Standard denim shredded on asphalt during crash testing. Protective riding jeans prevent severe abrasion injuries by weaving high-strength aramid or synthetic fibers directly into the cotton or adding protective internal lining panels.
Budget-focused gear manufacturers now offer CE-rated motorcycle jeans under $150 that include impact armor pockets, reinforced stitching, and proven slide protection. Here are the top options currently available under $150, along with a breakdown of what to look for when shopping on a budget.
Quick Top Picks
| Model | Price | Protection Type | Fit Profile | Armor Included |
| Bull-it Covert Evo | ~$120 | Covec single-layer stretch | Slim / Tapered | Knee Armor Included |
| Street & Steel Raven (for women riders) | ~$140 | Aramid-lined denim | Regular / Straight | Knee Armor Included |
| Scorpion EXO Covert CE | ~$130 | Cordura denim + Aramid lining | Chino / Straight | Knee & Hip Armor Included |
| BILT Iron Workers Iron Pro | ~$110 | Aramid-reinforced knees/seat | Relaxed / Straight | Knee Armor Included |
My top pick here is going to be the Scorpion EXO Covert CE jeans. I like a straight cut and find them to be super high quality.
Understanding Safety Ratings Under $150
Modern riding pants sold in North America and Europe are evaluated under the EN 17092 safety standard. Understanding these ratings helps you gauge protection levels before buying:
- Class A Rating: Designed for urban and low-speed riding. Offers basic slide protection and impact armor. This is the standard rating for most jeans priced under $150.
- Class AA Rating: Designed for general touring speeds. Typically found in mid-tier jeans ($180–$250) or top-tier budget options.
- Single-Layer vs. Dual-Layer Construction:
- Dual-layer jeans use standard outer denim with an internal lining made of Kevlar or aramid fabric at the seat, hips, and knees. They run warmer in hot weather.
- Single-layer jeans weave protective fibers (like Covec, Cordura, or Kevlar) directly into the cotton denim yarns. They breathe better and feel identical to regular street jeans.
Top Riding Jeans Under $150
1. Bull-it Covert Evo Jeans
Bull-it specializes exclusively in motorcycle denim. The Covert Evo stands out in the sub-$150 category because it utilizes single-layer denim technology rather than heavy drop-liners.
The jeans use a material called Covec, an engineered thermal barrier fiber woven directly into the stretch cotton denim. This construction provides Class A abrasion resistance while keeping the overall weight light and breathable for summer riding.
The cut is slim through the thigh with a slight taper at the ankle. Bull-it includes thin CE Level 1 knee protectors that fit into height-adjustable internal pockets. Pockets for hip armor are sewn into the lining, though hip inserts are sold separately.
- Pros: Single-layer breathable design, excellent flexibility on the bike, includes knee armor.
- Cons: Slim fit cut may feel restrictive for riders with larger calves or thighs.
Check the price at Amazon
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2. Street & Steel Raven Jeans (for Women)
The Street & Steel Raven jeans take a traditional approach to protective denim, relying on a heavy-duty 12-ounce cotton outer shell combined with internal aramid reinforcement panels.
Aramid lining covers the major impact zones, including the entire seat, hip area, and knees. The heavy cotton denim outer material provides basic structure, while the aramid backing prevents tear-through during a slide.
Street & Steel cuts the Raven in a classic straight-leg fit that slides easily over short riding shoes or full-height street boots. Removable CE Level 1 knee armor comes standard in the box.
- Pros: Classic straight-leg styling looks natural off the bike, durable 12-ounce denim, good seat coverage.
- Cons: Dual-layer aramid construction holds heat during slow city traffic in summer.
Check the price at Amazon
Check the price at Revzilla
3. Scorpion EXO Covert CE Chino Pants
For riders looking for an alternative to traditional blue denim, the Scorpion EXO Covert CE Chino offers a clean workwear style suitable for casual office environments.
The pants are built from a 12-ounce stretch cotton fabric reinforced with a 165g DuPont Kevlar lining extending from the waist down past the knees. The outer surface features a water-resistant coating that repels light road spray and light rain.
Scorpion includes both CE Level 1 knee armor and hip armor at a price point where most brands charge extra for hip protection. The knee pockets feature exterior side zippers, allowing you to pull the armor out in seconds when you arrive at your destination.
- Pros: Includes both knee and hip armor, clean chino aesthetic, external zipper access for knee armor.
- Cons: Fabric is stiffer out of the box than traditional washed denim.
Check the price at Amazon
Check the price at Revzilla
4. BILT Iron Workers Iron Pro Jeans
The BILT Iron Workers Iron Pro jeans focus on maximum coverage at an accessible price point.
The outer layer consists of 11-ounce stretch denim combined with 1,000-denier aramid reinforcement panels sewn into the seat, hips, and knees. Elastic flex panels are integrated above the knees and across the rear waistband, allowing the jeans to stretch naturally when leaning forward into an aggressive riding position.
Included CE Level 1 knee armor mounts in adjustable internal hook-and-loop pockets. The relaxed fit allows plenty of room for boots and thicker calf muscles.
- Pros: Integrated stretch panels improve riding comfort, relaxed fit accommodates larger builds, low price tag.
- Cons: Elastic knee accordion panels make them look obviously like motorcycle pants off the bike.
Check the price at Amazon
Check the price at Revzilla
Where Costs Were Cut Under $150
To keep retail prices below $150, manufacturers adjust specific materials and features:
- Armor Specifications: Most sub-$150 jeans include basic CE Level 1 knee armor made from polyurethane foam rather than ultra-flexible CE Level 2 reactive materials like D3O Ghost or REPROFLEX.
- Hip Armor Exclusions: While knee armor is standard, most brands only include empty hip pockets on sub-$150 models. Expect to spend an extra $15 to $25 if you want to add matching hip pads.
- Abrasion Class Ratings: Jeans in this tier are almost exclusively Class A certified (suitable for city speeds). Achieving Class AA or AAA ratings requires full-length technical lining materials that push prices past $200.
- Weatherproof Coatings: Budget jeans lack advanced hydrophobic treatments. Water will soak through the denim outer layer during heavy rain.
How to Choose the Right Size and Fit
Motorcycle jeans fit differently than standard casual pants due to armor placement and seating ergonomics:
- Check the Inseam When Seated: When standing, riding jeans should sit slightly long over your shoes. Once you bend your knees on the footpegs, the hem rises 1 to 2 inches.
- Verify Armor Height: Sit on your bike or crouch in a riding position. The center of the knee pad should rest directly over your kneecap. If the pad sits too low on your shin while riding, adjust the internal pocket strap.
- Account for Waist Stretch: Jeans with elastane or stretch denim stretch out roughly half a size after 5 to 10 hours of wear. Choose a waist size that feels snug upon initial try-on.
