Motor Scooter Guide

KYMCO PEOPLE S SERIES (50, 125, 200, 250)

Kymco introduced their line of People S scooters for the 2007 model year, seemingly as a replacement for their aging line of ‘People’ scooters. Canadians also got this line (minus the 250cc model) for 2008. The People S body design was a big step forward over the regular People scooter for Kymco, but it still used the same aging air cooled motor found in all recent mid-sized Kymco’s. Design aspects like the flush taillight, excellent dash gauges and modern curves gave the

People S series a much more refined look than most Kymco’s models to date. Like the People line, the People S scooters used large 16” wheels which look a bit unconventional, but they offer excellent stability and handling on rough and uneven roads. 16” wheels roll over pot holes much nicer than a small 10” rim found on many scooters.

Models
Kymco USA’s original 2007 line of People S scooters consisted of 50, 125 and 250cc models. For 2008, Kymco USA added a 200cc model which utilized the same frame and body as the smaller two models but with a larger air cooled motor. Canadians would later receive the 50, 125 and 200 models for 2008. The largest 250 model was an entirely different scooter, with its own frame, motor and body style. Rather than replace the entire People line with the new People S line, Kymco USA opted for 2009 to keep the older People scooters in the smaller displacements (50cc, 150cc) and only offer the new People S scooters in the larger 200 and 250 options. The People S scooters were dropped from the Canadian line up after 2009, while the larger 200 and 250 models were sold in the USA through 2011. For 2012, Kymco’s new People GT 200i / 300i replaces the remaining People S scooters.

Engines
Unlike the People 50, the People S 50 uses a 4-stroke motor for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, although this does come at the expense of power. The People S 50 isn’t as peppy as the 2-stroke People 50 and there isn’t as much potential to modify it for more speed. The People S 50 shares its 4-stroke motor with all of Kymco’s other 4-stroke 50’s to date which include the Agility 50 and Sento 50. The mid-sized People S 125

scooter utilizes the same air cooled engine Kymco used in all of their mid sized (125cc-200cc models) during this era, with the exception of the newer Frost/Yager 200i scooter. This 4-stroke engine is also used in the Agility 125, and virtually the same engine is used in the Super 8 150, Bet & Win 150, People S 200 and Like 200 but with a larger bores to bump the displacement. One of the convenient things about working on a Kymco scooter is that they share motors across many of their models, so finding parts is easier. On the downside, this simple 2 valve air cooled design isn’t quite as powerful or fuel efficient as some of the more technologically advanced engines available. The People S 200 also uses this same motor, but with a larger cylinder to boost the displacement to 163cc. The People S 200 is a bit mis-leading as this engine is only 11cc’s larger than Kymco’s 150 models (which are 152cc). A buyer faced with the decision between a People 150 or a People S 200 has a tough decision, as spending $600 more for the People S only gets you 11cc more and the newer style. The frame and basic motor are the same, although the People S 200 does get a rear disc brake which is a nice touch.

The larger People S 250 shares its advanced liquid cooled engine with Kymco’s other 250cc models such as the Grandvista 250, Bet & Win 250 and Xciting 250. Unlike the other People S scooters, the People S 250 is capable of highway speeds of 75 - 80mph which is quite respectable. The People S 250 did not get fuel injection like the Xciting 250 did for 2009.

Storage & Convenience
Motors aside, the People S scooters offer a glovebox and small amount of underseat storage. You can usually fit a half lid helmet in the underseat storage area, but the vertical cylinder motor design, large rear wheel and fuel tank location below the seat reduce the storage space available. Full face helmet users will need to use the helmet hook, which can be a bit of a bummer when it rains and your helmet becomes a small pond. The glovebox is a nice size and this type of storage area is super convenient. These scooters also have a rear rack standard, which is usually of little value, but if you plan ahead this rack can be well utilized with a top case or bungee cords

There are some other neat touches on the People S. One is the inclusion of an accessory power outlet under the seat which is handy for charging your phone or other gadgets. Also really handy is the digital clock, which is impossible to live without once you’ve owned a machine that has one. It’s so nice to instantly know if you’re on time, instead of fumbling to pull out your cell phone or slide up your sleeve to check your wrist watch. Finally, the trip odometer is quite handy for monitoring fuel milage.

There are a few downsides to the People S scooters. One downside the tall seat height that is common to many Kymco scooters. The People S scooters all have a seat height of 31” which is an inch or two higher than average and 5” higher than the lowest scooters out there (ie. Honda Helix, Yamaha Morphous). The high seat height combined with a smaller foot area on the floorboard means the People S scooters don’t fit everyone. If you’re on the short side, or have large feet then the cockpit likely won’t fit you that well. The largest People S 250 does have more foot room.

