robot around them. This task isn’t essential because the LUBA 3’s stupendous navigation system will ensure any obstacles are avoided. However, it’s still good practice to add no-go zones around obstacles so the robot can cut as closely as possible when approaching rather than giving it too wide a berth.

(Image credit: Future)

If you have multiple lawns connected by pathways with no obstructions like stairs and gates in the way, you can also program a series of pathways for the robot to follow. Simply select ‘Channel’ in the app’s mapping menu and steer the LUBA 3 from one lawn to the other. You can create up to 30 mowing zones with the LUBA 3 3000 model on review here, 15 with the 1500 version and 50 with the 5000. In essence, when the LUBA 3 has completed its cut on lawn one, it will trundle off down your pre-set path to lawn two, and so on and so forth. If its battery needs a recharge midway through a multi task, the robot will simply head back to its charging station for a top up.

Let’s take a closer look at this amazing mowbot’s main credentials, starting with the cutting deck. Unlike the vast majority of robot mowers that come with a small single 20cm cutting disc, this one ships with two 20cm discs, amounting to a wide 40cm of cutting girth, which is roughly the same as most conventional medium-sized push mowers.

(Image credit: Future)

The LUBA 3’s cutting system is comprised of two spinning discs equipped with six razor-like blades on each that cut and mulch grass more cleanly than any conventional rotary mower. Also, unlike standard mowers that only provide their cutting heights in 1cm increments, this model’s motorized cutting deck can be set to cut in 5mm increments (it has a cutting height range of 25-70mm). Oh, and another thing… Since the LUBA 3’s blades are so small and razor sharp, it doesn’t take much power to move them and that in turn means less battery consumption and almost zero noise while they’re working. In fact you could be lying on the sun lounger while the robot’s working a few metres away and you won’t hear a thing — and nor will your neighbors.

Since the LUBA 3 always cuts in a zigzag, up-and-down pattern (at whichever angle you prefer, including a chequerboard effect), the combination of its extra cutting width and extra-wide tyres ensures a swathe of professional-looking lawn stripes. Granted, they’re not the authentic stripes you see at a cricket ground or football pitch – these are made using a large cylinder mower with a roller on the rear – but who’s complaining when they look this ravishingly good? Incidentally, like all good robot mowers, this one is also fitted with a rain sensor, so if it heads out in the rain it will immediately return to its garage (with optional rain hood) and wait a few hours before trying again.

No robot of any kind is of much use if it doesn’t know where it is at any given time. Well the new LUBA 3 has three types of onboard navigation (one more than the LUBA 2) for insane levels of navigation accuracy in even the most shaded areas of a garden.

Firstly, its equipped with GPS RTK navigation that uses satellites to determine the robot’s position to a few centimetres of accuracy (the standard GPS navigation we use for driving is three to 10 metres). However, unlike the first incarnation of the LUBA 2 which shipped with a separate RTK antennae that required a good line of sight to a large number of satellites, this model uses Mammotion’s own NetRTK system which is Wi-Fi or 4G based and therefore immune to satellite access being affected by overhanging trees and buildings. All you need is decent Wi-Fi reception on your lawn for pin-point navigation accuracy.

If you don’t have Wi-Fi on the lawn, you can also use the robot’s built-in 4G capabilities to perform the same function — Mammotion provides a full three years of free 4G service! Oh, and fear not if your lawn area has neither Wi-Fi nor 4G because you can still use this model with a spiked RTK antenna.

(Image credit: Future)

The LUBA 3 is also equipped with dual-camera AI vision and an LED headlight, and it uses these as an extra layer of cover when navigating darker areas of a lawn or when the robot encounters obstacles like children, pets, garden toys, furniture and ornaments. You have two levels of obstacle avoidance to choose from: Standard for better cutting efficiency and Sensitive, which may cause the robot to avoid non-grassy areas and even refuse to cross them on the way back to base. If you’re a dog owner, I wouldn’t rely on this model – or most others for that matter – to avoid dog poop because setting that level of sensitivity would likely cause the robot to also avoid every loose leaf on the lawn.

