Electric Bikes - E-bike newbie

Today NPR did a story on e-bikes. I understand an e-bike is one with a variable boost to the crankshaft supplied by a battery-powered electric motor. I also learned this boost can be helpful getting over hillls without losing speed. However, I have never seen an e-bike nor a picture of one.

My questions are:

(1) Can an electric boost be added to my recumbent bike, or is an e-bike something that has to be bought and used as-is?

(2) How much weight would such an electric boost cost me?

electric-bikes.com

You can add an electric assist to a recumbent.
Prices and weights vary.

Here (http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/e-bent/default.htm) are several examples.

Oh, here is a link to the NPR story.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93954541

(1) Can an electric boost be added to my recumbent bike, or is an e-bike something that has to be bought and used as-is?

(2) How much weight would such an electric boost cost me?

(1) Yes. First my S & B was, then my TerraTrike was, then my EZ Tad was.

(2) My cost was $350. in 2001 for bolt-on kits, the Tad was $1200. in 2006 for a hub motor. All had batteries/chargers, controllers, installation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls1K8LSvf_E

www.youtube.com/luc59457 (http://www.youtube.com/luc59457) look through the channel

Keep in mind that for the purposes of riding your bike, extra weight is not much of a problem if it's an e-bike. (it will make it more difficult to lift your bike off the ground though!)

Basically, if the weight is really too much on an uphill, then just turn on the power assist. If you want exercise, don't use the power assist on flat ground... and don't use it on the uphills either if you want even more exercise.

Usually e-bike systems weigh from 20 pounds (if using lithium batteries) up to 50 pounds (if using lead acid batteries). That includes motor + battery, and a tiny bit of weight for controller and throttle.