Comparison
Compared to the competing large wheeled scooters out there (ie. Aprilia Scarabeo series, Honda SH150i), the Kymco models offer lower prices but simpler technology. The higher priced Honda SH150i achieves considerably better power and milage through its fuel injected and liquid cooled motor, but it’s $1100 more than the People S 200. Kymco’s engine used in the People S scooters date back to the 90’s and they are good reliable motors, but not at the same level technologically as the Japanese competition. The decision on which scooter buy depends on how you prioritize purchase price verses the emissions and fuel consumption.

The People S scooters were stylish models from Kymco that showcased their rapidly improving ability to design modern looking and refined scooters. The People S models were a nice improvement over the original People line and the new People GT from Kymco is an even better replacement for the People S. There aren’t too many large wheeled scooters offered in the North American market, so the only real competitors to the People S are Kymco’s own People and People GT lines, Honda’s SH150i and Aprilia’s full line of Scarabeo scooters. Compared to older Kymco’s, the People S series has far nicer gauges and a much more unique style that separates it from the cookie cutter world of Chinese scooters. These scooters are a good choice for anyone who physically fits well on the scooter and doesn’t mind getting an older engine design in exchange for a low purchase price.

Please consider adding an owner review of your People S scooter. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.

OWNER REVIEWS - Browse the Kymco People S Series Owner Reviews

Pros:
- Large wheels
- Stylish design
- Glovebox & underseat storage

Cons:
- Tall seat height
- Small foot area on floorboard
- Older engines

Links:
People S 150 Review by JustGottaScoot.com
Submit Review - Own this scooter? Add your thoughts to this site.
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
KymcoForum.com - A good place to learn more about Kymco's
OEM Kymco Parts Look Up - Nice for viewing exploded diagrams and ordering parts.

Key Specs - People S 50:
* Engine: Air cooled, 49cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke
* Power: 3.7 HP @ 7500 RPM, 2.6 ft/lbs torque @ 6500 RPM
* Transmission: CVT
* Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase:
* Weight: 225 lbs
* Starter: Electric and Kick
* Seat height: 31”
* Fuel Tank: 1.8 gallons / 7 Liters
* Brakes: Single (Front), Drum (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension: Single Shock
* Tires: 100/80-16 (front), 110/70-16 (rear)
* Colors: Red, Blue
* Years Sold: 2007 - 2008
* MSRP: $2449

Key Specs - People S 125:
* Engine: Air cooled, 125cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke
* Power: 10.4 HP @ 7000 RPM, 7.2 ft/lbs @ 5000 RPM
* Bore & Stroke: - 52.4mm x 57.8mm
* Transmission: CVT
* Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase: 53”
* Weight: 256 lbs
* Starter: Electric and Kick
* Seat height: 31”
* Fuel Tank: 1.8 gallons / 7 Liters
* Brakes: Single Piston Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension:
* Tires: 100/80-16 (front), 120/80-16 (rear)
* Years Sold: 2007 - 2008
* Colors: Silver
* MSRP: $2999

Key Specs - People S 200:
* Engine: Air cooled, 163cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke
* Power: 11.1 HP @ 7500 RPM, 9 ft/lbs @ 6500 RPM
* Transmission: CVT
* Bore & Stroke: - mm x 57.8mm
* Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase: 53”
* Weight: 256 lbs
* Starter: Electric and Kick
* Seat height: 31”
* Fuel Tank: 1.8 gallons / 7 Liters
* Brakes: Single Piston Disc (Front), Disc (Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension:
* Tires: 100/80-16 (front), 120/80-16 (rear)
* Years Sold: 2008 - 2011
* Colors: Red, Blue, Black
* MSRP: $3399 (2011)

Key Specs - People S 250:
* Engine: Liquid cooled, 249cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke
* Power 19.5hp @ 7250 RPM and15.3 ft/lbs torque @ 5500 RPM
* Transmission: CVT
* Bore & Stroke: 72.7mm x 60mm
* Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
* Drive: Belt
* Wheelbase: 56.2”
* Weight: 348 lbs
* Starter: Electric and Kick
* Seat height: 31”
* Fuel Tank: 2.2 gallons
* Brakes: Single Disc (Front & Rear)
* Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
* Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks
* Tires: 110/70-16 (Front), 140/70-16 (Rear)
* Years Sold: 2007 - 2011
* MSRP: $4499
* Colors: Red, Black