B2 – Upper Intermediate
Barcelona has mostly flat paths and numerous bicycle lanes. It is no wonder that different forms of single-person vehicles are emerging in this city. The most popular one is the e-scooter, locally known as “patinete”. However, these e-scooters and other VMP’s have increasingly become a problem in the city recently.
Let’s read the article and know more about problems brought about by VMP’s and the new traffic laws imposed on them.
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define the word “nippy“. “Electric scooters now dominate the daily commute, with nearly 45,000 journeys every single day taking place on the nippy vehicles.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
- What does the phrase “to flood something” in this context? “Barcelona is a vibrant, blossoming city that continues to flood the Spanish landscape with culture and historical significance, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists per year.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the phrase “tear through” mean? “Criminals would tear through the city at speeds of up to 25 mph and target innocent pedestrians, aiming to capture their mobile phones and make a quick getaway.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think e-scooters became so popular so quickly in European cities like Barcelona?
- Are heavy fines an effective way to change rider behavior?
- Do you think e-scooters are environmentally friendly overall, or do their problems outweigh the benefits?
- What kinds of transportation changes would make your city greener and less crowded?
- How can cities balance convenience, sustainability, and public safety?
- Would you rather live in a city with more scooters and bikes or more private cars?