Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. cost-effective
    • ex. Cooking at home is more cost-effective than eating in restaurants every day.
  2. treat
    • ex. They treated holidays as a time to spend with family.
  3. non-motorized
    • ex. Only non-motorized vehicles are allowed in the park to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
  4. a pedestrian
    • ex. Pedestrians should be careful when crossing busy streets and should cross in safe places.
  5. regulate
    • ex. Schools regulate student use of phones during class.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Electric bikes (e-bikes) are becoming more popular because they are cost-effective, convenient, and eco-friendly. However, safety concerns are increasing as more people use them. Studies from the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, San Diego show that injuries among e-bike riders have gone up quickly in recent years. Under U.S. law, most e-bikes are treated as non-motorized vehicles, so riders often do not need licenses or insurance. But rules are different in each state and city.

Officials are now trying to improve safety by making new rules. Some places have started to impose stricter limits. For example, New York City set a speed limit of 15 mph, while Connecticut now requires helmets for all riders. Experts say better enforcement of these rules is needed to prevent accidents and protect both riders and pedestrians.

In Minnesota, a serious crash involving a teenager led the city of Hastings to regulate e-bike use. The city lowered speed limits and banned e-bikes on sidewalks. Officials hope these changes will reduce injuries and make roads safer for everyone.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Electric Bikes

  • Electric bikes are becoming more popular because they are cost-effective, convenient, and eco-friendly. What do you think about more people using electric bikes? Discuss.
  • In your country, where is it common to see people using electric bikes? Discuss.
  • Which is better: an electric bike or a regular bike? Discuss.

Rules and Safety for Electric Bikes

  • Under U.S. law, most e-bikes are treated like normal bicycles, but rules are different in each area. Do you think it is necessary to have different rules for e-bikes in each state or city? Discuss.
  • In the U.S., most e-bikes are treated as non-motorized vehicles. How could this affect the safety of riders and pedestrians? Discuss.
  • Imagine you are a local government official. What rules would you make for e-bike use in your city or town? Discuss.