A distance-based AHP-DEA super-efficiency approach for selecting an electric bike sharing system provider: One step closer to sustainability and a win–win effect for all target groups

Abstract

Existing research on electric bike sharing systems (e-BSS) emphasises the importance of the sustainability of the systems and the need to respect the views of all stakeholders when planning e-BSS. However, this research overlooks the fact that the sustainability of e-BSS depends to a large extent on the skills and knowledge of the parties who select an electric bike provider, which in most cases is the investor in the e-BSS. There is no previous paper that provides support for investors in (1) defining a set of criteria for selecting a provider that takes into account all of the three domains of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) and (2) developing a tool that best meets sustainability standards on the one hand and the needs and requirements of all stakeholders (including e-bike users and investors) on the other hand. A distance-based analytic hierarchy process/data envelopment analysis (AHP-DEA) super-efficiency approach was proposed and applied to adapt DEA to the needs of predefined groups by using slack variables. The approach takes into account the fact that not all outputs have a positive impact on the final outcome; the approach also allows decision-makers to define the hierarchical structure of the importance of the criteria directly based on the responses of the selected group. A case study in Slovenia illustrated the application of the approach.