Can you build a second one, paying the people involved at least minimum wage, and still sell it at a price someone is willing to pay?

I would say probably -- given the cost of 'bents - especially tadpole trike 'bents. Of course, there would be a minimum to break even to pay for startup capitol (stock, notching jig equipment, etc.).

You're absolutely right about the difference between product and prototype :P We're used to calling it the product because our customers (ASME and Senior Design Course) want a prototype :P Kind of like a one off model shop - they make model prototypes, which is their product :P

That is much different than the customers you'll have when mass producing :P Not to mention, a mass produced version would have a much higher quality as a proper jig (for mass production) would be fabricated for more repeatable results).

Do you have any idea of how much a hand-knit sweater is worth if you pay the knitter minimum wage?

I do :) My grandmother did - my mother quilts. The time involved is just gargantuan :P That's why they didn't/don't sell their creations and rather give them away or use/used themselves :p

No offense
None taken - it's a very good point for anyone that wants to bring something to the masses :)

where's the steering? hand levers on the front 2 wheels?
Yes, direct steering with sensitivity adjustment :)

what about building in adjustability? or will they have to be custom built for each "purchase"?
The boom length is adjustable with two quick release latches. So it fits most xseam sizes. And if we wanted to - we could make an extra long boom for very tall riders :) That silvery part is what slides (and clamps down) on another tube inside of it.

You're next question may be... what is Xseam? If you sit upright against a wall with your legs straight out -- the distance from the wall to the bottom of your feet :) This is not the same as inseam that you would normally use for "regular" bike fitment :)

basically -- but technically the small of your back will be against the back of a seat..... unless you sit upside down or your butt is located on your back :P

hehe :P Tadpole trikes have been around for awhile :P The used to be called slingshots (some older 'bent riders may still call them that) :) I think the speed record in the mid 60's (something like 65mph) was held on a tadpole trike :)

Check out this trike Catrike Speed. We got to meet the designer/builder at his shop. Now, we realize how genius his seat/space frame design is. When you sit down in it and apply pressure - it tightens up and stiffens the space frame.

So how much is it? :P

It's a one off... VERY EXPENSIVE. A lot of part were donated and re-used from last year, but we're talking on order of $3500. The gear hub is a Nexus 8 which was purchased last year for something like $450 -- which was "cost" from one of our sponsors :P

How easy is it going up a hill?
Cake -- going downhill is more fun. Going downhill and doing a 180 turn in less than 25' is even more fun :P

I can't take credit for this though ;) I was but a small fraction of the work that was put into this project (it's a senior design project). But I would give them an A for all of the work, testing etc. they have put into it :)