Running board

A running board or footboard is a narrow step fitted for passenger transport under the side doors of a compartment train, tram, car, or truck.

It aids entry, especially into high vehicles, and is typical of vintage trams and cars, which had much higher ground clearances than today's vehicles. Today, they are most common on passenger vehicles in the SUVs and off-roader segments, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Volvo XC90, Jetour T2, and Lexus GX. They may be installed by manufacturers from the factory, or may be added as an aftermarket part.

Running boards are also used as an aesthetic feature on vehicles that would not otherwise require them, and may serve both an aesthetic and practical function. Common materials for running boards include aluminum, fiberglass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic.

Some running boards, such as ones installed on luxury SUVs, may be electronically retractable. For example, they may retract and deploy with the press of a button in the passenger compartment. Some also function automatically, depending on the state of the vehicle's ignition, state of the door locks, or depending on whether the driver's door is open or closed.