[1650noob]

I was wondering if someone here could bite my curiousity? While continuing to take apart my 1650 I noticed something odd. When depressing the brake petal there is a small plate that closes a button under the drive shaft. It had a rubber covering on it that had dried and ripped open. Underneath the button there are two prongs were it looke like wires would connect to. Any idea what this is for?

Thanks,
Nathan