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.