On my recent trip to Umrah, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Masjid Al Haram now has electric wheelchairs (scooters) available for rental. The new wheelchair rentals in Makkah have their own dedicated floor. The floor includes a circular track for Tawaf and a separate area for Sa’ee. This area is an electric wheelchair only zone and no one is allowed to walk or use manual wheelchairs here.

How much does the electric wheelchair rental in Makkah cost?

There are two types of electric wheelchairs available.

Single passenger wheelchairs can accommodate 1 adult passenger (+1 small child on lap) and the double passenger scooters can accommodate 2 adults (+1 small child on lap).

*Updated as of October 2022. Prices can change.

How many people can sit on one wheelchair?

There are two versions of wheelchairs available.

There is Single Passenger wheelchair which can be used by one person only.

The other option is a Double Passenger electric wheelchair which can fit two adults.

Are children allowed on the electric wheelchairs?

Yes. Small children need to be accompanied by an adult. Older children can drive their own electric wheelchairs.

If you have children under 2, you can usually have them sit on your lap. If the child is older than 2 (or looks older), you will be asked to get the double seater scooter or an extra scooter entirely.

Where are the electric wheelchairs located?

The best way to find the entrance to the electric wheelchair section is to ask one of the workers or cleaners. This will be the fastest way to get there. I’ve been to Masjid Al Haram many time and to this day I get confused. So ask any of the workers for help and they will be able to best guide you, depending on where you are entering the Masjid from.

As for actual location, if you are staying at the clock tower or surrounding hotels, when facing the Masjid there is a large pedestrian ramp on the right side that takes you directly to the first floor tawaf area. Once there, take a right and you will see another ramp within the Tawaf area that will take you directly to the dedicated electric wheelchair area.

Are electric wheelchairs only for guests with disability?

No. Anyone can take advantage of this new electric wheelchair service.

Priority will always be given to those who are disabled. However, the tracks are fairly spacious and the times that I have been, the scooters were not restricted to only those with a disability.

Tips

• You can pay for the electric scooters with cash or card. American Express (AMEX) cards are not accepted.
• Zam Zam water is available on the dedicated wheelchair tracks.
• During prayer time, you can park the electric wheelchair and pray.
• Since the dedicated wheelchair track is elevated, its a good spot for unobstructed views of the Ka’bah.

Question?

Send me message on Instagram @TheMuslimHopper.