Wheelchair & Accessibility Guide
Comprehensive information on renting electric scooters, manual wheelchairs, and navigating the Haram safely.
Accessibility InfoRental Options Inside the Haram
Electric Scooters (Tawaf & Sa'i)
The most popular option for the elderly. You can rent 1-seater or 2-seater electric scooters. These are driven by the pilgrims themselves on a dedicated, air-conditioned floor (usually the Mezzanine floor). It takes about 2 hours to complete both Tawaf and Sa'i using the scooter.
Manual Wheelchairs (Free)
Manual wheelchairs are provided completely free of charge by the Haram authorities. However, you must have an able-bodied companion to push you. They cannot be taken out of the Haram courtyard.
Hired Pushers (Authorized)
If you need a manual wheelchair but do not have a companion to push you, you can hire authorized Haram workers wearing official vests. Negotiate the price beforehand, usually at the designated wheelchair desks.
Dedicated Accessible Routes
Wheelchair Tawaf (Mataf)
Wheelchairs are strictly prohibited on the ground floor of the Mataf (directly around the Kaaba) to protect walking pilgrims from ankle injuries.
Wheelchair Tawaf must be done on the First Floor or Roof. The circumference is much larger, meaning Tawaf on a manual wheelchair can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Wheelchair Sa'i (Masaa)
The Sa'i area (Masaa) has a dedicated central lane explicitly reserved for wheelchairs on the ground floor. Additionally, the upper floors are mostly used by electric scooters and wheelchairs.
Always stay in the designated lanes to avoid colliding with walking pilgrims.
Important Practical Tips
- Bringing your own: You can bring your own manual wheelchair into the Haram. However, security may stop you from bringing your own motorized scooter due to safety/battery regulations.
- Peak Times: During Ramadan or Hajj, there can be a 1-2 hour waiting line just to rent an electric scooter. Arrive very early.
- Tana'eem (Masjid Aisha): Most taxis from the Haram to the Miqat point are wheelchair accessible, but you must negotiate taking a folded wheelchair in the trunk.