The states of ⁹⁰Zr up to 5.8 MeV excitation energy have been studied by (e, e') in the momentum transfer range from 0.29 to 1.07 fm^-1. Ground state transition probabilities and transition radii were obtained for the levels excited. Previously published electron scattering data on ⁹⁰Zr are included in the extraction of these parameters. A comparison of results is made with the model independent measurements of the ( gamma , gamma ') reaction for the 2⁺ states. Wherever possible, the results for the electromagnetic transition rates are compared with the iso-scalar transition rates and those obtained form (p, p') reactions. Theoretical calculations are seen to be inadequate to describe the strength of the transitions observed in the present experiment.