Scope
Reference
06134-2024
Description
Two regional micromobility schemes currently operate within the West Midlands. A regional cycle hire scheme (West Midlands Cycle Hire) has been in place since March 2021, predominantly focused on pedal bikes. An eScooter scheme being delivered as part of the Department for Transport (DfT) trial has been in place since August 2023. Both contracts are due to end in early 2026.
WMCA are seeking a Service Provider to provide a new service on a concession basis, to include both e-Bikes and eScooters (Micromobility Assets), which allows customers to unlock the vehicles using an app, ride to their destination, park and pay in the app.
The Micromobility Services should support West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and its 7 constituent Local Authorities (LAs) in meeting key regional priorities, including:
- Encouraging modal shift from the private car
- Providing easy and inclusive access to assets which do not conflict with other footway users
- Promote the use of public transport with assets available for hire/parking at or close to public transport interchanges
The Service Provider will be required to have experience of operating Micromobility Services in the United Kingdom and hold and maintain full CoMoUK Public Bike Share Accreditation throughout the duration of this agreement.
The eScooter Vehicle Special Order (VSO) covering the West Midlands allows for a provision of eScooters in 5 of the 7 Local Authority areas within the West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton (excluding Dudley and Solihull)). Rollout will be dependent on agreement with respective Local Authority areas and is not guaranteed. For reference, eScooters are currently operational in Birmingham and the University of Warwick (Coventry).
Total value (estimated)
- £36,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031
- Possible extension to 31 March 2036
- 10 years
Description of possible extension:
1 x 3-year option to extend to 31/03/2034 and 1 x 2-year option to extend to 31/03/2036 at the sole discretion of WMCA.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60112000 - Public road transport services
- 60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services
Contract locations
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Financial Capacity assessed through self-completion of WMCA's Financial Risk Assessment Tool.
If a 'Fail' or 'Flag as Risk' is received for any metrics, the tenderer MUST engage with WMCA BEFORE THE END OF THE CLARIFICATION PERIOD to provide an explanation and agree mitigation measures. If Tenderers receive a 'Fail' or 'Flag as Risk' and don't engage during the clarification period, they will Fail this condition of participation.
The Concessionaire will be required to hold the following levels of insurance;
Employer's (Compulsory) Liability Insurance = £10M
Public Liability Insurance = £20M
Professional Indemnity Insurance = £1M
Tenderers must confirm that they commit to obtaining and maintaining these levels of insurance throughout the duration of the contract and must upload either;
a) Insurance Certificates showing that these levels of cover are currently held; or
b) A letter/quotation from an insurance company confirming that they would offer the required level of insurance
Technical ability conditions of participation
Tenderers must provide details of up to three contracts which evidence (providing names and localities where appropriate) prior experience of:
- Running similar micromobility services with multiple vehicle types, operating over a period of at least 1 year
- In scoping service design (including fleet size and customer proposition) and any experience in simulating this prior to deployment.
- Working successfully and collaboratively with public bodies towards shared objectives.
- Operating in dense urban areas
Confirmation of compliance with GDPR and Modern Slavery Act 2015 (if applicable)
Confirmation that if sucessful, the Tenderer will commit to paying the Living Wage as a minimum to all employees.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
3 October 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
17 October 2025, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://wmca.bravosolution.co.uk/go/7865769601993E20C731
Prospective Bidders will be required to register for an account on Bravo Solutions, WMCA's e-tendering platform before being able to access the Invitation to Tender pack.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Weighted at 90% |
Quality |
| Social Value | Weighted at 10% |
Quality |
| Commercial | Pass/Fail |
Cost |
Weighting description
.
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Risk - Current status of e-scooters being under a DfT trial at present until May 2028, with potential withdrawal, extensions or legislation
Impact - Uncertainty of long-term future of this mode - potential for scooters to drop out as a supported mode of travel
Reason it cannot be addressed in contract - Uncertainty over long-term DfT position on this which is out of our control. We have attempted to mitigate this by making e-bikes the focus of the contract and referenced the uncertainty of scooters. Marketplace is also fully aware of e-scooter position on a national level
Risk - Escalation of international conflicts / Increase of trade tariffs / Emergence of Epidemic/Pandemic
Impact - Significant rise in costs or lack of availability of equipment and materials
Reason it cannot be addressed in contract - Cannot predict availability issues, contracts can cover increased costs to a point, however not significant rises
Risk - LA partner deciding to withdraw support for bike and/or scooter scheme
Impact - Change to geographical coverage of the scheme / lack of ability to deploy across the region
Reason it cannot be addressed in contract - At outset, all 7 LAs are included from a bike perspective - references made to e-scooters and where the scheme is currently approved with DfT, operational and supported. Impossible to predict future sentiment towards modes, especially e-scooters, with them being relatively new and at times subjective in how they are viewed
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Concession
Contracting authority
West Midlands Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGMD-1353-PZVX
16 Summer Lane
Birmingham
B19 3SD
United Kingdom
Email: procurement.team@wmca.org.uk
Website: http://www.WMCA.org.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government