Life essentials announces a new running board lift that is all self contained in a 32" tube and mounts under the vehicle.  You can use your existing running boards and fasten them to the arms on the lift.  When it is up it just looks like running boards on a vehicle.  Push a button and the running board lowers to the ground and you can stand on it and ride it back up and easily get into your vehicle.

After the running board is raised fully, it looks just like the original running board that is standard on your vehicle.

We use the same device to make a Hitch mounted wheelchair transport platform.  It mounts in the hitch receiver on a vehicle and with the lift on you can still access your truck, hatchback, or lower your tail gate.  You don't have to swing it out, or remove it.