Electric running boards are full-length automatic side access systems designed to improve vehicle accessibility, safety and convenience. Installed on both sides of the vehicle, they extend when the doors open and retract when closed, providing a stable stepping surface for easier entry and exit.
At Gilani Engineering, we supply and install electric running boards in Australia for SUVs, vans and mobility-modified vehicles, delivering reliable, high-quality solutions for everyday use.
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Electric running boards and side steps provide a safer and easier way to enter and exit SUVs, 4WDs, vans and commercial vehicles. Designed to reduce step height and improve vehicle accessibility, these systems are ideal for older Australians, people with disability, mobility scooter users, wheelchair users, carers, support workers and anyone who finds it difficult to access higher vehicles.
Automatic running boards and powered side steps deploy when the vehicle door opens and retract when the door closes, creating a stable stepping platform while maintaining vehicle appearance and ground clearance.
At Gilani Engineering, we supply and install electric running boards, powered side steps and vehicle access solutions across Australia. Our systems are designed for everyday reliability, safety and long-term performance while supporting greater independence and easier vehicle access.
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Choosing the right electric running boards or powered side steps depends on your vehicle, mobility requirements and how the vehicle is used each day.
When recommending a vehicle access solution, we consider:
Our experienced team can recommend the most suitable electric running board or powered side step system to improve safety, accessibility and everyday convenience.
Electric running boards are full-length automatic access systems that extend when the vehicle door opens and retract when closed. They provide a larger stepping surface and are commonly fitted to SUVs, 4WDs, vans and accessible vehicles.
Electric side steps provide convenient automatic access with a more compact design. These powered side steps remain hidden beneath the vehicle until required, helping maintain a clean appearance while improving accessibility.
Manual side steps are available in fixed and folding configurations and provide a durable, cost-effective vehicle access solution.
Electric running boards offer significantly easier access into larger vehicles by reducing the distance between the ground and the vehicle floor. They are commonly installed on SUVs, 4WDs, vans and transport vehicles where entry and exit can otherwise be difficult.
Key benefits include:
Many people choose electric running boards because stepping into larger vehicles becomes more difficult with age, injury or reduced mobility.
Powered running boards can assist:
By lowering the effective step height, electric running boards help reduce strain on joints while making entry and exit safer and more comfortable.
Vehicle accessibility is often an important part of maintaining independence, community participation and everyday mobility.
Electric running boards and powered side steps are commonly used as part of broader vehicle access solutions for people living with disability or reduced mobility. By providing a lower and more stable stepping platform, these systems can improve vehicle transfers and reduce physical effort during entry and exit.
Occupational therapists and assistive technology professionals frequently consider vehicle access modifications when assessing transport and mobility requirements.
Electric running boards are often used alongside:
These solutions can help support safer vehicle access while promoting greater independence and confidence.
For many people living with disability, reduced mobility or age-related physical limitations, entering and exiting a vehicle can become one of the most challenging parts of everyday travel.
Difficulty stepping into higher vehicles may result from reduced lower limb strength, joint pain, arthritis, balance impairment, neurological conditions, fatigue, reduced range of motion or recovery following surgery. These challenges can affect a person’s ability to travel independently, attend appointments, participate in social activities and access their community.
Electric running boards help reduce the vertical distance between the ground and the vehicle floor, creating a more accessible transfer point. By providing a lower and more stable stepping surface, powered side steps may help reduce physical effort during vehicle entry and exit while supporting safer transfers.
From an occupational therapy perspective, vehicle accessibility is often considered an important component of maintaining independence, participation and engagement in everyday activities. Improving access to a vehicle can help reduce environmental barriers while supporting greater confidence when travelling for work, appointments, shopping, recreation and community participation.
Electric running boards are frequently considered as part of a broader vehicle accessibility strategy designed to improve safety, function and independence for people with changing mobility requirements.
Both running boards and side steps improve vehicle accessibility, however they serve slightly different purposes.
Running boards generally provide a full-length stepping platform extending along the side of the vehicle. This larger stepping area can be beneficial for passengers requiring additional support when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Side steps are typically more compact and positioned at key entry points. Electric side steps provide the same automatic deployment benefits while using a smaller stepping platform.
For many mobility-related applications, electric running boards are preferred because they provide a larger and lower stepping surface during transfers.
