Lemon Law Protections for Motorcycle Riders in Pennsylvania & New Jersey
Motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania and New Jersey now benefit from stronger legal protections when purchasing a new bike, thanks to recent changes and enforcement of each state’s motorcycle lemon law statutes. If you’ve bought a motorcycle that continues to suffer from serious mechanical issues—even after multiple repair attempts—you may be entitled to a refund or replacement under your state’s lemon law.
At Bikers Have Rights, we understand the unique challenges riders face, both on the road and in the legal system. In addition to handling motorcycle lemon law claims, our firm represents clients across a range of motorcycle-related legal issues, including:
- Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents
- Motorcycle vs. Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle vs. Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle DUI Accidents
- Serious Motorcycle Injuries
- Wrongful Death Cases Involving Motorcyclists
Pennsylvania Expands Lemon Law Coverage to Motorcycles in 2025
As of May 2025, Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law has been amended by Act 151 of 2024 to extend coverage to new motorcycles. This legislative update means motorcycles now enjoy the same consumer protection benefits previously reserved for passenger cars.
To qualify under the Pennsylvania motorcycle lemon law, a motorcycle must have a substantial defect impairs its use, value, or safety. This defect must occur within one year of delivery or during the manufacturer’s express warranty, whichever comes first.
Manufacturers are required to make a reasonable number of repair attempts, presumed to be at least three. If the problem isn’t fixed, the buyer may be eligible for either a replacement motorcycle or a full refund, minus a reasonable allowance for use based on mileage.
Importantly, repairs must be performed at the same authorized repair facility, unless complete service records are transferred with an affidavit. Note that dual-sport or off-road motorcycles are excluded from the new protections under Act 151.
New Jersey’s Motorcycle Lemon Law Continues to Protect Riders
New Jersey has long included motorcycles under its lemon law statutes, specifically N.J.S.A. 56:12-29 to 56:12-49.1, and those protections remain active as of May 2025. If you purchased, leased, or registered a new motorcycle in New Jersey, you are protected if your bike develops recurring problems within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Under the New Jersey motorcycle lemon law, your motorcycle may qualify as a “lemon” if:
- The same defect has been unsuccessfully repaired three or more times, or;
- The motorcycle has been out of service for 20 cumulative days or more due to repairs.
Before filing a legal claim, the law requires that you send the manufacturer a certified letter, giving them one final opportunity to fix the problem within 10 calendar days. If the issue remains unresolved, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement, with a deduction for reasonable use.
Know Your Rights as a Motorcycle Owner
These updates ensure that motorcyclists in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are no longer left behind when it comes to consumer protection. Whether you’re dealing with engine problems, braking issues, or another serious defect, both states now provide legal remedies through their respective lemon laws.
Speak to a PA and NJ Motorcycle Lemon Law Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights
At Bikers Have Rights, we fight for riders injured or sold defective motorcycles. Whether you’re facing ongoing mechanical issues or were hurt in a crash caused by faulty manufacturing, we’re here to help. A PA and NJ motorcycle lemon law lawyer is ready to assist. Call 877-333-0300 or 877-333-0300 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’re located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and we represent clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.