Methodology · E-E-A-T
How We Score
We score every e-bike with the same rubric, regardless of ad budget or brand size. Each score is based on real-riding photography, editorial independence, and clear disclosure of brand relationships.
Scores are not controlled by brands, and we clearly label sample sources and affiliate links. See About Us and Disclosure Policy.
Six Scoring Criteria
Every criterion defines what to look for and which proof shots are required, keeping scores traceable and verifiable.
Ride comfort 25%
What we check: Motor smoothness under load, how natural the assist feels through its sensor, and saddle, bar and riding-position ergonomics on real streets.
Required shots: real-riding context photos, not studio renders.
Assembly & setup 20%
What we check: Instruction clarity, tools required, time from box to first ride, mistake-prone steps, and how confident a first-time owner would feel.
Required shots: unboxing and assembly photos.
Value 15%
What we check: Whether the bike justifies its tested price against comparable bikes in the same class, referencing the verified price at review time.
Required shots: verified reference offer and comparable bikes.
Portability 15%
What we check: Weight, folding behavior (if any), stairs and storage handling, and how practical it is on a rack or in a car trunk.
Required shots: scale weight, folded profile and storage spot photos.
Real-world range 15%
What we check: Tested range versus claimed range on mixed terrain and assist levels, and battery consistency across the test window.
Required shots: logged ride data and charging photos.
Maintenance & running cost 10%
What we check: Drivetrain and brake wear over a real observation window, parts availability, and service cost.
Required shots: dated re-checks during the observation window.
Scoring Scale (1-5)
Poor
Major drawbacks; not recommended
Pass
Decent, good for specific needs
Excellent
Class benchmark, easy recommendation
The total score is a weighted average across six dimensions, rounded to one decimal. We do not inflate scores: 3 means genuinely acceptable, and 5 is reserved for category benchmarks.
How We Test
- 1
Real purchase / sample labeling
We buy bikes ourselves whenever possible. If a brand sample is used, it is clearly labeled and never changes the score.
- 2
Real-riding photography
Ride the bike on real commutes, hills and errand runs instead of relying on spec sheets.
- 3
Scored on the same rubric
Each of the six criteria is scored from 1 to 5, with required proof shots for traceability.
- 4
Long-term follow-up
Re-check after a stretch of daily riding to record range loss, brake wear, rattles and other long-term behavior.
How the total is calculated
Each criterion is scored 1.0-5.0 in tenths, multiplied by its weight, and summed. The total rounds to one decimal with half-up rounding — dimension scores of 4.6 / 3.8 / 4.2 / 4.7 / 4.8 / 4.5 produce a total of 4.4. A review cannot publish a total unless all six criteria have evidence.
Reviews without long-term evidence publish as a first look with no total score rather than a guessed one.
Who Tests · Interest Disclosure
Reviews are produced by the editorial team and certified reviewers at L3 or above. Every credited creator shows their level and ride record. Purchase links may be affiliate links, which can earn us a commission without affecting scores or sorting.
Versions
This page always reflects the live rubric version (rubric v1). When weights change, published reviews keep the version they were scored under, and the change is announced on this page.