Purpose

£1.315m capital funding for first year of this project’s e-bikes plus accessories (helmets, locks etc) has been secured already through SYMCA internal governance processes, including MCA Board and Investment Board.

Should the project succeed, we will very likely require more e-bikes to grow the scheme. One option to ensure we’re able to procure from the same manufacturer again, with similar/same make and model, is to procure via a Framework Agreement. The value of that tender will be £2m.

Any funding above the £1.315 will be dependent on project success and subject to MCA internal governance processes.
 

Decision

We recommend option 3: We believe that it is only by taking this e-bikes scheme forward with a Framework Agreement, will we deliver Mayor Coppard’s Mayoral Delivery Fund ambition for e-bikes and the strategic objectives of the Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy. Consultation with Mayor Coppard to date has supported that this is appropriate activity and he has endorsed this project.

Alternative options considered

Option 1
Tender for 275 e-bikes only, not entering a Framework agreement. This would be a simpler process to undertake now, however would not give SYMCA the ability to procure additional e-bikes at a later date without entering into a new tender and procurement exercise. This would severely limit our ability to maintain the same e-bike manufacturer make/model.

Option 2
Allocate the capital to local authorities to deliver local e-cycle subscription services. This would directly tie in to cycle schemes they currently operate, however it would impact our ability to brand as a SYMCA proposition, as each of South Yorkshire’s four local authorities have and likely would want to use their own branding, which would dilute the SYMCA branding attachment to the scheme.

Option 3
Procure using a Framework Agreement valued at £2m, that addresses challenges of options 1 and 2.