The popularity of e-bikes is on the rise, but it is also raising concerns about fire risks. Many people opt for cheaper e-bikes with unreliable and potentially dangerous batteries, which can increase the risk of fires. In addition, the lack of regulations and the availability of counterfeit batteries in the market contribute to the problem. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are particularly dangerous and can spread quickly, making it challenging for firefighters to respond in time.
The market for electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds is expanding, which is positive for reducing carbon emissions. However, the rapid growth of e-bikes has outpaced regulations, leading to safety concerns. In the UK, there are no regulations on e-bike chargers or conversion kits for standard bikes. Incompatible and uncertified batteries are major contributors to fire risks. Lower-income individuals may not have access to manufacturer-approved components or reputable repair shops, making it difficult for them to ensure the safety of their e-bikes.
To mitigate the fire risks associated with e-bikes, there are some precautions that riders can take. These include not blocking the exit to their homes, charging on flat hard surfaces, avoiding extreme temperatures, and keeping e-bikes away from flammable materials. It is also important to never leave a charging battery unattended, especially overnight. Some regulations have been implemented in response to the fire risks, such as national safety standards for e-bike chargers and electrical systems in China and certification requirements for e-bikes and batteries in New York City.
To ensure the safety of e-bikes, it is crucial to invest in safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems. These batteries automatically shut down if there is an issue, reducing the risk of fires. Charging facilities and infrastructure, such as charging hubs and battery swap cabinets, can also help mitigate the fire risks associated with e-bikes. It is important for delivery companies, large food chains, and governments to invest in the safety of e-bikes to protect lives and reap the benefits of this technology.
In conclusion, while the e-bike boom is positive for reducing carbon emissions, it is important to address the fire risks associated with these vehicles. Regulations, safer batteries, and supportive infrastructure are necessary to ensure the safety of e-bikes and protect lives.
Original news source: Why the e-bike boom is raising fire fears (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
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Fast
📖 Vocabulary:
| 1 | popularity | The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people |
| 2 | counterfeit | Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud |
| 3 | regulations | Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority |
| 4 | lithium-ion | A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electronic devices |
| 5 | uncertified | Not having official approval or authorization |
| 6 | precautions | Measures taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening |
| 7 | flammable | Easily set on fire |
| 8 | mitigate | Make something less severe, serious, or painful |
| 9 | infrastructure | The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise |
| 10 | unattended | Not being watched or taken care of |
| 11 | certification | The process of verifying the quality, safety, or standards of a product |
| 12 | incompatible | Not fitting well together or being unable to work together effectively |
| 13 | carbon emissions | The release of greenhouse gases and/or their precursors into the atmosphere over a specified area and period of time |
| 14 | conversion kits | Devices used to modify a bicycle so it can be powered by electricity |
| 15 | intelligent | Having the ability to automatically stop or shut down in the event of a malfunction to prevent further damage |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask them to summarize the main points of the article in a news summary format. They should include the key information and any important details. After they have finished, have each group share their news summary with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Ask each group to come up with three questions related to the article. These questions should be open-ended and allow for different opinions. Once they have their questions, have each group take turns asking their questions to the rest of the class. Encourage a discussion and debate based on the different opinions expressed.
– Keyword Taboo
Instructions: Write down a list of keywords from the article on separate index cards. Divide the class into two teams. Each team takes turns choosing a card and trying to describe the keyword without using the word itself. The other team members have to guess the keyword based on the description. The team with the most correct guesses wins.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group to discuss the pros and cons of e-bikes based on the information in the article. They should consider both the environmental benefits and the potential fire risks. After they have discussed, have each group share their pros and cons with the class.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the class to imagine what the future of e-bikes will be like. Will there be stricter regulations on safety? Will there be new and improved battery technology? Will e-bikes become even more popular? Have each student write down three future predictions related to e-bikes. Then, have them share their predictions with a partner or in small groups. Encourage a discussion about the different possibilities.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
