Latest development:
I called the dealership and explained my issue. The tech explained since it has a gel battery and the tender turns green that likely the battery is not the issue. He said 95% of the time if it is the battery it would not turn green/fully charged. He suspects some type of short that draws power... interestingly the headlight does not go dim, just power to the starter disappears (and the scooter cannot be kick-started). I then went to my garage and started it up without a problem (coming off the tender) and it idled for 15 minutes while my son was putting on his clothes. My son got on the scoot, turned it around to exit the driveway and as soon as he gave it gas, the motor cut out. Then, nothing, hitting the starter button made no noise in the starter... no cranking, nothing... kick-start, nothing. The headlight was still bright. The fact it starts every time coming off the battery tender, and usually ramps up to full power initially, but this time we had a long idle, makes me think it is not a carb issue. Upon reflection, it almost seems somewhere ~ the 15 minute mark it cuts out and can't start again unless tendered again.
At this point I have a battery, a bottle of Sea Foam and a scooter carrier en route to my house via the mail. I'm thinking I'll be returning at least the battery (or will it keep if I don't use it for a few years?). I'll be loading up the scooter and making the lengthy trek to the dealership.