Peugot VClic EVP2 starting problem

Hello. My son's Peugot VClic (50cc 4-stroke) wont start from the electric starter. If the machine has stood for a wile, e.g. overnight in the garage or all day at his college, when he tries the electric starter, the motor turns absolutely fine, so battery etc all OK. However, it doesn't ignite!! He has to kick start it, which takes a lot of kicks to get it going. Once it is has been running for a while, the electric starter gets if going just fine.
Could this be the auto choke? Or is it just a known fact for these machines and he has to put up with it?

 

There is a knock to start them, either give it a sharp quick twist on the throttle a couple of times, then try to start it. O r as it's turning over gently/slowly open throttle. worth a try !