Imagine this: you are at the office, your laptop battery is dead, and you have a deadline. Instead of fiddling with adapters and extension cords lying around on the floor, you walk to a neat wall of lockers. You tap your card against it, the door opens, you put your laptop inside, and flip the power switch. Done. The next employee can immediately charge their e-bike battery without worrying about fire hazards. In 2026, this is no longer a future vision, but the new standard in Dutch offices and public spaces.
However, choosing the right charging locker is not a decision to be taken lightly. Many factors come into play: safety, technology, and costs. Let’s take a look at the balance.
Why a locker has become essential
The days when everyone randomly charged their items on their desks are truly over. The main reason? Safety. With the massive increase in e-bikes and powerful laptops (sometimes with batteries heavier than an average laptop from five years ago), the risk of fire due to ’thermal runaway’ is growing. Companies simply do not want to see loose chargers anymore, partly due to the Arbowet (Dutch Working Conditions Act).
A smart locker solves this issue. In the Netherlands, the technology is leading around 2026. The switch to USB-C as the universal standard has been forced by EU legislation, making lockers last longer than before. It simply works more efficiently.
The advantages: why companies are massively choosing smart lockers
If you look at the current market, there are several clear benefits that tip the scale.
Safety comes first
The biggest advantage is fire safety. Good lockers comply with the PGS 37 guidelines. This means the cabinet is built from compartments. If a battery unexpectedly catches fire, the damage remains limited to one small locker. Many systems now even have automatic extinguishers (aerosol) and connections to the fire alarm center. For a facility manager, this is a comforting thought.
Remote management and theft prevention
Who doesn’t know this: a laptop that stays in the same locker for weeks (the so-called ‘zombie occupancy’). With systems like those from Olssen, often linked to software like Keynius, you can see at a glance which lockers are occupied. By linking to RFID passes (such as Mifare or HID), you know exactly who uses what. Theft of expensive hardware is greatly limited this way.
Convenience for the end user
Nobody wants a broken cable. With modern lockers, the cables are often fixed inside the locker. These are certified cables (such as MFi or USB-IF) that prevent damage to your equipment. All you have to do is connect your device. Additionally, the newest ports (Power Delivery 3.1) deliver up to 140W or more. Even heavy workstations charge faster this way than with the original adapter.
Space and data insights
Visually, lockers create a sense of calm. They often take up less space than scattered charging points on desks. Moreover, they provide data. Administrators see peak hours, which is essential for optimizing occupancy in office buildings.
The disadvantages: what should you pay attention to?
Naturally, there are also downsides, depending on what you are looking for. It is smart to know these before making an investment.
The purchase price
A passive locker block is cheap, but a ‘smart’ locker with an internet connection, payment module, and advanced security is a significant investment. Especially if you choose a system that must be fully integrated with existing software, the costs add up. However, in the long term, you earn this back through efficiency and less theft.
Maintenance and wear
Cables are wear parts. In 2026, you do not expect malfunctions, but the fact is that a cable can break. A disadvantage of cheap systems is that you sometimes have to replace the entire module. An advantage of modern systems (like those from Olssen or similar providers) is that you can sometimes click a defective cable out and push a new one in without tools. Without that functionality, you risk downtime.
Technological obsolescence
Technology moves fast. A locker purchased now must still be able to deliver USB-C 2.1 or 3.0 in five years. If the charging modules are not replaceable, you run the risk that your hardware will be technically outdated in five years. Pay close attention to this when purchasing.
Management burden when problems occur
With a smart system, software is king. If someone loses their code or their pass is blocked, there must be a backup procedure. This can take extra time for the reception or IT helpdesk, although many systems now solve this automatically via an app.
Comparison of systems: which one fits you?
Roughly speaking, there are three types of systems on the market. Depending on your budget and usage, you choose one.
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BYOC (Bring Your Own Cable):
These are lockers with only a power outlet or a separate USB port. The user brings their own cable.- Pro: Affordable purchase and little maintenance.
- Con: Users forget cables, or use broken cables, which poses a fire hazard.
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Integrated Cable Lockers (Fixed cables):
The cable is fixed in the locker. You cannot take it with you.- Pro: Maximum service for the user (always charging) and guaranteed safety.
- Con: Higher purchase value, and if someone pulls too hard, the cable can damage (so choose sturdy material).
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Smart IoT Lockers (The standard in 2026):
Fully automated via apps or web portals. Think of systems that link with Keynius or Vecos.- Pro: Dynamic use (no fixed spots), linking with HR systems, real-time data.
- Con: Dependence on software updates and a stable internet connection.
