How to Lift the GSD

How to Properly Lift Your GSD Gen 2

This article refers to the GSD Gen 2. To read this article in other languages, click here.


When we designed the GSD, we did think about day-to-day situations in which we'd be lifting the bike—like that one annoying step to get to the elevator hall, or those times when transporting the GSD by car is necessary. In this article, we'll share with you some of the best ways to lift the bike.

Hold the Frame, Not the Saddle

The GSD is heavier than a regular non-electric bike, and it is usually equipped with several accessories and loaded with cargo—and that adds to the total weight. Because of all that weight, we don't recommend lifting the GSD by the saddle. Instead, lift the GSD by the frame.

When we designed the GSD, we put extra thought into designing a frame that is not just super sturdy, but also compact, easy to handle, with smooth edges and several points that are adequate for lifting the bike.

How to Lift the GSD

What if the Bike Is Covered in Accessories?

If the GSD is fulfilling its purpose of helping you get stuff done, then you probably have an accessory or two on your bike. While these things help you do more with your bike, they also cover most of the rear rack, making it a bit more challenging to move the GSD.

How to Boost the GSD Up or Down a Step

If you need to move the GSD up or down the sidewalk, or if you have a couple of steps to get to your front door, you probably want to do that without having to remove any of your accessories. The following steps work even if your rear rack is equipped with accessories like child seats, the Clubhouse Gen 3, Clubhouse+, the Shortbed Tray, or the whole Clubhouse Fort:

  1. Make sure the pedals and crank arms are out of the way.
  2. With an underhand grip, place one hand under the top tube. Be mindful of the handlepost strap.
  3. With an underhand grip, place the other hand under the intersection of the sub top tube and chainstay. See image below.
  4. Stand as close as possible to the bike frame. Lift the bike holding it close to your body, using it for support.
GSD Gen 2

How to Load the GSD Into a Car Trunk

Unless you're using a big van, chances are you'll have to remove some of the accessories, like any child seats and the Storm Shield. Depending on vehicle size, you may need to go one step further and uninstall wide accessories like the Clubhouse Gen 3/Clubhouse+ and the Shortbed Tray. However, the following steps work even if you have limited access to the rear rack:

  1. Remove the front battery. This provides additional space for your hand, AND makes the bike lighter.
  2. Flat-fold the GSD.
  3. With an underhand grip, place one hand under the top tube. Be mindful of the handlepost strap.
  4. With an overhand grip, place the other hand on the portion of the rear rack rail closest to the seatpost tube. See image below.
  5. Stand as close as possible to the bike frame. Lift the bike holding it close to your body, using it for support.
GSD Gen 2