Bail bar detection for a lawnmower

A method of operating a battery powered lawnmower, the method comprising:

• receiving, at a controller of the battery powered lawnmower, a blade motor control command from one or more inputs;
• determining, by the controller, a position of a bail control bar based on a position signal provided by a position sensor configured to detect the position of the bail control bar;
• and
• controlling, via the controller, a blade motor based on the received blade motor control command in response to determining that the bail control bar is in a closed position.

A battery powered lawnmower comprising:

• a blade motor coupled to at least one blade;
• an input configured to receive an activation input from a user;
• a bail control bar;
• a handle assembly including a handle housing and a handle, wherein the handle includes a recessed portion configured to receive the bail control bar when the bail control bar is in a closed position;
• a Hall effect sensor assembly configured to determine a position of the bail control bar, wherein the Hall effect sensor assembly includes a Hall effect sensor and a magnet;
• and
• a controller connected to the Hall effect sensor and configured to control an operation of the blade motor, the controller is configured to:
• receive a blade motor control command resulting from the activation input received by the input,
• determine the position of the bail control bar based on a signal output by the Hall effect sensor, and
• control, in response to determining that the bail control bar is in the closed position, the blade motor based on the received blade motor control command.