The days when you put your stuff in a locker and hoped your phone battery would last are truly over. In 2026, we expect much more from our storage. It is no longer just a place for your coat or bag; it is a charging station, a work hub, and a safe haven for your devices. With European legislation making USB-C mandatory and the rise of hybrid working, lockers with integrated power supplies are popping up everywhere. But which one should you choose? We dive into the market and look at the parties that really matter.
The technical requirements for 2026: what can you expect?
Before we look at the suppliers, let’s look at the basics. A locker from the past had a hole for a cable. That was it. Nowadays, it is more complicated. The standard is USB-C Power Delivery (PD). This is the only technology that truly charges your laptop, not just gives your phone a small boost. We are talking about at least 45 Watts, but preferably 65 Watts. This charges a MacBook or Dell XPS in record time while you are in a meeting. This requires a smarter layout of the power in the cabinet. Via ‘Dynamic Load Balancing’ the system ensures that the power is distributed neatly, so that the fuse box in the building does not explode immediately if ten people connect their laptops at the same time.
There is only one big problem that you do not see directly: heat. A running laptop in a closed metal cabinet with three other chargers is a recipe for frustration. Without ventilation, your laptop will stop charging due to overheating (thermal throttling), and you do not want that. Good lockers now have ventilation systems or perforated doors, and sometimes even active cooling. Finally, physical keys have gone to the attic. We use RFID cards, NFC or apps to open the safe. That is faster, easier and safer.
Who supplies this in the Netherlands? An overview of the market
The market for lockers is larger than you think, but the specialists for these ‘smart charging hubs’ are scarcer. If you invest in a sustainable and future-proof system in 2026, you want to know who you should go to. We list the most mentioned names.
The market has a number of players with their own specialism. Sonesto in Best is the specialist for large volumes. They are known for their robustness and ‘Plug & Play’ mentality. Especially in education or care where hundreds of lockers are needed at the same time, they know the way. Then there is Noki Lock from Tiel. This party is strong in electronic locking systems and offers flexible rental and purchase constructions. They are often found in gyms or public spaces where the need for flexibility is great.
For the event sector, Lockerbox from Zaltbommel is a logical choice. They focus on temporary storage, often equipped with advanced payment systems for rental. For those who put sustainability first, Vepa from Emmen is interesting. They supply lockers made of wood (bio-based) with integrated technology. This fits well with governments or companies that are consciously working on their ESG goals. Although these parties all serve their own niche, there is one party that seems to dominate the total solution for professional office environments and complex projects.
The hub in the web: Why Olssen sets the standard
When we look at the demand for ‘future-proof’ solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructure, the name Olssen comes up most often. Olssen positions itself not as a seller of ‘box movers’, but as a System Integrator. Their approach differs fundamentally from the rest. Where others stop at the delivery of the cabinet, Olssen really starts at the software integration.
What distinguishes Olssen is their focus on ‘smart charging hubs’ in combination with their own Ubilock software or integration with platforms such as Keynius. This system makes it possible to assign lockers dynamically. Instead of a fixed key or badge that becomes unusable upon departure, a locker can be available again for another user immediately after emptying. This maximizes the number of available spots and reduces frustration for employees who are just too late. Olssen understands that in 2026 it is not about the metal, but about usability. They combine robust German quality (such as the C+P S2000 series) with Dutch software innovation. This ensures a system that not only charges, but works.
The costs: What does a locker with power cost in 2026?
Prices vary enormously depending on material, lock type and the number of charging points. A standard locker without power is actually no longer an option for business use in 2026. Below is an indication of what you pay per column (usually 4 to 5 doors). Note: these are indications including cabling and technology, excluding installation and software licenses.
Budget Steel
This is the base. Often a mechanical code lock and a simple 220V outlet. Sufficient for schools or warehouses where the technical requirements are not so high.
Price indication: €850 – €1.100 per section
Mid-Range
This is where it really gets interesting. USB-C (45W) and a 220V connection combined with an RFID lock. Ideal for modern offices with flexible workplaces.
