An accessible parcel locker puts the screen, scanner and at least some compartments within a 15 to 48 inch (380 to 1,220 mm) reach range, works one-handed, and offers a non-visual route such as speech output with a tactile keypad or an app that opens the door remotely. Plan these in the head unit early.
This guide is written by the engineering team of Beijing Huamei Xuntong Technology Co., Ltd. (TouchVision), a manufacturer founded in 2012 that designs and builds industrial displays, embedded boards, HMI panels, industrial gateways and edge AI computers.
Key takeaways
- ADA and EN 301 549 agree on an unobstructed forward reach of 380 to 1,220 mm (15 to 48 in) for operable parts.
- Doors and controls should work with one hand and no tight grasping; ADA caps operating force at 5 lbf (22.2 N).
- A blind user needs a full non-visual route: speech output, tactile keys and private listening, or a phone app.
- The European Accessibility Act has applied since 28 June 2025; check with counsel how it covers your locker model.
- Reserve lower ‘easy access’ compartments in software and support secure remote opening.
Why does accessibility matter for parcel lockers now?
Parcel lockers are becoming a main delivery channel, so a locker that a wheelchair user, a blind resident or an older customer cannot operate excludes them from their own deliveries. Designing an accessible parcel locker is also increasingly a procurement question: landlords, cities and carriers ask how the machine meets accessibility rules before they approve a site.
The rules are not identical across markets, and none was written only for lockers. In the US, the 2010 ADA Standards set reach ranges and operable-part rules for storage and for machines. In the EU, EN 301 549 sets accessibility requirements for ICT, including stationary terminals, and the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) covers certain self-service terminals. Operators in the UK already offer practical features such as lower compartments reserved for customers who need them. The common ground is enough to design one head unit that works in all of them.
How high should the locker screen and compartments be?
Both the US ADA Standards and EN 301 549 use the same envelope for an unobstructed forward reach: operable parts no higher than 48 inches (1,220 mm) and no lower than 15 inches (380 mm) above the floor. The screen’s touch area, the scanner window, any keypad and the door handles of the accessible compartments should sit inside that band.
| Element | US: 2010 ADA Standards | EU: EN 301 549 (stationary ICT) | Design note for locker screens |
|---|---|---|---|
| High forward reach | 48 in (1,220 mm) max, section 308.2.1 | 1,220 mm max, clause 8.3.2.1 | Keep the top of the touch area and the scanner below this line |
| Low forward reach | 15 in (380 mm) min | 380 mm min, clause 8.3.2.2 | Lowest usable compartments must not be below this |
| Side reach (parallel approach) | 48 in max, 15 in min, section 308.3.1 | Similar side-reach clauses in 8.3.3 | Leave clear floor space beside the head unit |
| Operation | One hand, no tight grasping, pinching or twisting; 5 lbf (22.2 N) max, section 309.4 | Usage with limited manipulation or strength (functional criterion 4.2.7) | Use push-open doors, not stiff latches |
| How many compartments | Lockers: at least 5%, minimum one per type (225.2.1) | Not specified by count | Mark and reserve “easy access” doors in software |
Whether a particular parcel locker counts as “lockers”, “storage” or a self-service machine under a given law is a legal question for each project; the reach and operation figures above are the safe design target either way. Obstructions such as a deep shelf in front of the screen reduce the allowed height, so keep the head unit flush.
What makes a locker screen usable without sight?
A parcel locker touch screen alone is a closed system for a blind user, so an accessible locker screen needs a non-visual way to complete the whole task: speech output, a tactile input method and a private listening option.
The ADA Standards’ rules for automatic teller and fare machines (section 707) are a useful model even where they do not formally apply: machines must be speech-enabled, the speech must cover operating instructions, prompts, input verification and error messages, and each key must be distinguishable by touch. EN 301 549 sets similar requirements for ICT with closed functionality, including speech output, user control of speech and a speaker volume that can reach at least 65 dBA, with a note that noisy sites may need more.
- Speech output: a speaker plus text-to-speech for every step, including errors such as “door did not open”.
- Tactile input: a small keypad with a raised mark on the 5 key, or physical navigation buttons, beside the touch screen.
- Private listening: a standard headphone jack so codes are not announced aloud.
- Audio and code privacy: mask PIN entry on screen and in speech.
- App alternative: remote door opening from the user’s own phone, which already has the user’s screen reader.
What does the European Accessibility Act mean for lockers?
The European Accessibility Act applies from 28 June 2025 and covers payment terminals and certain self-service terminals, so a parcel locker with a card payment function, or one that works as an interactive terminal for covered services, is likely to fall in scope. Some locker vendors state that parcel lockers count as interactive self-service terminals; others take a narrower view. Get a legal opinion for your market and product.
