Well, after trying and testing...
Even though the cable spun connected to the tire, speedo would not register...
Took it to the shop where I bought the used assembly, cable and they confirmed it SHOULD be working...
Got lucky they had a new assembly, so he tried it, wallah! working speedo.. so both my original and the used assembly were defective...
dammit, lol, the $75 scoot is now almost at $600 and most likely needs a new variator and belt! ... sigh ...