Consumer Reports Gives KYMCO 150 Highest Scooter Rating

In First Scooter Test Since 1981, Consumer Reports Gives KYMCO People 150 Highest Rating.

Last year when gas prices surged, the public’s interest in economical two-wheeled transportation surged, too. That increased popularity has inspired the product reviewers at Consumer Reports to test scooters and entry-level motorcycles for the first time in nearly three decades.

When the experts at the magazine’s Auto Test Center were finished, they rated the KYMCO People 150 and Vespa’s LX 150 as best in their class. What Consumer Reports may have missed in their reporting is that, with an MSRP of only $2,799, the People 150 sells for about $1,600 dollars less than the Vespa – while delivering an estimated 84 mpg on the road.

"You can buy a lot of gas for $1,600," said Rick Pawelka, Director of Marketing for KYMCO USA. "It’s fair to say that the People is certainly the better value of the two scooters."

The People 150 is even more attractive because it combines value with great engineering. Consumer Reports declared KYMCO the winner in performance and stability, writing, "With its big 16-inch wheels, the KYMCO offered superior stability and off-the-line acceleration."

Classic styling and a fuel-efficient 152cc 4-stroke SOHC engine have made People 150 a people pleaser since its introduction. It is an excellent choice for inner city transportation or getting across a college campus. With 16" wheels and front disc brakes the People 150 offers great handling and stability. Its comfortable seat accommodates an adult rider and a passenger with plenty of underseat storage.

Consumer Reports subjected the eight scooters and motorcycles they reviewed to an extensive sequence of standardized tests to determine their performance in categories such as acceleration, braking, fuel economy, noise/vibration, top speed and comfort. To evaluate ride, the staff designed a new 5.2 mile testing route, including stops and starts on hills and a variety of tight turns. New testing procedures were also added to accurately evaluate the machines’ responses to common urban riding situations, such as the ability to quickly and safely accelerate through an intersection.

The full report on motorcycles and scooters is available in the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale February 3 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.


 

 

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