If I had to recommend a dependable, inexpensive to maintain scooter to a friend, I would suggest either a Honda Silverwing or Suzuki Burgman. The dealership that I bought my People 250 from is new to the scooter business, not very well informed regarding extended warranty options nor were they able to provide a mechanic on a regular basis.

I have 650, but wanted something easier to move around the city driving only. The Kymco People 250 is light weight, works great in the city and does well over all in getting up and going. Don't have any trouble keeping up or ahead of traffic, the head lamp covers well in front and some along the side. While having a windshield installed, night driving does give a reflection on the windshield from the dash lights, but one soon gets use to it. Riding position is comfortable, I'm 5'11" and weight 190 Lbs. I have about 2 or 3 inches of clearance over my kness when performing slow speed maneuvers in small space and it took a bit of practice to control this bike. I came over from the Burgman 650 and while one does a small turn at slow speeds, one has to push and control the handle bar in the direction one is going. On the People, if you do a small turn, at slow speeds, the handle bars fall freely towards the direction of the turn. This handlebar falling took a bit to get use to but soon it become second nature.
The over all power of the 250 is great for city driving, wife and I have taken long rides and it did very well with about 300 Lbs. plus. Highway driving.. it handles it well, speeds it travel very well at would be 65 mph. and still has lots of power in stock.. now the wind and other semi's on the road do affect the straight line driving, but keep eyes open and prep-for it and the ride smooths out.
This is the 06, speedometer reads in KMH first and MPH second so double take needed when checking speed. Gas gauge, well 3/4 of tank reads full, then last 1/4 reads very low.. not much of in-between. Would be nice if trip meter came to set and remember how much gas left.. (about 60 MPG, time 2 equals 120MPTank).
Shocks are nice, when one-up, set to soft, when 2-up, suggest med to firm.. hit a bump and shocks bottom out.
I picked this bike of 2nd hand, with 6K Kilometers on it, seems to have been well taken care of. I have read the 06's make a dry-bean bouncing in the cylinder noise when lots of power is applied, but goes away when cruise has been set in. For a do-everything bike I do suggest it.. I started with a 150cc, jumped to 650cc and found the 250 is right at home in the city. 400cc and up great for longer commutes to and from work.. (more highway) travel.. Little 150cc and lower would be great for community driving. Doing it all over, should have started with a 250.. would have kept till it dies and then maybe thought about a bigger bike. Would I suggest this bike, If you travel 75% in the city and some highway.. (yes). Save money on gas and get a good helmet, shoes, jeans and jacket.. Have fun.. As others have said..."it's all about the ride"...scooterdawg.com