Welcome Kymco Owners!
I just went through this today. Was the toughest rear tire change I've ever done. One of us had to work on the spacer with a pipe wrench while the other hit the wheel from the other side with a block of wood and rubber mallet. Did it for a friend who is getting ready to sale the scooter. I remember getting to the spark plug was difficult as well. Will be glad to see the scooter go.