mini rover with a rubber drive wheel

[truckin cowboy]

my kids have a acesports mini rover with a 3.5hp motor vertical shaft it has a rubber wheel that rubs against a pulley that drives its a terrible design because the rubber wheel wears out real fast. does any body have any suggestions on how to modify this and do away the rubber wheel. i thought about putting a horizontal shaft motor on it with a gear box and clutch .

 

[Blazkowiez]

Please post pictures to describe your problem, pictures make the world go round and make it easier for us to diagnose your situation.