Best Running Boards for 2025 Rivian R1S - recommendations?

[NeedSumCoffee]

EV Sportline is the single most popular option for best balance of quality and an affordable price.

DCE, Megawatt, and Goat are easily the best quality… if you’re willing to splurge.

Realwheels EV make the only all stainless steel option.

All are pretty great options. EV Base are pure garbage and pretty much the only wrong choice there is.

Sponsored

 

[agmonstar]

I would add Megawatt to the same list or even higher than DCE and GOAT. They are TIG welded, are powder coated both inside and out and have a kick out.

 

[NeedSumCoffee]

I would add Megawatt to the same list or even higher than DCE and GOAT. They are TIG welded, are powder coated both inside and out and have a kick out.

Great point I completely forgot about them. Updated

 

[Time2Roll]

My Goat sliders work great for me.

 

[EV Sportline]

@EV Sportline any impact on range? Think that the kids could really be safer getting in and out with these. Any installers near State College PA?

Our new aluminum running boards (lightweight) are unbeatable from a range perspective - everything else is heavy / steel. Ours are less than 1/2 the weight of steel.

We have official clearance from Rivian service as well, our running boards do not require removal for service.

Looks like we might have an installer near Allentown, is that doable?

 

[MukilteoManiac]

Just ordered the EV Sport Line Aluminum running boards along with the aluminum side covers and the front Rival aluminum skid plate on our 2026 R1S Dual Max Performance. I will be installing these over the holidays once I receive them from EV Sport Line.

 

[DaveO]

Hey EVeryone!
New member and R1S owner here. First, thanks to everyone for the great info on this site (and this thread), it has been invaluable. Second, sorry for the long post.
We also ordered the EVSportline Aluminum running boards, but the units we just received are different than what I’ve seen elsewhere or on the website and install videos. Instead of the welded one-piece outriggers (see last pic), there are three separate brackets per side that have to be bolted in place. Has anyone else received units like these and if so, how did you install them? They didn’t come with instructions and I can’t find any on the website. I have a message into EVS but they’re closed on weekends, so hoping others with experience can chime in. A couple questions:
1. The welds on the new “outrigger” brackets are pretty big and interfere with the outer rails unless extended all the way out. How did you adjust these in and out without the welds interfering? That was one of the features I liked about these.
2. Some of the mounting pads on the running boards aren’t level with the outer rails, so the bracket bases don’t sit flush with the mounting pad as shown in the pics. I’m concerned that tightening the bolts will bend the brackets or break welds, or the bolts will work themselves loose. There’s no spacers in my kit, so how did you address the gap? Did yours come with any spacers for this (besides the ones for the mounting tabs)?
3. If you did received/used mounting spacers, did the different angle of the mounting pads create any problems lining up the boards with the mounting brackets on the vehicle?
4. If you’ve been using this design for a while, how are the brackets holding up? Any issues with welds cracking or bolts coming loose/rusting?
Thx in advance for any help/insights!

 

[tps5352]

Sorry, I have no idea. But a couple of comments, nonetheless...

• Just from the photos they look really well made and rugged. (Nice welds.)
  
  
• Is it possible that they accidentally sent you products intended for a different brand/model of vehicle?

 

[DaveO]

Thx, funny you should say that b/c I was wondering if these were some old prototypes or something. The label on the box says it’s an R1S Aluminum Running Board Kit, but the model number says ALRB-RS.2 so maybe you’re on to something! Hopefully I can get hold of someone tomorrow to help figure this out. Was hoping to install them this weekend but guess it’ll have to wait.

 

[EV Sportline]

Thx, funny you should say that b/c I was wondering if these were some old prototypes or something. The label on the box says it’s an R1S Aluminum Running Board Kit, but the model number says ALRB-RS.2 so maybe you’re on to something! Hopefully I can get hold of someone tomorrow to help figure this out. Was hoping to install them this weekend but guess it’ll have to wait.

Hi DaveO,
Thanks for reaching out, that .2 is evidence you have the latest and greatest design - we do continuous improvements over time so the kit get's updated occasionally. I know we have a new video / instructions going live this week - which show the current parts. Only minor changes, but could look different like you noticed. But in any case, I will DM you and offer to have our engineers call you personally to help with any install questions or help in any way!

 

[ElGuano]

I have zero complaints about My '25 R1T EVSportline running boards. They were easy to install by myself, no rust or worn paint after nearly a year, and I use them regularly to protect against door dings in parking lots too

Also, they work great with the optional aero covers, and I've never had a problem with Rivian service.

 

[badger4149]

Hey everyone!

I’m looking for some recommendations for running boards for my 2025 Rivian R1S. I’d like something that’s both functional and stylish — ideally something that complements the rugged design of the R1S. I’m open to fixed or retractable options, and durability is definitely a priority.


I’ve come across options like the OEM Rivian boards, EV Sportline, AMP Research PowerStep, and a few others, but I’d love to hear any firsthand experiences or advice from fellow owners.

Any tips on installation or where to get a good deal would also be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

I have the Weistec rock sliders, and have been very pleased with them. I did the installation myself, which was simply and straightforward. To me they look OEM. They are very sturdy, and have a powder coated finish which provides a nice grippiness. They also offer good protection for the paint from mud, dirt, and parking lot door rash. They are not cheap, but I think they are worth it.

Good luck, and adventure on!

Sponsored