Friction motors

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Friction motors are simple mechanism to propel toy cars. The motor consists of a large flywheel which is connected to the drive wheels of the car via a very low gear ratio. The flywheel's axis is perpendicular to the direction the car is facing. When the car is pushed forward the drive wheels engage the flywheel. The flywheel stores the kinetic energy of the initial accelertaion and propel the toy car after it is released.^[1] These toys were especially popular in the 70s and 80s. Some utilised a "zip cord" which would directly accelerate the flywheel when it was pulled from the body of the vehicle.^[2]