Amsterdam’s First Open E-Bike Battery Charging Network Launched by PowerShelter
Amsterdam, Netherlands, a city where bicycles glide like quiet clockwork, is preparing for a new gear shift. PowerShelter has announced the debut of its public e-bike battery charging lockers, known as “Shelters,” forming a first-of-its-kind network. Fifteen locations will anchor the rollout, answering a long-growing need for safer, smarter, more inclusive e-bike battery charging across Amsterdam. PowerShelter first shared the news in August.
A City at a Crossroads
Amsterdam’s cycling brilliance masks a growing problem. Rising e-bike adoption has brought a surge in battery thefts and heightened safety concerns. Battery fire risks weigh heavily on policymakers, insurers, and local businesses. Riders have resorted to charging batteries under chairs in cafés or relying on scarce, unprotected outlets in municipal bike garages. Outside the home, charging infrastructure is almost nonexistent.
“There are thousands of places to charge an electric car across Amsterdam. Why are we limited to charging our e-bikes at home?” said Jake De Wulf, co-founder of PowerShelter.
“The shift away from cars is happening, but the infrastructure hasn’t kept up. PowerShelter is here to fill that gap and build the charging network our cities need. Amsterdam is just the start.”
A Universal, Open-Access Solution
PowerShelter’s system aims to redefine urban micromobility. The lockers prioritize fire-safety, theft protection, and ease of use. They accommodate any e-bike battery, eliminating the frustrations of closed-loop systems that lock out riders based on brand. The network is made for everyone: delivery couriers, daily commuters, weekend wanderers, and anyone who rides.
“Unlike closed, siloed solutions, ours is open-system plug-and-charge,” said co-founder Brett Bouthillier. “Secure, accessible to all, and scalable. We want every rider to feel safe and empowered to ride further.”
Partnerships with Purpose
PowerShelter is collaborating across the city to weave its network into the natural rhythms of daily life. Iconic venues including stadiums, cinemas, museums, and micromobility hubs in parking garages have signed on as launch partners. Additional locations will be announced as the rollout approaches.
The company has also reached agreements with leading bike brands to integrate official OEM chargers directly inside the Shelters. Riders who prefer to bring their own chargers or simply need a secure place to store a battery will also have access to dedicated compartments.
Building the Next Layer of Sustainable Cities
The Shelters introduce fire-safe charging, theft-proof storage, and universal compatibility in a single system. They are strategically placed based on real rider flows and safety needs, creating a network that is accessible to couriers, commuters, families, and visitors alike. The modular design allows fast deployment across urban environments and fits naturally into restaurants, event venues, residential bike storage areas, and transit hubs.
“Cities the world over are racing against climate deadlines, and e-bikes are a perfect tool to reduce emissions,” Bouthillier said. “Our infrastructure will unlock the full potential of e-mobility, helping cities meet ambitious decarbonization targets while fostering social and economic opportunity for all.”
With transportation responsible for nearly a quarter of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, innovations like PowerShelter’s network make sustainable mobility not only viable but preferable.
About PowerShelter
PowerShelter is shaping the future of micromobility infrastructure worldwide. By delivering fire-safe, theft-proof, universally compatible charging solutions, the company empowers cities and communities to embrace e-mobility with confidence. Founded on principles of safety, accessibility, and scalability, PowerShelter partners globally to advance a zero-emissions future.
