What is an Electric Tailgate?
Open or close the boot with a button press or a foot wave
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
An electric tailgate is a powered rear door that opens and closes automatically at the press of a button on the key fob, dashboard, or by waving your foot under the rear bumper. It is especially handy when your hands are full of shopping bags.
"Think of it like an automatic garage door shrunk down to fit the back of your car. Just as a garage door motor pulls the door up along its tracks, the electric tailgate motors lift the boot lid for you so you never have to heave it open yourself."
How it works
The tailgate contains one or two electric struts that replace ordinary gas springs. When you activate the system, a control module sends power to motors inside these struts, which extend or retract to lift or lower the tailgate smoothly. Sensors monitor the position and detect any resistance — if something blocks the tailgate, the motor stops or reverses to prevent injury or damage. Some systems include a sensor under the rear bumper that detects a kicking motion to trigger opening without using your hands.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Tailgate not opening or closing fully
- ⚠Motor straining or making loud clicking noises
- ⚠Foot sensor not detecting the kicking motion
- ⚠Tailgate closing too fast or slamming shut
- ⚠Warning beeps but no movement from the tailgate
£210 to £650 total; dealer retrofit can exceed £1,000
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.