Ran across this intriguing YouTube video purely by serendipity I wonder how long magnets can retain their magnetism used in this fashion? Obviously an improved mechanical design that would reduce wear and energenergy loss would be desired.
Dinky little magnetic motors like that are similar to paperclip electric motors--they can demonstrate the concept, but can't do any serious work. Research the Penderev motor if you want a serious workhorse engine. Somewhere on the net is a video of some Japanese investors seeing one in action. Before and after it ran they tore it down completely to prove there was no hidden power source. It runs at about 3500 rpm, and puts out a decent amount of torque. Here's clip I searched up. I just took the first one of a bunch. Perendev Magnetic Motor You'll have to go to the site to run the video.
It's an electric universe. Magnets never lose their magnetism. That is a fun, yet very inefficient, method for lighting that diode. Wires wrapped around (through) doughnut shaped magnets will perpetually light a small bulb. Had one as a kid that lasted for years before it got tossed.
Pop had been fussin with one of those designs for magnetic motor.. it is not driven off of the magnets alone. They require battery power to run.. Do a search on Newmans motor. Howard Johnsons work on magnetics..