URL: https://democracy.lbhf.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5111

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Public Realm

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Dockless e-bike hire is currently available in London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (“LBHF”), operated by two operators (“Current Operator 1”, and “Current Operator 2”), identified in Appendix 1. There are two other operators requesting to commence operations within LBHF, (“Additional Operator 1”, and “Additional Operator 2”), identified in Appendix 1. The e-bike hire schemes are popular with residents and visitors and make a significant contribution to Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s (the “Council”) mode shift target by making cycling more accessible and convenient for many people. There is an opportunity to reduce negative impacts associated with these vehicles, while expanding their availability to residents, particularly in underserved areas of LBHF and enabling them to contribute to the growing momentum of decarbonised travel across our communities.   This report sets out a proposal for new agreements that will: ·            Introduce additional operators to drive up standards, competition and provide more continuous services across neighbouring boroughs; ·            Introduce clearer expectations and remedies to ensure that providers meet high service delivery standards; ·            Provide the Council with the required additional resources to effectively oversee the schemes, payment of fees, and ensure that operators maximise the benefits to users and minimise potential risks to non-users; ·            Enable the Council to broaden access to sustainable transportation to more residents and visitors and to increase the number of trips carried out by cycle and support the development of further infrastructure, training and related schemes; and ·            Contribute to the Council’s Active Wellbeing and Clean Air policies by continuing to incentivise residents to consider active and less-carbon intensive modes of transportations, further improving traffic flows throughout LBHF.  

Content: Dockless e-bike hire is currently available in London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (“LBHF”), operated by two operators (“Current Operator 1”, and “Current Operator 2”), identified in Appendix 1. There are two other operators requesting to commence operations within LBHF, (“Additional Operator 1”, and “Additional Operator 2”), identified in Appendix 1. The e-bike hire schemes are popular with residents and visitors and make a significant contribution to Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s (the “Council”) mode shift target by making cycling more accessible and convenient for many people. There is an opportunity to reduce negative impacts associated with these vehicles, while expanding their availability to residents, particularly in underserved areas of LBHF and enabling them to contribute to the growing momentum of decarbonised travel across our communities.   This report sets out a proposal for new agreements that will: ·            Introduce additional operators to drive up standards, competition and provide more continuous services across neighbouring boroughs; ·            Introduce clearer expectations and remedies to ensure that providers meet high service delivery standards; ·            Provide the Council with the required additional resources to effectively oversee the schemes, payment of fees, and ensure that operators maximise the benefits to users and minimise potential risks to non-users; ·            Enable the Council to broaden access to sustainable transportation to more residents and visitors and to increase the number of trips carried out by cycle and support the development of further infrastructure, training and related schemes; and ·            Contribute to the Council’s Active Wellbeing and Clean Air policies by continuing to incentivise residents to consider active and less-carbon intensive modes of transportations, further improving traffic flows throughout LBHF.   To agree that Appendix 1 is not for publication on the basis that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) as set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).   To agree that Appendix 2 is exempt from publication on the basis that it is legally privileged pursuant to paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.   Notes that the current MOUs with Current Operator 1 and Current Operator 2 have expired and the Current Operators are continuing on the basis of an extension that will terminate upon entry into the new agreements (and no later than 31 March).   To approve the Council offering a new agreement to Current Operator 1 and Current Operator 2, plus Additional Operator 1 and Additional Operator 2 (the only two other operators who have expressed an interest in operating in LBHF) who will be new operators, to operate dockless e-bike hire schemes and use approved parking bays in LBHF all on the same terms, introducing new fee arrangements, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.   To approve the Council offering other new operators of dockless e-bike hire schemes the opportunity to operate in LBHF through agreement on the same terms and provided they demonstrate they can meet the Council’s minimum requirements.   To approve establishing a dedicated resource in the Council’s Transport Strategy team to manage the ongoing oversight of dockless e-bike hire operations in LBHF funded from operator fees, and to ensure that operators pay fees to the required amounts.   To approve  formalising an enforcement policy outlining the circumstances when operator e-bikes will be removed because they are considered to be an obstruction or poorly parked, and operators will be responsible for payment of a fee to cover the costs of removal and storage as well as reserving the right to undertake other enforcement action (including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices) in accordance with the relevant statutory powers.   To delegate authority to the Executive Director for Place to enter into, manage and amend agreements with the operators of dockless e-bike hire schemes.

Date of Decision: March 19, 2026