How we score
Short answer
Our score of published specs, not a road test. We turn each published spec into a 0–1 value, weight it for the use case, and average the specs we have. Missing data lowers our confidence ("Based on 7 of 9 specs"), not the score.
What we don't do
- We don't ride, road-test or lab-test bikes.
- We don't use star ratings, review counts, awards or testimonials.
- Commissions never change a score: the formula below is the whole method.
The scoring table
Commuting
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 25% | 300 Wh = 0, 750 Wh = full |
| Torque sensor | 15% | torque = full, cadence = 0 |
| Weight | 15% | 80 lb = 0, 45 lb = full |
| Removable battery | 10% | yes = full |
| Brakes | 15% | hydraulic disc = full, mechanical = half |
| Top assisted speed | 10% | 20 mph = 0, 28 mph = full |
| Safety certification | 10% | UL 2849 certified = full |
Hills
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 40% | 40 Nm = 0, 90 Nm = full |
| Mid-drive motor | 20% | mid-drive = full, hub = 0 |
| Gears | 15% | 1 = 0, 10+ = full |
| Peak power | 10% | 500 W = 0, 1000 W = full |
| Brakes | 15% | hydraulic disc = full, mechanical = half |
Cargo & family
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Max payload | 30% | 250 lb = 0, 450 lb = full |
| Carries a passenger | 15% | yes = full |
| Torque | 20% | 40 Nm = 0, 90 Nm = full |
| Brakes | 20% | hydraulic disc = full, mechanical = half |
| Battery capacity | 15% | 400 Wh = 0, 1000 Wh = full |
Folding & apartment
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Folds | 35% | folding frame = full |
| Weight | 35% | 75 lb = 0, 40 lb = full |
| Folded size | 20% | folded volume: 25 cu ft = 0, 8 cu ft = full |
| Removable battery | 10% | yes = full |
Budget
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 50% | Maker price $2,500 = 0, $800 = full |
| Watt-hours per $100 | 25% | 20 = 0, 70 = full |
| Warranty (battery) | 15% | 1 yr = 0, 2+ yr = full |
| Return window | 10% | 0 days = 0, 30+ days = full |
Heavier riders
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Max rider weight | 40% | 250 lb = 0, 400 lb = full |
| Max payload | 20% | 250 lb = 0, 450 lb = full |
| Brakes | 20% | hydraulic disc = full, mechanical = half |
| Torque | 10% | 40 Nm = 0, 90 Nm = full |
| Tire width | 10% | 2" = 0, 4" = full |
Easy on and off
| Factor | Weight | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Step-through frame | 40% | step-through = full |
| Weight | 20% | 80 lb = 0, 45 lb = full |
| Throttle | 15% | has throttle = full (easier starts) |
| Low minimum rider height | 25% | minimum height 5'4" = 0, 4'10" = full |