A planar drive system (10) includes at least two stator modules (12) and a frame (14). Each of the stator modules (12) has a base body (16) with a transport surface (18) and a rear side (20) opposite the transport surface (18), and further a mounting plate (22) which is detachably mounted on the rear side (20) of the base body (16). The frame (14) includes a plurality of receptacles (24) for receiving a stator module (12), with the stator modules (12) insertable into the receptacles (24) of the frame (14) with the transport surface (18) forward and are lockable in the receptacle (24) by a locking mechanism (26). Also described is a method for the installation and removal of stator modules (12) in a planar drive system (10).