Chris Peterson’s interest in sport wheelchairs began while working for a medical equipment provider in New York. His curiosity led him to become an expert in lightweight wheelchairs, eventually traveling the world to attend sporting events.

In 1985, Peterson moved to Florida to pursue his vision of designing sport-specific chairs. The following year, he and his partner George Murray, one of the most accomplished wheelchair racing athletes of all time, founded Top End. By 1988, the company expanded beyond racing wheelchairs to include basketball and everyday chairs, soon followed by rugby chairs.

Driven by his passion for cycling and fitness, Peterson introduced handcycles in 1990. Two years later, he designed the first sport-specific tennis wheelchair, earning multiple patents for his pioneering three-wheel design. Athlete feedback shaped many of these innovations, making Top End a trusted name in performance and adaptability.

In 1993, Top End joined Invacare Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of medical products that support recovery and active lifestyles. This partnership expanded engineering capacity and global reach, while maintaining Top End’s focus on precision and athlete-driven design.

Disclaimer: Invacare Top End sports wheelchairs are designed for sports and recreation use only and are not intended as daily mobility devices or for medical treatment.

Meet the Team

Top End’s strength lies in its people:

• Paul Schulte, three-time Paralympian, brings both athletic and engineering expertise to the design process.

• Dan Showman, with over 15 years of experience in complex rehab products, oversees manufacturing to ensure every chair or handcycle meets exacting standards.

• Katrina Piparo and the customer service team are dedicated to supporting athletes from consultation through delivery.

Behind the scenes, skilled teams in welding, upholstery, and assembly collaborate to deliver products tailored to individual athletes.

Facility

Top End’s production facility in Pinellas Park, Florida, first opened in 1992 and has since expanded to meet growing demand. Engineers, fabricators, order specialists, and quality assurance staff work under one roof, ensuring seamless collaboration.

While the facility itself is not open to the public, visitors may schedule appointments to view the showroom. Assistance is recommended for athletes wishing to test handcycles or racing chairs during visits.

Every product order undergoes a detailed review process. Orders are tracked from submission to delivery, with multiple checks to guarantee accuracy in customization and performance.

What to Expect in a Finished Product

Craftsmanship and quality assurance define every Top End product. Specialized welders focus on different product categories, from racing cycles to basketball chairs. Powder coating, curing, upholstery, and wheel assembly are all performed in-house to maintain precision.

If a product does not meet exact specifications during final quality checks, it is rebuilt entirely—reflecting Invacare Top End’s uncompromising commitment to athletes.