An exemplary removal assembly includes, among other things, a lock that rotates together with a powered tailgate when the powered tailgate is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position and moved back-and-forth between an open and a closed position. The lock is rotatable between a locked position that blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position, and an unlocked position that permits removal of the powered tailgate. An exemplary removal method includes, among other things, moving a powered tailgate that is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position. The moving transitions a lock from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lock in the locked position blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position. The lock in the unlocked position permitting removal of the powered tailgate.