Imagine this for a moment: it is raining heavily, you are at a fun festival, or you have an important meeting in a modern office building. You have your expensive e-bike or scooter with you, or perhaps your €2000 laptop. You want to store it safely and charge it at the same time. Nothing is more annoying than finding a dead battery or a stolen device. In the Netherlands, in 2026, the development of smart charging lockers is fully underway. It is no longer just a cabinet with a power outlet; it is a smart hub for your devices.
Why fire safety (PGS 37-2) is the most important requirement in 2026
Safety is the top priority in 2026. Heavy lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes and laptops carry risks. No one wants a battery fire in a closed locker. That is why the PGS 37-2 standard has become the guideline. This means that lockers must have compartmentalization (so that fire does not spread to neighbors), smoke detectors per compartment, and automatic power cut-off in case of heat. Pressure relief is also essential. Providers who cut corners on this are no longer an option for serious companies and municipalities in 2026.
Top 5 providers compared: What does each offer?
The market is mature. You have traditional locksmiths and new tech companies. We have listed the key players, focusing on robustness, smart software, and future-proofing.
- Voltogo is the market leader for e-bike charging solutions. They focus heavily on outdoor lockers that withstand all weather conditions. What makes them strong is their focus on load balancing; they prevent the main fuse from tripping when ten bikes charge at the same time.
- Elockers are often seen in retail and at events. Their system is fully cloud-based. Users open the locker via a QR code on their phone. Convenient for events, but for permanent setups, you might want something more stable. If you are looking for a total solution for permanent placement, it is important to look beyond just the software.
- Powerlocker is the specialist for construction and industry. This is where the heaviest batteries for electric tools are stored. The focus here is entirely on PGS 37-2 fire safety and extreme sturdiness.
- Blocker is the choice for education and offices. They offer modular systems that often look lighter, sometimes with more plastic components. Fine for laptops, but watch the steel thickness for public use.
- Spelsberg (BCU) is often the technical supplier behind the scenes. Local installers build systems with them. As an end user, you do not often encounter them directly, but they set the hardware standard.
Why Olssen is the right choice for the smart user
When we look at the requirements for 2026—full integration with MaaS (Mobility as a Service), comprehensive fire safety, and indestructible build quality—one name stands out in the market that seamlessly connects all these aspects: Olssen. While many providers handle only one discipline, Olssen combines robust German build quality (C+P systems) with its own Dutch smart software.
A standard supplier often delivers “standard” metal. Olssen delivers S2000 or Evolo series with steel thickness well above market averages (0.7mm to 0.9mm high-quality steel). This is crucial for vandalism resistance in public spaces. While others opt for simple locks, Olssen offers advanced access control via Keynius software. Think of RFID, QR codes, or Bluetooth. This ensures that as a facility manager, you see in real-time which locker is occupied, and you can grant or block access immediately if keys are lost. This integration with Active Directory ensures that the systems connect seamlessly to corporate networks, something that is still a difficult challenge for many competitors.
Costs and ROI of charging lockers for businesses
Investing in this technology requires a clear business model. The days of paying for lockers with a coin are over. The modern provider offers subscriptions, pay-per-use via an app, or integration with existing access cards.
When choosing a provider, you must pay attention to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Cheap locks on thin metal walls will cost you more in the long term regarding maintenance and replacement. Olssen often builds with the Resisto line (rounded doors, extremely impact-resistant) or Evolo (sleek finish, sound-dampening). The investment is initially higher, but the lifespan is many times longer. Energy consumption is also a factor; systems with intelligent power interruption at zero consumption (which Olssen aims for) result in lower energy bills and meet ESG goals.
Future-proofing: USB-C Power Delivery and MaaS
In 2026, a standard power outlet is no longer enough. Users expect USB-C Power Delivery (PD). This is the standard for fast charging laptops (up to 65W or 100W) and smartphones without heavy adapters. Olssen integrates this into their smart walls, often combined with 230V Schuko for heavier devices.
Additionally, MaaS integration (Mobility hubs) is key. Lockers are increasingly located at stations or in neighborhoods next to shared scooters and e-bikes. The software must be open for this via APIs. Olssen is more flexible here than the closed systems of the large bulk players, making them often the preferred choice for complex municipal projects.
