Electroheads star ratings

17 January 2022Eilis Barrett

Electroheads ratings are independent, editorial judgments combined from two or more experienced Electroheads testers. Below are the criteria we use.

We aim to give 4 or 5 stars to good quality products, given their price point. We’d expect most OK quality models to score at least 4 on all criteria.

COMPONENTS AND BUILD QUALITY

5 star bikes or scooters

Must have

  • Fit together well when assembled by expert - no rattling or loose bits
  • Features and components appropriate for price range (EG torque sensor vs cadence sensor, brake type)

Should have most of

  • Appropriate 3rd-party parts for price range (so expensive models might have named Shimano parts)
  • Quality materials (frame, deck, seat, stem etc) as judged by expert
  • Easily serviceable and adjustable as judged by expert
  • IPx6 waterproof rating

Adjustments

  • Some of our test riding is on rough terrain - points reduced if anything comes loose
  • Add points for approach to puncture-proofness

SAFETY AND SECURITY

5 star bikes or scooters

Must have

  • Perform well in rider-evaluated brake test

Should have most of

  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Integrated front and rear lights
  • In-built locking system for all or part of device

Could have

  • Loud warning system (ie not a quiet bell)
  • Anti-theft alarm

Adjustments

  • Points will be reduced for brake-test performance, lack of safety features listed (or if they are ineffective).
  • Points also reduced if any problems arise in testing - EG component failure.
  • Points also reduced based on expert evaluation (EG battery too close to ground etc)
  • Points increased for innovative safety or security features
  • Points increased for removable batteries.

PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING

5 star bikes or scooters

Must have

  • Corner well in judgment of expert
  • Easy to ride in judgment of expert
  • Good or better range (see table)
Adjective Bike range Scooter range
Excellent Above 48mi/80km Above 30mi/48km
Good 30-50mi/48-80km 15mi-30mi / 24km-48km
Poor Below 30mi/48km Below 15mi/24km

    Adjustments

    • Lose points if poor range
    • Lose points if slow or jerky acceleration
    • Lose points if unpredictable or delayed behaviour

    COMFORT AND PRACTICALITY

    5 star bikes or scooters

    Must have

    • Comfortable ride in judgment of expert on multiple surfaces

    Should have most of

    • Suspension appropriate for price range (front and rear)
    • Not too heavy
    • Reasonable charge time
    Adjective Bike weight Scooter weight
    Excellent Above 25 kg 20 kg and above
    Good 17.6 to 25 kg 15.1 to 19.9 kg
    Poor Below 17.5kg 15 kg and below

      Adjustments

      • Lose points if terrain overly felt through deck/feet, hands or any seat
      • Lose points if folding is difficult or doesn’t stay together well or takes too long (with practice) to fold.