A material spreader assembly for the broadcast spreading of particulate material from the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A hopper for storing the particulate material is supported by a frame having a trailer hitch coupler for connection to the vehicle. A spreader including a spinner driven by an electric motor receives and disperses the particulate material. A control circuit receives electric current from the vehicle via a plug interface and a wiring harness and controls the operation of the spreader. A remote communicates user commands to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a motor control processor that controls a motor power relay and a motor driver to gradually ramp up the current supplied to the spreader for start up the spreader while preventing a high transient current draw spike. Component feedback sensors enable the motor control processor to provide an emergency shut off feature and warning signals.