I don't remember if electrode was available in game, but I used him in my tournament team all the way until gen 6 when I replaced him with an Eelektross to counter popular mega evolutions and the inability to paralyze electric Pokemon. But yeah, in gen V and earlier, Electrode was the best electric type due to raw speed and useful coverage. Signal Beam, Thunderbolt, Thunderwave and Hidden Power Dragon or any with reliable coverage.