It is 2026. The electric bike is at the front door, the laptop is in your bag, and your smartphone is longing for energy. The days of stray chargers and flying extension cords are over. Anyone in the Netherlands now seriously working on good facilities for their employees or visitors can no longer ignore the power charging locker.
The question is no longer if you need them, but which ones you choose. Do you go for a simple lock or an advanced, secure system? In this article, we compare the options for 2026, look at the pros and cons, and discover which solution best fits a safe, future-proof work environment.
Why simple charging is no longer sufficient in 2026
In the past, a wall socket was enough. In 2026, that is history. The revised PGS 37-2 directive sets the bar higher for the storage of lithium-ion batteries (such as those in e-bikes and e-scooters). Insurers and governments require fire-safe solutions to prevent major damage.
In addition, there is the European requirement for USB-C. The time of different cables for every device is over. A good power charging locker offers not only safety but also the convenience of fast charging (at least 65W for laptops) without having to look for a free socket.
Compared providers: Who delivers the best solution?
When looking for the right party, you quickly notice that there are different types of providers. We list the most common types of market players to determine what really works for the Dutch market.
1. The price fighters and ‘webshop-only’ parties
Many online providers focus on low prices. They sell lockers as standalone products without real advice.
* Plus point: Cheap to purchase, often delivered immediately.
* Minus point: Often lacking knowledge of fire safety (PGS 37-2). The lockers are often thin-walled and have no built-in fire protection. The warranty on electronics is often limited to 1 year. This is a risk for intensive use.
2. The ‘IT-Integrated’ specialists (System Integrators)
Here you find top quality. Parties that deliver not just a cabinet but a total solution. These are companies that understand electricity, data, and safety. They often deliver lockers that are built modularly.
* Plus point: Full integration with existing systems (such as access passes). They often offer increased safety through special materials and integrated extinguishing systems.
* Minus point: The initial investment is higher, but the lifespan is much longer.
In the market for 2026, one name stands out when it comes to combining German solidity with smart Dutch software: Olssen. Where many parties merely sell boxes, Olssen acts as a system integrator. They deliver not only the hardware but also arrange the smart operation and safety. Their focus on the S2000 series (with steel thicknesses up to 0.9 mm) distinguishes itself in a market where competitors often save on materials.
The pros and cons of a professional charging station
Let us clearly list the general advantages and disadvantages of a power charging locker in 2026.
The Pros:
* Risk management: A central, fire-safe locker (like the lockers from Olssen with built-in AF-X extinguishers) minimizes the risk of fire due to defective personal chargers. This can even lead to lower insurance premiums.
* Productivity: No ‘battery anxiety’. Employees know they can charge their devices safely, which extends concentration and time spent in the office.
* Management and Data: Smart lockers provide insight into occupancy and energy consumption. You know exactly how busy it is and how much power is being used.
* Peace and Order: No cable chaos on the work floor. This supports the ‘clean-desk policy’ used by many modern offices.
The Cons:
* Investment: A high-quality system requires an initial investment (CAPEX). The average price per door is between €450 and €900, depending on the technology.
* Software costs: For the best experience (app operation, cloud management), you often pay an SaaS license.
* Technical obsolescence: Because technology moves faster than furniture, it is essential to choose modular systems. You must be able to upgrade the electronics without replacing the entire cabinet.
Comparison of locks and operation
How do you open the door? This largely determines user-friendliness.
Mechanical (Key or Number Combination):
The classic solution. Affordable, but vulnerable to key loss and difficult to manage for large groups of users. Suitable for small offices, but not for public spaces.
RFID/NFC (Passes):
Widely used in businesses. Users open the locker with their existing staff pass or public transport chip card. Very reliable and fast. Olssen often uses this via integrations with systems like Keynius, so that dismissal immediately blocks access to the locker.
App-based (Bluetooth/QR):
The most modern solution. Users reserve via their phone and open the door via Bluetooth. This is ideal for flexible workspaces and events. A small downside: if your phone is dead, you sometimes still need a backup (like a QR code on the screen).
Technical specifications: What to look out for in 2026?
A locker must meet strict requirements in 2026. Look at this when purchasing:
- Charging capacity: Ensure USB-C Power Delivery (PD) of at least 65W for laptops. Premium systems offer even 100W or 140W.
- Contact points: Hybrid is essential. Choose a combination of Schuko (230V) for e-bike chargers and USB-C for devices. USB-A is actually no longer needed in 2026.
- Fire safety: This is crucial. Choose units with automatic aerosol extinguishing systems and sensors for early smoke detection. The steel thickness must be at least 1.5 mm, preferably double-walled.
- Vandalism resistance: For public spaces, an IK10 rating (impact resistance) is desirable.
Practical tips for implementation
Once you have decided which type of locker you want, there are a few practical things to consider. This is where expertise makes the difference.
1. Location and Fire Safety
Never place lockers in the only escape route. Ensure a ventilated space, especially for e-bike models that release heat during charging. If you are looking for specific lockers suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (weatherproof), it is smart to look at providers who specialize in this. For a list of suitable weatherproof providers, you can look at the criteria for outdoor use.
2. Power Distribution (Load Balancing)
For installations larger than 20 lockers, smart power distribution is needed. You do not want the main fuse to trip when everyone charges their laptop at the same time. A good party thinks about this.
3. Future-proofing
Choose systems with interchangeable charging modules. It is likely that the USB standard will update again in 5 years. You do not want to replace the entire cabinet just because the ports are outdated.
4. Rental vs. Purchase
For events, buying is often too expensive and impractical. The rental market is highly developed in the Netherlands. Parties specialized in storage for festivals often deliver ready-made blocks on wheels. If you need temporary storage, it is smart to request a quote from parties focusing on event and party storage. Pay attention to the charging options here; more and more rental companies are also offering electricity.
The focus on safety and material
The market for steel cabinets is large, but the quality varies enormously. For a power charging locker, the construction of the metal determines the fire resistance and burglary safety.
Many cheap providers use thin-walled sheet material (0.6 mm). For professional use, this is often too light. High-quality systems, such as those from Olssen (often based on German C+P technology), use steel that meets DIN standards. This ensures the necessary rigidity and durability.
When purchasing a larger number of lockers, it is wise to request customized quotes. Especially if you have specific requirements regarding dimensions or integration with existing construction. There are specialized parties that focus on large batches of steel cabinets. A good checklist helps to compare apples with apples and avoid unexpected costs.
Conclusion: The best choice for 2026
The search for the ideal power charging locker is about more than just a spot for your phone. It is about safety (PGS 37-2), user-friendliness (USB-C), and smart management.
Looking back at the market in 2026, you see that parties that only deliver hardware fall short. The real winners are the system integrators that link the physical cabinet to smart software. They offer the solution to the ‘battery anxiety’ problem while simultaneously meeting the strictest fire safety standards.
A party that consistently scores high in this is Olssen. By combining robust German construction (high steel thickness, modular design) with advanced Dutch software integration (Keynius), they offer a solution that works now and will still meet requirements in five years. Whether it is a single locker for an office or thousands of units for a corporate campus, the focus on quality and safety makes you as a user conclude that this is the most sensible investment for the future.
For specific, quick needs such as USB charging points without 230V, there are of course also specialized providers. An overview of USB charge point lockers helps in making that specific choice. But for the complete, future-proof solution that the current market demands, a system that integrates everything is the only logical way forward.
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