Last but certainly not least, this model also encompasses LiDAR and I can’t tell you what a difference this makes when it comes to mapping, navigation and obstacle avoidance. LiDAR fires lasers off in all directions to map and navigate a 3D work space with uncanny accuracy, even in pitch darkness. Having this level of navigation redundancy on board is a major coup for Mammotion since most other manufacturers tend to focus on just two navigation systems.

This Tri-Fusion Positioning System, as Mammotion calls it, has also allowed the Chinese company to introduce a unique ‘beta’ feature called Drop Mow so you can take it over to someone else’s lawn and have it cut their lawn as efficiently as yours. In terms of security, the LUBA 3 is firmly linked to the user’s account and that alone renders it useless to any thieves. Moreover, it is also equipped with GPS and 4G tracking for extra peace of mind.

(Image credit: Future)

Let’s take a good look at the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD’s traction system. Where most smaller mowbots have two sturdy drive wheels to the rear or front and a smaller castor wheel for steering, the LUBA 3 is all-wheel drive and fitted with suspension. Ostensibly, its wheel system is comprised of a pair of large, robust paddled tyres on the rear and a pair of narrower front wheels equipped with smaller omnidirectional spinners that allow the robot to turn on a sixpence. This setup means the LUBA 3 can ride over very rough terrain, scale roots and small sills without getting into pickle. But more importantly its powerful 4x4 drive system also allows it to scale inclines of up to 80% (38.6°) which is steeper than any conventional lawn mower can safely handle.

Granted, the LUBA 3’s specialised front wheels have been known to occasionally tear up grass in soft-soiled shady areas when using the Zero Turn option but this can be cured to some degree by opting for its slower three-point-turn function instead. I’ve personally had no bald-patch issues but I do know that others have.

However, I should add that the omnidirectional front wheels tend to collect a lot of mud which is unsightly, but thankfully the whole unit is IPX6 rated for protection against high-pressure water spray so you can easily blast off the mud with a hose. Perhaps Mammotion will change the LUBA 3’s front drive mechanism at some point and adopt a system like the forthcoming Segway Navimow X Series, which uses a zero-turn method comprised of two front wheels that swivel 90 degrees when turning.

I’ve been consistently blown away by the high level of build quality and huge amount of design flourishes Mammotion injects into its LUBA series and this model is the best yet. However, I will stress that this robot lawn mower has been intentionally designed for large lawns — and even paddocks and fields — and can therefore be considered overkill if used on an average urban lawn. Thankfully Mammotion also produces a smaller LUBA Mini 2 for diminutive lawns, and you should check it out.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: performance

• Top cutting performance
• Creates beautiful lawn stripes
• Reassuring reliability

As with its forebear, the LUBA 2, I have no issues to report regarding installation, initial lawn mapping, navigation or cutting performance. I simply set up a series of schedules in the Mammotion app and the LUBA 3 has headed off to mow the lawn while I’ve sat indoors doing other things. And when it has finished leaving its swathe of majestic lawn stripes, it’s followed the perimeter all the way back to its charging base.

Yes, I did use my conventional lawn mower with grass cutting container for the first cut of the season because the LUBA 3, like the vast majority of lawn robots, uses the mulching technique and I didn’t want clumps of cuttings littering the lawn. This is why it’s always best to hang on to your conventional mower.

However, if you program the LUBA 3 to head out every two or three days during spring and summer, it will simply slice off about 2mm of growth at a time and feed the nitrogen-rich cuttings back into the turf, thereby fertilising it as the same time. And without a grass cutting in sight. What’s not to like?

(Image credit: Future)

I have always opted for the parallel ‘zigzag’ cutting option in the app, followed by two perimeter laps (you can select up to four perimeter laps and each pass is a little closer to the edge). No, the LUBA 3 — and almost all other bots — won’t cut to the very edge of a wall, fence or solid flower border, but then neither will a conventional lawnmower. Hence you will still need a grass trimmer to hand.