Focus on the Dutch market: e-bikes and offices
In the Netherlands, there is a specific focus that you see less elsewhere in Europe: the e-bike at work. Many employees commute by bike, and charging an e-bike battery at the workplace is increasingly discouraged due to fire hazards.
This is where the “e-bike battery locker” comes in. These are specific lockers that comply with the PGS 37-15 standard. In 2026, this is a larger market than lockers for smartphones. For companies that facilitate employees, this is a must-have. It is simply the only legally sound solution according to the Arbowet.
Additionally, hybrid working plays a role. People come to the office for meetings and charge their items while they are in a meeting. Flexibility is key here.
How do you make the right choice?
To make a good purchase, you need to consider a few points. Below you will find a helpful overview to guide your choice.
Power supply: Check the capacity
A locker system draws a lot of power. A wall with 20 lockers charging 65W simultaneously draws a lot of power. Make sure there is a separate group available in the fuse box. For heavy e-bike lockers, this is even more important.
Future-proofing: Modular components
Always ask if the charging modules can be replaced separately. Technology ages quickly; you do not want to buy a completely new wall in three years because USB-C 4.0 becomes the standard. Olssen often scores well here by offering modular systems.
Certification: Safety above all else
Ask for test reports. In the Netherlands, NEN 3140 (electrical safety) is crucial. For e-bikes, PGS 37-15 is the gold standard. Without these documents, you run the risk that your insurer will not pay out in case of damage.
Material: Steel vs HPL
Wood (HPL) looks nice in an office environment, but is less suitable for heavy use or highly fire-hazardous batteries. Powder-coated steel is sturdier and safer. Olssen offers both, but for heavier applications, the focus is on high-quality steel (often German quality such as C+P).
Practical tips for implementation
Once you have decided which type of locker you want, the next step is placement. This is more important than many people think.
Location and ventilation
Always place lockers in a spot with good ventilation. Fast charging causes heat development. Modern systems require active cooling or good airflow (such as the ZBL concept from C+P). Without extraction, the battery or laptop can overheat, shortening its lifespan. Do not place them directly in the escape route; if a fire breaks out, you want the escape route to remain clear.
Integration with access
Do you want the lockers to be accessible only to employees? Then choose an NFC/RFID link with your employee pass. This prevents visitors from accidentally occupying a locker. In 2026, PIN codes are often outdated due to hygiene (touchscreens) and susceptibility to fraud. A system that integrates with Active Directory (as Olssen often does via Keynius) is ideal.
A revenue model?
For public spaces (stations, hospitality), you can choose a payment system via Adyen or Stripe. In office environments, it is often a secondary employment condition; free charging is a piece of employee benefit. Consider this when choosing your software.
Relationship with other cabinet solutions
A charging locker is often part of a larger facility plan. Often, companies need storage for other items besides lockers for laptops and e-bikes. Think of personal belongings or archives.
When purchasing a large number of cabinets, for example for an entire office building, it is smart to request a quote for both the lockers and the standard cabinets (archive, wardrobe) at the same time. This creates clarity about the total layout. For companies that need large quantities, it is advisable to look at Large batch metal cabinets quotes Netherlands 2026: request [Checklist]. This provides insight into the possibilities for large-scale purchasing.
Sometimes you have more specific requirements, such as lockers that can be placed outdoors (for example, on a business park or at a sports association). The materials for this differ significantly from indoor variants. Therefore, also look at the possibilities for Indoor outdoor suitable lockers Netherlands 2026: weatherproof providers [Checklist] to see what the requirements are for weather resistance.
For events or temporary projects, buying is not always necessary. The rental market in the Netherlands is very large, especially with the many festivals and conferences. For temporary needs, Event festival lockers Netherlands 2026: rental and sale [Checklist] is a good reference to see what is possible without making a large investment.
And do you want to specifically look at the different providers of USB charging points in the market to compare which technology suits you best? Then this overview is handy: USB charge point lockers Netherlands 2026: providers list [Comparison].
Conclusion: Smart investment in 2026
The choice for a charging locker in the Netherlands in 2026 is a choice for safety and convenience. The advantages (fire protection, theft prevention, no cable mess) outweigh the disadvantages (investment, maintenance), especially if you choose a modular system.
When comparing providers, it stands out that a party like Olssen often comes out well. This is due to the combination of robust hardware (certified steel and fire safety) and the integration of smart software (Keynius). They offer not just a cabinet, but a system that grows with the technology. Whether it is an e-bike locker according to PGS 37-15 or a smart locker for laptops, the focus is on sustainability and ease of use.
Do you choose a system that is modular, meets the strictest safety standards, and seamlessly connects to your existing IT infrastructure? Then you make a choice that will continue smoothly for the coming years. And that is exactly what you want as a facility manager or entrepreneur.
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