Running board

Vintage tram, with red footboard visible running along the lower tram-side underneath the three central doors
Woman standing next to a car's running board
Toyota 4Runner with running board

A running board or footboard is a narrow step fitted under the side doors of a tram (cable car, trolley, or streetcar in North America), 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. It is also used as a fashion statement on vehicles that would not otherwise require it.[1] The origin of the name running board is obscure; the first running boards predate automobiles and were installed on carriages as early as the 17th century.

  1. ^ US 5193829  "Sub frame support system and running board for a vehicle"