starting problem

[africk]

not too many posts here, hoping someone will read and lend a hand!

we have a people50 that's been running well for about 3 years now.  had to charge the battery once or twice but otherwise she runs great.

recently, about half the time, when we turn the key, there seems to be no power.  no matter what you do (key and and in again, flick the on switch) nothing lights up.  however with a kick start it powers up, plenty of juice, runs great.  today i got it out for my wife, turned the key and the oil light came on as usual, so i thought it was fine, but then it wouldn't start for her. 

again, the other half of the time it starts up fine, with plenty of juice.

so i don't think its a dead battery, but i'm not sure what it could be.  any thoughts before i start guessing?  is it worth a new battery just in case?

thanks

adam frick

[OldGuy]

Sounds like a battery to me. When you kick start it you're running off the charging system after it starts. Three years is a long time for one of these tiny batteries in any weather. Where are you?

[africk]

makes sense - we had it in chicago for 2 years, now in st louis for the last 2 or so.  certainly tough weather in both locations...

guess i'll try a new battery first.  anyone know where to pick one up in st louis?  they can't be ordered online ready to go, right?

thanks!!!

adam

[OldGuy]

Found a couple of places on line:

http://www.scooterworks.com/Battery_Kymco_People_50___12V_TX5LBS_P3664C274.cfm (People 50, not S)

https://scootercityinc.3dcartstores.com/MRP-BATTERY-YTX7A-BS-SEALED-BATTERYFits-VentoStrada-150-Kymco-People-S-50-125200-Yamaha-Vino-125-Genuine-Buddy-125_p_10-80.html (People 50 S)

That was just a quick Google search. Just search on "kymco people 50 battery".

There is a problem with buying on line. You'll need a battery charger specifically for these small batteries. A regular car battery charger can damage the battery. I'd just go to a scooter shop and buy locally.

Walmart does carry some small batteries, but ??