While fixed side steps provide a permanent stepping surface, electric running boards automatically extend only when required and retract neatly beneath the vehicle once the doors are closed.
This provides several advantages:
For many SUVs, 4WDs and commercial vehicles, electric running boards provide the ideal balance between accessibility, convenience and vehicle aesthetics.
Electric running boards are commonly installed on higher vehicles where entry and exit may be more challenging.
Our team can advise on vehicle compatibility, installation requirements and the most suitable running board or side step system for your vehicle.
Electric side steps and automatic vehicle access steps are increasingly used on commercial vans, community transport vehicles, disability transport vehicles and fleet vehicles.
Reducing vehicle step height can improve safety for passengers while making repeated entry and exit easier throughout the day.
As a Registered NDIS Provider, Gilani Engineering supplies a range of vehicle accessibility and mobility solutions designed to improve safety, independence and community participation.
Electric running boards, powered side steps and vehicle access systems may form part of a broader vehicle accessibility solution depending on individual circumstances and funding arrangements.
Vehicle access equipment is often considered alongside other forms of assistive technology designed to improve mobility, accessibility and independence.
People who use mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, walking aids, transfer equipment or other assistive technology may also benefit from vehicle access modifications that make entering and exiting a vehicle easier and safer.
Electric running boards can complement a range of accessibility solutions including:
When combined with other mobility solutions, vehicle access equipment can help improve transport accessibility and support greater participation in everyday life.
Professional installation is important to ensure safe operation, correct fitment and long-term reliability.
Gilani Engineering provides supply, installation and ongoing support for electric running boards, side steps and vehicle access equipment across Australia.
Our team can help identify the most suitable solution based on vehicle type, mobility requirements and accessibility goals.
Electric running boards are automatic vehicle access steps that extend when a vehicle door opens and retract when the door closes. They provide a safer and more accessible stepping surface while maintaining ground clearance when not in use.
Running boards generally provide full-length access along the vehicle, while side steps are more compact and positioned at specific entry points.
Yes. Many older Australians choose electric running boards because they reduce step height and make entering and exiting larger vehicles easier and safer.
Electric running boards can improve vehicle accessibility by providing a lower and more stable stepping platform, helping reduce effort during vehicle transfers.
No. Automatic running boards retract underneath the vehicle when not in use, helping maintain ground clearance while driving.
In many cases, yes. Electric running boards can often be installed on compatible SUVs, 4WDs, vans and commercial vehicles after purchase. Our team can confirm compatibility based on your vehicle’s make, model and year.
Yes. Electric running boards are commonly installed on LandCruisers, Prados, Rangers, Hilux vehicles, Patrols, Everest models, D-Max vehicles and many other SUVs and 4WDs.
Yes. Powered side steps and running boards are commonly fitted to vans including Toyota HiAce, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and other commercial vehicles.
Many customers consider electric running boards worthwhile because they improve accessibility, reduce step height, enhance safety and maintain a clean vehicle appearance when retracted.
Electric running boards are commonly used by older Australians, people with disability, individuals recovering from surgery, people living with arthritis, mobility scooter users, wheelchair users and anyone who experiences difficulty entering or exiting higher vehicles.
Yes. Electric running boards create a lower and more stable stepping surface which may help reduce the effort required during vehicle transfers while improving accessibility and safety.
Many people with reduced mobility choose electric running boards because they reduce step height and make accessing SUVs, 4WDs and commercial vehicles easier and more comfortable.
Yes. Electric running boards are often used alongside mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, patient transfer aids, boot hoists and other assistive technology solutions to improve overall vehicle accessibility.
Yes. Electric running boards are widely used as a vehicle accessibility solution because they improve access to higher vehicles while supporting safer entry and exit for people with varying mobility needs.
Yes. Gilani Engineering provides professional supply and installation services to ensure safe operation, correct fitment and long-term reliability.
Expert Reviewed
Master Automotive Engineer and VSCCS Licensed Vehicle Safety Certifier
Ray Gilani has more than 18 years of experience in automotive engineering, vehicle modifications and mobility access solutions. He oversees the design, installation and technical assessment of wheelchair hoists, electric running boards and other vehicle accessibility systems supplied by Gilani Engineering.
This page has been reviewed for technical accuracy, practical suitability and alignment with Australian vehicle modification and accessibility requirements.
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