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How to start, pause and end your Poppy trip

Quick guide to starting, pausing, and ending your Poppy trip, plus common issues and how to solve them.

Updated over a week ago

▶️ Starting your trip

1. Reserve a vehicle for free (15 min)

  • Open the Poppy app

  • Pick your ride and reserve it for free for 15 minutes, or prolong your reservation.

  • Choose your desired rate, pass and insurance type.

  • You can cancel anytime during this window at no cost (if your vehicle comes with a high-demand fee, this fee will be charged if you cancel your trip).

2. Check the car

  • Do a quick walk around

  • Report any visible damage directly in the app or send pictures via the in-app live chat

3. Unlock and go

  • Tap "Unlock" in the app

  • Do a quick check of the interior and report dirt or damage in the app

  • Buckle up and you're ready!

💡 Want to schedule your ride ahead of time? You can! Learn how to schedule a ride.


⏸️ Pausing your trip

Need a break during your trip? You can pause anytime—even outside of Poppy zones (just note, those stops are at your own expense).

  • Tap ‘Pause’ in the app

  • Make sure:

    • Engine is off

    • Gear is in 'P'

    • Doors and windows are fully closed

    • For vehicles with a physical key, place it back in the keyholder in the glove compartment

    • You are parked in a legal parking spot

To continue, just tap ‘Unlock’ again.

💰 Pause rates vary depending on the vehicle. Prices are visible in the app when you select your desired vehicle.


⏹️ Ending your trip

When you're done, return the vehicle to any legal parking spot within a Poppy zone and end the trip in the app.

Before you leave the vehicle:

  • 🔒 Lock the car via the app

  • 🧼 Make sure the interior is clean

  • 👜 Take all personal items with you

  • 💡 Turn off the lights and engine

  • 🪟 Close all windows and doors

  • 💥 Report any damages in the app

  • 🅿️ Confirm it's parked legally


🛜 Can't start or resume your trip?

There could be a few reasons why:

  • Are you parked underground?

  • Are you in an area with poor mobile signal?

To avoid connection issues, it’s not allowed to pause or end your trip in locations with poor reception. This helps ensure you can resume your trip, and that the next user can start theirs smoothly.

What you can do:

  • Restart Bluetooth, the app, and your mobile data

  • Still stuck? Contact us via the in-app live chat or give us a call

💡 If you pause or end your trip in an unauthorized underground parking or a low-signal area, you may be held responsible for any costs if our team or a towing service has to retrieve the vehicle.


🚀 More things you can do


💸 Pricing, extra costs & insurance


💬 Need help on the go?

You can reach us directly through the app via live chat or by phone.


🧐 What is a 'Free test ride'?

If you received an email about a free test ride, it means you're invited to try out Poppy, completely free, for a short trip.

Here’s what you need to know:

🚗 What’s included?

  • 30 minutes (includes both driving and pause time)

  • 5 kilometers

  • No unlock fee

🕒 How long is it valid?

  • You have 3 days to claim your free test ride

  • Use it immediately if there's a vehicle nearby, or schedule a ride for later

📩 Reminders

  • We’ll remind you before your free test ride pass expires during your trip

💸 What happens after it expires?

  • Once your free test ride pass expires, the standard rate per minute applies

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