A drive device for a low-voltage circuit breaker comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth which are engaged by a transporting ratchet by a periodic back-and-forth motion of a cage having the transporting ratchet disposed thereon. A stepwise rotation of the ratchet wheel for cocking an energy accumulator is brought about by the motion of the cage. Upon the release of the energy accumulator, which may be a tension spring for closing switch contacts, the ratchet wheel rotates at high speed relative to the transporting ratchet. Damage to the cooperating parts of the ratchet wheel and transporting ratchet is prevented by a centrifugal force level which is supported in the ratchet wheel in a radially tiltable manner and which protrudes during the fast rotation of the ratchet wheel with a working surface of circular arc shape beyond the heads of the teeth, so that the transporting ratchet is kept away from the teeth. As soon as the ratchet wheel comes to a standstill, the centrifugal force disappears and the transporting ratchet comes into engagement again with one of the teeth under the influence of a bending spring.