Electrode
+ One of the fastest Pokemon in the game
+ Easily obtainable from Team Rocket HQ
+ Learns moves like Selfdestruct and Light Screen
- Average to poor stats in everything but Speed
- Doesn't get Electric moves via level up; must rely on Thunder via TM
- Shallow movepool
- Learns no HMs other than Flash
Electabuzz
+ Elekid randomly obtained from the Odd Egg
+ Learns moves like ThunderPunch, Ice Punch, Fire Punch, and Headbutt
+ Higher Special Attack than Electrode
+ Serviceable Speed
+ Learns Strength while Electrode cannot
- Elekid evolves at Level 30
- Incredibly weak before evolution
- Elekid is not guaranteed from the Odd Egg
Between the two, Electabuzz is better because it gets more moves and has higher Special Attack. However, it's a gamble to obtain and Elekid is wholly useless until it evolves in the late midgame.
Kadabra is arguably better at using ThunderPunch and will be more consistent throughout the game. If you absolutely must have an Electric type, Magneton might be better than Electabuzz because it has the coveted Steel typing and better Special Attack. Unfortunately, it also has a completely barren movepool.
Electabuzz
- ThunderPunch (Level 9)
- Fire Punch (TM from Goldenrod Department Store)
- Ice Punch (TM from Goldenrod Department Store)
- Strength (HM)
Magneton
- Thunder (TM from Goldenrod Game Corner)
- Rain Dance (TM in the Slowpoke Well)
- Tri Attack (Level 35)
- Flash (HM)