Released for the 2005 model year, the 2005 People scooter from Taiwanese automaker Kwang Yang Motor Co, Ltd., or Kymco, is available in three models. They consist of the People 50, People 150 and People 250. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2005 Kymco People are $2,299 for the People 50, $3,199 for the People 150 and $3,999 for the People 250.
Each 2005 Kymco People is powered by a single-cylinder engine, which is fueled by a carburetor. However, specs vary depending on the model. The People 50, named after its engine displacement of 49 cubic centimeters (cc), has a two-stroke air-cooled engine with a reed intake valve train. The one on the People 150 displaces at 152 cc, has four strokes, is air-cooled and uses a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valve configuration. The People 150 also has a four-stroke SOHC engine, but it is liquid-cooled instead of air-cooled, and it displaces at 249 cc.
Each 2005 Kymco People engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission, which is meant to save on gas by promoting greater engine efficiency via access to an unlimited access to gear ratios. Kymco provided a belt drive to complete the powertrain, as well as an electric starter with a kick starter back-up for starting the scooter. Peak fuel capacity varies from one model to the other; it’s 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) on the People 50, 1.8 gallons (6.8 liters) on the People 150 and 2.1 gallons (8 liters) on the People 250.
Only the People 250 uses all-wheel disc brakes; the other models of the 2005 Kymco People use the comparatively inferior front-disc-brake rear-drum-brake system. All models, though, have 16-inch aluminum wheels fitted with tubed tires. The suspension on the scooter consists of a telescopic fork and a twin-sided swing arm with two rear shock absorbers.
Each 2005 Kymco People scooter uses a steel frame, with fork guards, fenders and side covers furnishing it. Kymco released five color schemes for the scooter: Black, Ivory, Lite Blue, Silver and Wine. Standard digital instrumentation on the scooter consists of a clock, speedometer and fuel level warning gauge. A trip odometer is added on the People 150 and People 250. Storage consists of a rear rack, under-seat and lockable compartments, and a place to keep the helmet; and the seat on the scooter can accommodate the driver and a passenger. A halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors provide increased visibility. The People 250 gets an additional power outlet for charging a mobile phone.
The People 250 is the largest of the three models, with a dry weight of 367 lbs. (166.5 kilograms). The People 150 is placed in the middle, at 245 lbs. (111.1 kg); the People 50 is the lightest, with a dry weight of 211 lbs. (95.7 kg).
The Kymco People is designed as a scooter that is reasonably or generally affordable, thus the name. The 2005 entry is no exception, upholding the more-bang-for-the-buck orientation.