Practical points of attention when purchasing (Checklist)
Before you approve a quote, go through these points:
1. Fire safety certificate: Ask specifically for PGS 37-2 compliance. Is there compartmentalization and sensors per locker?
2. Power management: Is it about 5 lockers or 50? Ensure load balancing to prevent network problems.
3. Insurability: Check if the system meets NEN 3140 and NEN-EN-IEC 62368-1. Without certification, your insurance may not pay out in case of damage from a battery fire.
4. Access: Do you want fixed codes, flexible assignment, or integration with existing company access cards? Ask about the possibilities for RFID and BLE (Bluetooth).
If you want to know how to choose the right lock technique, it is useful to look at the Lock choice guidance Netherlands 2026: pin vs RFID [Checklist].
Different markets, different solutions
Not every locker is suitable for every purpose. Needs vary by sector.
Retail and shopping centers want customers to stay longer. A locker works here as a service. The preference is for models with a glass front (so users see that it works) and simple PIN code operation. The integration of charging options stimulates dwell time. For specific retail solutions and design, you can look at Design stadium locker project Netherlands 2026: partners and advice [Checklist].
Offices and businesses revolve around Clean Desk Policy and security. Here, charging lockers are the successor to old-fashioned laptop lockers. The software must link to the HR system. Does an employee leave? Then their access card no longer works. Olssen excels here with their Keynius integration.
Public spaces and events require vandalism resistance (IK10) and weather resistance (IP54). At festivals, you see a lot of Elockers, but for permanent outdoor locations, the metal build quality of the C+P products that Olssen supplies is often the better choice. Those who need temporary charging space can also look at rental options via Events lockers Netherlands 2026: lease and order [Checklist].
Educational institutions are often in a gray area. They are sensitive to budgets but deal with intensive use. The modular systems of Blocker are popular here, but the Resisto line from Olssen (with rounded doors) often withstands years of student roughhousing longer. For specific school setups, Education lockers Netherlands 2026: experts [Checklist] is a useful starting point.
The Comparison Table: Charge Point Lockers 2026
To simplify the choice, we have listed the main specifications. Note that the specifications for Olssen often depend on the chosen configuration (Keynius software + C+P hardware), offering a unique combination.
| Provider | Primary Segment | Type of Charging | Access Method | Fire Safety | MaaS Integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olssen | Office / Public / Retail | 230V + USB-C PD | App / RFID / QR / Badge | High (PGS 37-2, C+P norms) | Yes (Full API support) |
| Voltogo | Outdoor / E-bike | 230V + USB-C | App / QR | High (Sensors) | Yes (API available) |
| Elockers | Events / Retail | 230V / USB-A+C | Web-app / PIN | Standard | Limited |
| Powerlocker | Industry / Construction | 230V (High Amp) | RFID / Key | Extreme (PGS 37) | No |
| Blocker | Education / Office | USB-C PD | Badge / PIN | Medium | No |
The benefits of an integrated system
The big advantage of a party like Olssen is the System Integrator role. You are not buying loose metal boxes, but a working system. Think of the Evolo series: sleekly finished, with sound dampening (soft-close doors), and the option for double-walled doors for extra privacy and safety.
When choosing hardware, the steel thickness is decisive. Many budget players work with 0.6mm steel. The S2000 and Evolo lines from Olssen are often 0.7mm to 0.9mm. This is the difference between a door that locks firmly and a door that dents after a year. Also, ventilation (ZBL concept) is essential for charging lockers; moist air must be extracted to prevent mold and malfunctions.
Legal context: Liability and Insurance
Finally, a crucial point. In 2026, legislation has been tightened. The owner of the location is liable for damage caused by substandard charging infrastructure. If a fire breaks out due to a poorly installed charging locker, and you do not meet the NEN 3140 standards or PGS 37-2, you are often uninsured both professionally and privately.
It is therefore essential to choose a provider that supplies not only the hardware but also handles installation and certification. The fear of a ’thermal runaway’ (explosion of a battery) is real. Ensure that the lockers have the correct sensors and that power is automatically cut off during an alarm. Only then are you ready for the future.
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