In practice, EU buyers increasingly ask for an EN 301 549 conformity statement, because EN 301 549 is the European standard already used for accessible ICT in public procurement. Building to it from the first prototype is far cheaper than retrofitting audio and keypads into a finished cabinet. Our earlier guide to vending machine touch screens covers the same Act from the vending side.
What are UK operators already doing?
UK networks show that accessibility is partly a software feature: InPost, for example, lets customers request an “Easy Access” lower compartment through its app when collecting, and its locker screens offer a lower compartment when sending or returning a parcel. If no accessible door is free, the customer is told at delivery time.
The same operator lets users open a locker remotely from the app when the screen or code scanning is not convenient. For a head-unit designer, that means the controller must track which compartments are “easy access”, expose that to the back end, and support remote open commands securely. These are firmware and back-end features, not steelwork.
Which hardware choices make a locker screen more accessible?
Accessibility depends on the screen’s position, readability and touch behaviour as much as on software, so choose the head-unit hardware with these users in mind.
| Requirement | Hardware choice | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Readable from a seated position (wheelchair users) | Wide viewing angle panel, anti-glare glass, tilt the screen back slightly | Seated users look up at the screen from below |
| Readable outdoors | High-brightness backlight | Low-vision users need contrast in sunlight |
| Works with gloves, prosthetics or a stylus | Infrared touch screen | Detects any opaque object, not only bare fingers |
| Speech and private audio | Controller with audio output, amplifier and headphone jack | Enables text-to-speech and private listening |
| Tactile keypad | Spare USB or serial port on the controller | Adds a physical input route |
| Remote opening | 4G or Ethernet plus secure firmware | Lets users open from their own accessible phone |
TouchVision’s locker screens and controllers combine infrared or PCAP touch screens with controller boards such as the TV-RK3568, which offers five RS-485 ports for lock buses and audio prompts as a customization option. For the overall architecture, see our smart parcel locker system guide; for touch choice outdoors, see infrared vs capacitive touch screens.
Accessible parcel locker checklist
- Reach: touch area, scanner, keypad and accessible doors between 380 and 1,220 mm (15 to 48 in).
- Clear space: level floor space in front of and beside the head unit; no deep shelf in front.
- Doors: lower compartments and at least some others in the reach band, operable with one hand and low force.
- Speech: text-to-speech for every prompt and error, adjustable volume.
- Tactile input: keypad or buttons with a raised mark; headphone jack for privacy.
- Display: high contrast, large text mode, anti-glare glass, wide viewing angle.
- Software: “easy access” compartment flag, app-based remote opening, extended door-open time.
- Documentation: ADA review for US sites; EN 301 549 conformity statement for EU tenders.
About TouchVision. TouchVision has designed and manufactured industrial touch displays, embedded boards, panel PCs, IoT gateways and edge AI computers since 2012, from standard models to full OEM/ODM projects. Standard products carry a 3-year warranty from delivery. For bespoke builds, see our custom locker screens and head units on the TouchVision OEM/ODM site, or read about us.
Frequently asked questions
What height should a parcel locker screen be?
Keep the touch area, scanner and any keypad between 15 and 48 inches (380 to 1,220 mm) above the floor for an unobstructed forward reach, as set out in the ADA Standards and EN 301 549.
Do parcel lockers have to comply with the European Accessibility Act?
Lockers with payment terminals, or that act as interactive self-service terminals for covered services, are likely in scope. Interpretations differ, so take legal advice for your product.
How can a blind person use a parcel locker?
Through speech output with a tactile keypad and headphone jack on the locker, or through the carrier’s app, which can open the door remotely using the phone’s own screen reader.
How many accessible compartments does a locker need?
For lockers, the ADA Standards require at least 5 percent, and a minimum of one per type, to meet the storage requirements. Other markets set no fixed count.
Which touch screen is best for accessible lockers?
Infrared touch works with gloves, prosthetics and styluses and suits outdoor lockers; PCAP suits indoor lockers. Either should sit behind anti-glare glass within the reach range.
Sources and standards referenced
- U.S. Access Board: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (sections 225, 308, 309, 707, 811)
- ETSI: EN 301 549 V3.2.1 Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (PDF)
- EUR-Lex: Directive (EU) 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act)
- InPost UK: Accessibility at InPost
- Parcel Hive: Parcel locker EAA compliance
Need a recommendation for your project?
Send your drawings, quantities and environment through our RFQ form and a TouchVision engineer will reply with a recommended configuration, quotation and sample plan. You can also call or WhatsApp +86 135 0532 6001.