The Overland Park Public Works Committee debated a proposed pilot with BikeShare KC aimed at providing Class 1 pedal-assist ebikes along a convention-center'Metcalf'downtown corridor and ultimately split 3-3 on a motion to recommend waiving procurement and authorize staff to negotiate a contract.

Laura Ish, the city's sustainability manager, outlined the proposal and feasibility findings: BikeShare KC would provide ebikes, batteries, locks and signage, handle maintenance, and rebalance bikes across hubs. Staff previewed six candidate hubs intended to serve World Cup visitors near the convention center, Metcalf and downtown/Matt Ross areas; the pilot model under discussion included roughly 10 bikes per hub. Capital cost estimates and ongoing operations were presented; staff said farebox recovery historically ranges about 20% to as high as 60% in Lenexa and that annual per-bike operations would be approximately $1,680 before farebox revenue offsets.

Eric Vaughn, director for BikeShare KC, described safety features, battery-swap procedures and program operations. "The bikes themselves are very safe. They're all class 1 bikes. They're the slowest. They have no throttle," Vaughn said, adding that the app indicates battery percentage and the system prevents checkout of low-battery bikes.

Councilmembers raised cost and network-design concerns. Opponents said the pilot appeared expensive relative to expected local ridership and cautioned that Overland Park's hub corridor is not park- and trail-focused like Lenexa's higher-performing program. Supporters said the program would connect Overland Park to a growing regional network and provide an additional mobility option during a major event when other transit and ride-hail options may be constrained.

A motion to recommend that City Council waive the procurement process and authorize staff to negotiate an agreement with BikeShare KC (capital not to exceed $350,000 and annual operations up to $125,000 per year for up to five years) was moved and seconded. The committee recorded a 3-3 vote (three in favor, three opposed). Because the committee vote did not carry, staff noted the item will proceed to full City Council for a final decision the following week.

No formal contract was executed at the committee level; staff said it will continue negotiations and seek grant or sponsorship opportunities to offset costs while the item is scheduled for the full-council agenda.