1. What are some concerns raised by the increasing popularity of e-bikes?
2. Why are fires caused by lithium-ion batteries particularly dangerous?
3. What are some contributing factors to the fire risks associated with e-bikes?
4. What are some precautions that riders can take to mitigate the fire risks?
5. What regulations have been implemented in response to the fire risks?
6. What are some ways to ensure the safety of e-bikes?
7. Why is it important for delivery companies, large food chains, and governments to invest in the safety of e-bikes?
8. What are the main points to consider regarding the e-bike boom and fire risks?
Go to answers ⇩
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
The popularity of e-bikes is on the rise, but it is also raising (1)______ about fire risks. Many people opt for cheaper e-bikes with unreliable and potentially dangerous batteries, which can increase the risk of fires. In addition, the lack of regulations and the availability of counterfeit batteries in the market contribute to the problem. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are particularly dangerous and can spread quickly, making it challenging for (2)______ to respond in time.
The market for electric bikes, scooters, and (3)______ is expanding, which is (4)______ for reducing carbon emissions. However, the rapid growth of e-bikes has (5)______ regulations, leading to safety concerns. In the UK, there are no regulations on e-bike chargers or conversion kits for standard bikes. Incompatible and uncertified batteries are major (6)______ to fire risks. Lower-income individuals may not have (7)______ to manufacturer-approved components or reputable repair shops, making it difficult for them to ensure the safety of their e-bikes.
To mitigate the fire risks (8)______ with e-bikes, there are some precautions that riders can take. These include not blocking the exit to their homes, charging on flat hard surfaces, avoiding extreme (9)______, and keeping e-bikes away from flammable materials. It is also important to never leave a charging battery unattended, especially overnight. Some (10)______ have been implemented in response to the fire risks, such as national (11)______ standards for e-bike chargers and electrical systems in China and certification (12)______ for e-bikes and batteries in New York City.
To ensure the safety of e-bikes, it is crucial to invest in safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems. These batteries automatically shut down if there is an issue, reducing the risk of (13)______. (14)______ facilities and infrastructure, such as charging hubs and battery swap (15)______, can also help mitigate the fire risks associated with e-bikes. It is important for delivery companies, large food chains, and governments to invest in the safety of e-bikes to protect lives and reap the benefits of this technology.
In conclusion, while the e-bike boom is positive for reducing carbon emissions, it is important to address the fire risks associated with these vehicles. Regulations, safer batteries, and (16)______ infrastructure are necessary to ensure the safety of e-bikes and protect lives.
Go to answers ⇩
💬 Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your opinion on the rising popularity of e-bikes?
2. How would you feel if you owned an e-bike with an unreliable battery that could potentially catch fire?
3. Do you think it is important for governments to implement regulations on e-bikes to ensure safety? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had an experience with a dangerous or unreliable battery? If so, can you share what happened?
5. What precautions do you take to ensure the safety of your electronic devices?
6. Do you think it is fair that lower-income individuals may not have access to safer e-bike components or repair shops? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the lack of regulations on e-bike chargers and conversion kits in the UK contributes to the fire risks?
8. What steps do you think should be taken to educate e-bike owners about the potential fire risks and how to mitigate them?
9. Do you think it is the responsibility of delivery companies and large food chains to invest in the safety of e-bikes? Why or why not?
10. Have you ever used an e-bike? If so, did you feel safe while riding it? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the availability of counterfeit batteries in the market contributes to the fire risks associated with e-bikes?
12. What do you think are the benefits of investing in safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems?
13. Do you think charging facilities and infrastructure, such as charging hubs and battery swap cabinets, are effective in mitigating the fire risks of e-bikes? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the rapid growth of e-bikes has outpaced regulations and led to safety concerns?