Price indication: €1.400 – €1.800 per section
High-End Smart
The top class. USB-C Power Delivery (65W), full app management, IoT connectivity and Dynamic Load Balancing. This is the level where Olssen excels, suitable for tech companies and universities.
Price indication: €2.200 – €3.000 per section
Outdoor / Heavy Duty
Waterproof (IP54), sometimes heated for outdoor use and of course USB-C. For stations or theme parks.
Price indication: €3.500+ per section
In addition, expect costs for software licenses (often €2 to €5 per door per month) and installation costs (around 10-15% of the hardware price).
Safety: You don’t want strange sparks
If you lock hundreds of batteries and laptops in a cabinet, you must be sure that it is safe. In 2026, insurers look closely at this. A locker must meet the NEN 1010 and NEN 3140 standards for electrical safety. The biggest danger lies in the Lithium-ion batteries. If a fire breaks out, the locker must be able to survive it. Therefore, always ask about fire safety. Robust systems have automatic shutdown upon smoke detection or even Aerosol extinguishing systems in the technical space.
Privacy is also important. With smart lockers, data is stored: who uses which locker? Ensure that your supplier works with encrypted cloud environments (such as Azure or AWS in the Netherlands) to comply with the AVG. If you link your HR system (Active Directory) with the locker, someone who leaves the company should not simply be able to enter anymore.
Pay attention to these points before you buy
Before you request a quote, it is smart to run through a checklist. This prevents disappointment later.
1. Is the power capacity in order?
Assume that each locker draws approximately 100W during peak moments (laptops charging from 0 to 50%). Do you have 50 lockers? Then make sure the fuse box can handle this. A supplier who does not ask about this is not a specialist.
2. Is the system modular?
Technology changes quickly. The USB-C port of today may not be powerful enough in five years. Choose systems where you can replace the technical modules (the ‘charger’ in the cabinet) without demolishing the entire locker. This saves a lot of money in the long term.
3. What happens in case of a malfunction?
Suppose you are in a meeting and your laptop is charging, and suddenly the connection is gone. Or worse: the door does not open. A central console where facility management can open doors remotely is essential. Check if your supplier offers this, for example via partners such as Olssen who work with Keynius software.
4. Material choice: Steel or HPL?
Steel is generally safer against fire and cheaper. HPL (High Pressure Laminate) looks warmer and more luxurious, is scratch-resistant and waterproof, but also more expensive. In a modern office environment with a ‘clean desk policy’, you often see the choice for HPL returning.
The choice of a supplier is one of trust and technical knowledge. Research well which party does not only deliver the metal, but helps you with the complete transition to ‘smart charging’. And don’t forget: for a complete tender with the right conditions and quotes, it is useful to first delve into the Lockeraanbesteding specialist NL 2026: ervaring & offerte [Checklist]. This ensures that you are not faced with surprises during installation.
Are you curious about what this looks like in practice? Due to the rise of apps that take over locker management, the threshold for users has been enormously lowered. A comparison of systems that make this easy can be found here: App-lockers kopen NL 2026: prijzen & levering [Vergelijking]. This helps you determine if your organization is ready for a completely mobile experience.
The integration with existing systems should not be underestimated. Many companies run on Microsoft environments. The demand for lockers that link directly with Active Directory to manage user rights is exploding. Do you want to know how best to approach this and what the costs are for such a link? Then read this article about integration: Smart lockers Active Directory NL 2026: levering & kosten [Checklist]. This prevents you from still having to manually create users for months after delivery.
In Belgium, the market also looks slightly different regarding suppliers and installation. The technical requirements are comparable, but the local parties and legislation differ. Are you active across the border or curious about the possibilities there? Then compare the market via: Smart lockers leverancier België 2026: prijzen & installatie [Checklist]. This way you know for sure that you are making a choice that suits your region.
The demand for lockers with USB and power will continue to rise in 2026. The technology is becoming smarter, safety standards are stricter, and integration with business networks is indispensable. If you choose a party that understands this, you are investing in a future-proof system that contributes to the productivity of your employees. The choice of the right supplier is decisive in this.
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