Renting a Bicycle/Scooter
A person wants to rent a shared bicycle or electric scooter and asks how to use the app or payment system.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
e-scooter
Short for electric scooter, a small vehicle powered by electricity that you ride standing up, often rented via an app for short urban trips.
app
Short for application, a software program on your smartphone used for tasks like renting vehicles or making payments.
QR code
A square barcode that you scan with your phone's camera to access information or unlock services, common in apps for renting bikes or scooters.
payment method
A way to pay for something, such as using a credit card or digital wallet, required when renting shared vehicles.
link
In this context, to connect or add something like a credit card to your account so you can use it for payments.
credit card
A plastic card issued by a bank that allows you to borrow money for purchases and pay later, widely used for online and app payments.
unlock
To activate or start using a rented vehicle, often by scanning a code in the app after payment is set up.
affordable
Reasonably priced or not too expensive, describing services like short scooter rides that don't cost much.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm trying to rent one of these e-scooters, but I'm not sure how to use the app.
This is a polite way to ask for help when facing a problem. Use it to start a conversation for assistance. 'Excuse me' is a common interrupter, and 'I'm trying to' shows an ongoing effort.
Have you downloaded the 'Scoot Fast' app yet?
A yes/no question using present perfect 'have you downloaded' to check if an action is completed. Useful for confirming app usage in tech-related talks; 'yet' implies expectation of completion.
When I try to scan the QR code, it's asking for a payment method.
Describes a problem using present simple 'it's asking' for ongoing app behavior. Helpful for explaining tech issues; 'when' clause shows the condition triggering the problem.
You need to link a credit card or a mobile payment service like Apple Pay or Google Pay to your account first.
Gives instructions with 'need to' for necessity and 'first' for sequence. Examples like 'Apple Pay' clarify options. Use this pattern to explain setup steps in apps.
Do they charge per minute or per ride?
An alternative question (or) asking about pricing options. 'Charge' means to bill; useful in service inquiries. Simple structure for comparing choices.
There's usually a small unlock fee, like one dollar, and then it's charged per minute after that.
Explains a process with 'usually' for generality, 'like' for examples, and sequence words 'and then...after that'. Practical for describing costs; helps learners understand fee structures.
Thanks for your help! I think I can manage it now.
Expresses gratitude and confidence with 'thanks for' and 'I think' for opinion. 'Manage it' means handle the task alone. Use at the end of helpful conversations to show resolution.