Have you tried cleaning out the carburettor? Maybe one of your jets is clogged (they are not very big, it doesn't take much). You say you've never dealt with 2-stroke engines before, did you mix 2 stroke oil in the gas (about 2.5 - 3 oz per gallon)? Have you read Freds guide? Click on recources, then articles, then freds guide - Its pretty much the online moped bible and covers tons of stuff that might be wrong.