15. What do you believe is the responsibility of individuals who own e-bikes in ensuring their safety and the safety of others?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. popularity
2. counterfeit
3. regulations
4. lithium-ion
5. uncertified
6. precautions
7. flammable
8. mitigate
9. infrastructure
10. unattended
11. certification
12. incompatible
13. carbon emissions
14. conversion kits
15. intelligent
Meanings:
(A) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
(B) Make something less severe, serious, or painful
(C) Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud
(D) The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
(E) The process of verifying the quality, safety, or standards of a product
(F) Measures taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening
(G) Having the ability to automatically stop or shut down in the event of a malfunction to prevent further damage
(H) A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electronic devices
(I) Not being watched or taken care of
(J) Easily set on fire
(K) Devices used to modify a bicycle so it can be powered by electricity
(L) Not having official approval or authorization
(M) The release of greenhouse gases and/or their precursors into the atmosphere over a specified area and period of time
(N) Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
(O) Not fitting well together or being unable to work together effectively
Go to answers ⇩
🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is one concern raised about the popularity of e-bikes?
(a) Fire risks
(b) Traffic congestion
(c) Noise pollution
(d) Lack of charging infrastructure
2. What is a major contributor to fire risks with e-bikes?
(a) Lack of regulations on e-bike chargers
(b) Counterfeit conversion kits
(c) Incompatible and uncertified batteries
(d) Rapid growth of e-bikes
3. What can riders do to mitigate fire risks with e-bikes?
(a) Charge on flat hard surfaces
(b) Not block the exit to their homes
(c) Keep e-bikes away from flammable materials
(d) All of the above
4. What has China implemented in response to fire risks with e-bikes?
(a) Certification requirements for e-bikes and batteries
(b) Intelligent battery management systems
(c) Charging hubs and battery swap cabinets
(d) National safety standards for e-bike chargers
5. What is crucial to invest in for the safety of e-bikes?
(a) Regulations on e-bike chargers
(b) Certification requirements for e-bikes and batteries
(c) Safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems
(d) Charging hubs and battery swap cabinets
6. What can lower-income individuals struggle with in ensuring the safety of their e-bikes?
(a) Access to manufacturer-approved components
(b) Availability of reputable repair shops
(c) Lack of regulations on e-bike chargers
(d) All of the above
7. What benefits can be reaped from investing in the safety of e-bikes?
(a) Protection of lives
(b) Improved delivery services
(c) All of the above
(d) Reduction in carbon emissions
8. What is the main focus of the article?
(a) The popularity of e-bikes
(b) Fire risks associated with e-bikes
(c) Regulations on e-bike chargers
(d) The benefits of e-bikes for reducing carbon emissions
Go to answers ⇩
🕵️ True or False Questions:
1. The slow growth of e-bikes has kept up with regulations, alleviating safety concerns.
2. Precautions that riders can take to exacerbate fire risks include charging on uneven soft surfaces and embracing extreme temperatures.
3. Lack of regulations and availability of counterfeit batteries contribute to the problem.
4. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are generally safe and spread slowly.
5. In the UK, there are no regulations on e-bike chargers or conversion kits.
6. Expensive e-bikes with faulty batteries can reduce the risk of fires.
7. The popularity of e-bikes is increasing, but it is also raising concerns about fire risks.
8. Safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems can reduce the risk of fires.
Go to answers ⇩
📝 Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What are the main concerns regarding e-bikes and fire risks?
2. How do unreliable and counterfeit batteries contribute to the fire risks of e-bikes?
3. What are some precautions that riders can take to mitigate the fire risks associated with e-bikes?
4. What regulations have been implemented in response to the fire risks of e-bikes?
5. What measures can be taken to ensure the safety of e-bikes, such as investing in safer batteries and infrastructure?
✅ Answers
🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What are some concerns raised by the increasing popularity of e-bikes?
The concerns raised by the increasing popularity of e-bikes include fire risks due to unreliable and potentially dangerous batteries, lack of regulations, and availability of counterfeit batteries in the market.
2. Why are fires caused by lithium-ion batteries particularly dangerous?
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are particularly dangerous because they can spread quickly and are challenging for firefighters to respond to in time.
3. What are some contributing factors to the fire risks associated with e-bikes?
Some contributing factors to the fire risks associated with e-bikes include opting for cheaper e-bikes with unreliable batteries, lack of regulations on e-bike chargers and conversion kits, and the availability of counterfeit batteries in the market.
4. What are some precautions that riders can take to mitigate the fire risks?
Riders can take precautions such as not blocking the exit to their homes, charging on flat hard surfaces, avoiding extreme temperatures, keeping e-bikes away from flammable materials, and never leaving a charging battery unattended.
