You might be able to make a more compact version of this using parts from Lego's older 9-volt system. This would include the micro-motor (serial number 2986/70823), a nine volt cable (serial number 5306bc015), and the original nine volt battery pack (serial number 4760c01/73955). This hypothetical set up would lack the same electrical power as the one you made, so it would have to be built without the Infrared receiver.
Wow, I immediately had to think of the possibility of a Suspended Powered Coaster with that System. Maybe even with programmed rotating seats like in ARTHUR THE RIDE at Europa-Park.