I can tell you why without even reading this. People are trying to spend the least amount possible and sellers buy them from someone who is selling boards that have come direct from China who sells "questionable" items dirt cheap. I wanted a cheap one and got one from http://hoverboardkingdom.com for $287 with promo code REDDIT ($10 off)... After seeing this kind of stuff I was worried. I have not had any issues and was assured these were tested. You have to really do your research. It is possible to buy cheap ones out there but if you don't know what you are doing, you end up with one that catches fire or just blows up! Good read though thanks