Purpose

To agree to enter into a MOU with dockless e-bikes operator Forest for an initial 1-year period.

Decision

1. Granted a waiver to the requirements of Contract Standing Order 15.2, in accordance with CSO 22 and enter an agreement with Human Forest (Bikes) Limited (Company Registration No. 14417600) to operate a dockless e-bike rental service.
2. Approved and agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Human Forest (Bikes) Limited, which sets out how the service will operate for a period of 12-months with the option for two 12-month renewal periods.
3. Noted the costs are payable by the operator to the Council and there is no cost to the Council. The total value of the contract is £30,000 (payable to the Council by the operator), plus an annual fee of £170 per dockless bike parking bay paid by the operator to the Council for the term and which may fluctuate based on the number of bays installed.
4. Noted the approach to the implementation of dockless e-bike parking bays, to be used exclusively for the parking of shared dockless e-bikes, with a standalone Decision Report having been prior approved which sought authorisation to make the TRO for Phase One of the roll-out of dedicated parking bays prepared, and which should be read alongside this report.