5. What regulations have been implemented in response to the fire risks?
Some regulations that have been implemented in response to the fire risks include national safety standards for e-bike chargers and electrical systems in China and certification requirements for e-bikes and batteries in New York City.
6. What are some ways to ensure the safety of e-bikes?
Some ways to ensure the safety of e-bikes include investing in safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems, implementing charging facilities and infrastructure like charging hubs and battery swap cabinets, and ensuring access to manufacturer-approved components and reputable repair shops.
7. Why is it important for delivery companies, large food chains, and governments to invest in the safety of e-bikes?
It is important for delivery companies, large food chains, and governments to invest in the safety of e-bikes to protect lives and reap the benefits of this technology, such as reducing carbon emissions.
8. What are the main points to consider regarding the e-bike boom and fire risks?
The main points to consider regarding the e-bike boom and fire risks are the need for regulations, safer batteries, and supportive infrastructure to ensure the safety of e-bikes and protect lives.
Go back to questions ⇧
🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) concerns
(2) firefighters
(3) mopeds
(4) positive
(5) outpaced
(6) contributors
(7) access
(8) associated
(9) temperatures
(10) regulations
(11) safety
(12) requirements
(13) fires
(14) Charging
(15) cabinets
(16) supportive
Go back to questions ⇧
📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. popularity
Answer: (D) The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
2. counterfeit
Answer: (C) Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud
3. regulations
Answer: (N) Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
4. lithium-ion
Answer: (H) A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electronic devices
5. uncertified
Answer: (L) Not having official approval or authorization
6. precautions
Answer: (F) Measures taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening
7. flammable
Answer: (J) Easily set on fire
8. mitigate
Answer: (B) Make something less severe, serious, or painful
9. infrastructure
Answer: (A) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
10. unattended
Answer: (I) Not being watched or taken care of
11. certification
Answer: (E) The process of verifying the quality, safety, or standards of a product
12. incompatible
Answer: (O) Not fitting well together or being unable to work together effectively
13. carbon emissions
Answer: (M) The release of greenhouse gases and/or their precursors into the atmosphere over a specified area and period of time
14. conversion kits
Answer: (K) Devices used to modify a bicycle so it can be powered by electricity
15. intelligent
Answer: (G) Having the ability to automatically stop or shut down in the event of a malfunction to prevent further damage
Go back to questions ⇧
🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is one concern raised about the popularity of e-bikes?
Answer: (a) Fire risks
2. What is a major contributor to fire risks with e-bikes?
Answer: (c) Incompatible and uncertified batteries
3. What can riders do to mitigate fire risks with e-bikes?
Answer: (b) Not block the exit to their homes
4. What has China implemented in response to fire risks with e-bikes?
Answer: (d) National safety standards for e-bike chargers
5. What is crucial to invest in for the safety of e-bikes?
Answer: (c) Safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems
6. What can lower-income individuals struggle with in ensuring the safety of their e-bikes?
Answer: (a) Access to manufacturer-approved components
7. What benefits can be reaped from investing in the safety of e-bikes?
Answer: (d) Reduction in carbon emissions
8. What is the main focus of the article?
Answer: (b) Fire risks associated with e-bikes
Go back to questions ⇧
🕵️✅ True or False Answers:
1. The slow growth of e-bikes has kept up with regulations, alleviating safety concerns. (Answer: False)
2. Precautions that riders can take to exacerbate fire risks include charging on uneven soft surfaces and embracing extreme temperatures. (Answer: False)
3. Lack of regulations and availability of counterfeit batteries contribute to the problem. (Answer: True)
4. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are generally safe and spread slowly. (Answer: False)
5. In the UK, there are no regulations on e-bike chargers or conversion kits. (Answer: True)
6. Expensive e-bikes with faulty batteries can reduce the risk of fires. (Answer: False)
7. The popularity of e-bikes is increasing, but it is also raising concerns about fire risks. (Answer: True)
8. Safer batteries with intelligent battery management systems can reduce the risk of fires. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧
