Ok, I’m in the UK and can’t / won’t be buying one, but I have some suggestion if that’s ok?
For the handle, how about making it so that a mtb handlebar grip would fit on it? then it could be chosen by the new owner and would be unique - they are mega cheap too,come in leather, rubber, gel, foam etc etc.
Would also be good for colder climates. Maybe even get them anodised if it wasn’t massive hassle? Being an engineer I guess you may know a ‘plater’ anyway?
like these for example -
No offence ,just being 100% honest , I don’t like it , it looks odd ,it looks like something found at the back of the shed & it’s just makeshift until a proper one can be made.
No offense taken. It’s a prototype, quick and dirty if you will. The purpose is to test function and gauge interest only. A production version would be slimmed down and made pretty.