Robberies, assaults and even a drive-by shooting are among hundreds of crimes involving thugs on electric scooters, a Mail investigation reveals. The crimewave has been disclosed by police in areas that have given the go-ahead to e-scooter pilot schemes. Other reported offences include shoplifting, drug possession and suspects using them to escape arrest. Zippy: E-scooter rider in London Pedestrians were run down by the contraptions being illegally used on pavements, while in one shocking incident a scooter was seen towing a trailer on a 60mph-limit road. Riders were also stopped using an e-scooter while drunk or high on drugs. It comes despite Transport Secretary Grant Shapps proclaiming e-scooters part of a 'transport revolution' involving greener and zero-emission forms of travel. Last spring he fast-tracked their legalisation for trials. The Mail sent freedom of information requests to police forces covering more than 20 cities and towns across Britain where the devices are on trial or about to be piloted.