  We analyze the performance of quantum ratchets by considering the dynamics of
an initially localized wave packet loaded into a flashing periodic potential.
The directed center-of-mass motion can be initiated by the uniform modulation
of the potential height, provided that the modulation protocol breaks all
relevant time- and spatial reflection symmetries. A poor performance of quantum
ratchet transport is characterized by a slow net motion and a fast diffusive
spreading of the wave packet, while the desirable optimal performance is the
contrary. By invoking a quantum analog of the classical P\'eclet number, namely
the quotient of the group velocity and the dispersion of the propagating wave
packet, we calibrate the transport properties of flashing quantum ratchets and
discuss the mechanisms that yield low-dispersive directed transport.
