E-bikes are now part of everyday life. Models that offer flexibility and can be easily used in different contexts are particularly popular. The folding e-bike represents the ultimate in freedom. Sachsenrad has introduced one such model with the F6 Safari. The e-bike, which has been on sale at Aldi and Netto since mid-2023, aims to score points with its compactness, high performance and good value for money. The company recently proved that Sachsenrad is a master in this field with the F11 MagPuma, for example. Can the F6 Safari also meet the high expectations? We have tested it!
Delivery and assembly
Like the vast majority of e-bikes, the F6 Safari is not delivered fully assembled. This is a good thing, as otherwise you would have to pay huge sums for transportation. We received it roughly pre-assembled in a large cardboard box. Before we could use it, we first had to assemble the bike. This was not difficult, as most of the steps are self-explanatory and good assembly instructions are included.
Design and workmanship
Once the e-bike is upright, it becomes clear how striking it is. Sachsenrad has not held back on the design. The F6 Safari is clearly aimed at a target group that wants to stand out. The particularly thick tires of the folding bike are particularly noteworthy. They measure 20 x 4 inches and not only provide a special look, but also ensure that the bike always has the best grip off the road.
Then there is the frame, which features a thin neon-colored line and the eye-catching Sachsenrad lettering, also neon-colored. The particularly long cat’s eyes, which cover around a third of the spokes and thus clearly stand out from the crowd, will also attract attention.
Although it is a folding bike, the F6 Safari is not particularly small. Folding bikes are generally designed to be easy to transport and flexible to use. This would have been difficult to achieve with even more generous dimensions. When unfolded, the bike measures 148 x 30 x 75 cm. When folded, it shrinks to 90 x 80 x 50 cm. In our opinion, the folding mechanism is perfectly made and should work for a long time. The very high adjustable handlebars are also particularly impressive.
Practical test of the Sachsenrad F6 Safari
Once we had assembled the F6 Safari, we tested it extensively in practice. We placed particular emphasis on flexibility – after all, this is probably the biggest promise of the folding bike.
Features
In addition to the tires and frame, the other features of the bike appear promising in this respect. For example, it has a small display that provides information on the battery status, the speed ridden or the kilometers covered. This provides us with all the data we need for a successful tour.
There is also a Shimano gear system with seven gears. The Sachsenrad F6 Safari is therefore equipped in line with industry standards. There is also a pannier rack-like surface, but without the classic fastening mechanism.
Performance
In practice, an e-bike is all about getting around as comfortably as possible. In other words: nothing works without a powerful motor. Fortunately, the F6 Safari has one. It is equipped with a 36 V rear motor that offers an output of 250 watts or 85 Nm and a top speed of 25 km/h. The latter is not technical, but legal: If the e-bike were able to go faster, it would fall into a different regulatory class. Technically, however, the motor would be able to do this without any problems.
We have ridden the F6 Safari on various surfaces and can confirm that the motor is more than powerful enough for this. On the road, we made rapid progress, while off-road we felt the support of the machine at the right time. We also found the wide tires to be a positive feature, providing a safe and comfortable ride on the dirt track as well as on the road. Another positive feature: mudguards prevent us from getting dirty while riding.
However, the motor is a little weak on the climbs, so although we didn’t have to push here, we were still very slow on the inclines.
Battery
The e-bike’s battery also contributes to the positive overall impression. This has a capacity of 374.4 Wh and therefore provides enough energy for up to 80 kilometers. Depending on the rider’s weight and the incline, this is of course significantly less. But this is the case with every e-bike. Every rider has to try it out for themselves, but 30-40 kilometers is certainly possible.
The battery is housed inconspicuously in the frame of the folding bike, so it is not immediately recognizable as an e-bike. It can be charged directly on the bike without having to be removed. There is a connection available for this purpose, which is usually completely concealed. This also makes the bike suitable for adverse weather conditions. What we consider to be very positive is the fact that the battery can still be easily removed and thus stored and charged separately if required. Both worked perfectly in the test.
Folding
Not only the tires and motor contribute to the flexibility of the F6 Safari, but also the foldability of the bike. This aspect is far more challenging for manufacturers of e-bikes than for those of conventional bikes – after all, there are more cables and more parts that rely on electricity. However, these are susceptible to injury. We therefore took a close look at the Sachsenrad model in this respect. We found a clever cable routing that reliably prevents cables from being pinched when folding up: The cables are located inside the frame of the e-bike and not outside. This not only prevents the aforementioned problem, but also contributes to the bike’s appearance.
The folding itself requires neither a great deal of strength nor too much prior knowledge. Rather, it is done in no time at all, as all you have to do is pull a lever on the frame and loosen a bracket on the handlebar. The only point of criticism: with a weight of 26.6 kilograms, it is not exactly a lightweight. If you want to lift the bike into trains or car trunks frequently, you should be prepared to have to lift heavy loads. This could be a problem for older people in particular.
Conclusion on the Sachsenrad F6 Safari
Overall, the F6 Safari impressed us in our practical test. It is an eye-catching yet elegant e-bike that is compact and can be used for a wide range of applications. It is convincing both off-road and on the road. However, the motor could be too weak in mountainous areas. We also have to mention the weight of 26.6 kilograms as a point of criticism, which could limit the flexibility in everyday life a little. Nevertheless, after the test of the C5 Centro SUV, Sachsenrad once again scores very well with us.
Sachsenrad F6 Safari
Aufbau
Design und Verarbeitung
Leistung und Ausstattung
Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis
90/100
The F6 Safari is a compact yet powerful e-bike that can be used flexibly.
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