The present invention relates to a lifting device (1) to be mounted in a motor vehicle and intended, in case the vehicle is involved in an accident, to be activated by putting a lifting element (5) being spring-tensioned in the lifting device in motion, wherein the lifting device comprises a locking device (7) intended to cooperate with the lifting element (5) for locking it in a spring-tensioned position, and a release mechanism (9) intended to release the locked lifting element (5) so it can be put in motion under the influence of the spring tension. The invention is characterised in that the release mechanism (9) comprises a striking element (37) intended to release the locked lifting element (5) by means of striking-pin action.