I also tested the LUBA 3’s multi-zone function though this did entail me carrying the unit up some stairs because I’m unable to create a direct pathway to zones two and three. Nevertheless, I was mightily impressed by how well it navigated between the two new zones while sticking rigidly to the borders, and without venturing into the adjacent road. In fact, so successful is this multi-zone system that, were I able to create a series of unobstructed pathways, I could feasibly program the LUBA 3 to leave my garden and head off to maintain our village cemetery and the lawn areas around the church. Proof positive that, were it not for the prospect of theft, most of the new generation of mowbots could feasibly replace a professional gardener with a conventional lawn mower. Sad but true.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of obstacle avoidance, the LUBA 3 is perfectly adept at bypassing any obstacle larger than, say, a ping pong ball. I tested it using the unit’s Standard obstacle avoidance setting and it stopped about three feet away from a stuffed seagull toy before rerouting itself for another pass. I then set it to Sensitive and it deftly avoided a toy dog bone just one inch in height. That’s a resounding pass in my book since, were it any more sensitive, the robot would likely avoid garden leaves and you don’t want that. Swings and roundabouts spring to mind.

My final test was the LUBA 3’s toughest. There’s a children’s playground behind my house and it has a bank so steep and slippery that I can’t get up it without scrabbling on all fours. For this test I opted to manually steer the LUBA 3 up the slope using the app’s virtual controls, half expecting it to fail miserably. But, joy of joys, it scuttled up the slope like one of those V8-powered Formula Off-Road cars you see negotiating near-vertical terrain in a disused quarry. Very impressive indeed.

(Image credit: Future)

Granted, some may baulk at the thought of a robot performing a task that they consider enjoyable, and I thought that too the first time I was offered a wireless robot to test. But when I look back at the time and effort I’ve saved to perform other important tasks like lounging in the garden with a G&T, pruning the flowers or simply watching it work — not to say the convenience of having the lawn cut while away from home — I’ve become a complete convert and would now find it hard to live without one.

Performance score: 5 / 5

Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000: Mammotion app

• Exceedingly comprehensive
• Simple to navigate
• Some glitches need ironing out

The accompanying feature-rich Mammotion app is central to getting the best performance from all models in the company’s current line up, and one of its key strengths is the amazing level of customization if offers, whether you’re fettling with it at home or away.

Users can create multiple mowing areas, adjust cutting patterns, height and blade speed, direction and style of travel (zigzag, chessboard effect and angle of cut), even create shapes and words on the lawn. It also offers the wherewithal to set the amount of perimeter laps and whether you want the bot to return to its charging base in a direct route or along the perimeter to avoid spoiling the lawn stripes it has already produced.

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Nevertheless, the experience is not flawless. I’ve experienced occasional connectivity issues when away from home or when using Bluetooth on my iPhone 15 Pro, plus a few interface quirks that can make fine-tuning lawn zones more time-consuming than expected. There’s scope for improvement, in other words.

Should you buy the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

The LUBA 3 commands a high price due to its advanced navigation and AWD capability on complex terrain

4/5

Design

Built like a tank and equipped with an accomplished navigation system for a rugged life on larger landscapes

4.5/5

Performance

Powerful, precise and confident performance across a range of large, challenging lawns

5/5

App functionality

Extremely comprehensive but could do with a tweak or two

4/5

Buy it if

You want advanced wire-free navigation

Tri-Fusion positioning combines LiDAR, RTK and AI vision for highly accurate mapping without boundary wires

You want beautiful lawn stripes

This bot cuts in lovely parallel lines

Your lawn is hilly and lumpy

All-wheel drive enables the LUBA 3 to tackle slopes up to 80%, making it ideal for complex or uneven lawns

Don't buy it if

Your lawn is too small

The LUBA 3’s four-wheel traction and wide body are overkill on small lawns.

You don’t want to spend much

Premium pricing makes it hard to justify for small or simple lawns where cheaper robot mowers perform well.

You need a robot with a more gentle turning system

The LUBA 3 has a tendency to scuff up some thinner grasses when turning.

How I tested the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000

As per usual, I lived with the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 for a couple of weeks, watching it work on a scheduled basis and examining the results of its cutting performance. I then put it to a series of manual tests, including obstacle avoidance, multi-zone mowing and a steep hill climb. It has impressed me in all disciplines and continues to do so. Like the LUBA 2 I reviewed in 2024, I see no major issues with this newer model which has been a breeze to use from initial set up to the reliable way it goes about its bi-weekly chores.