A stator assembly for use in an axial flux electric motor includes a plurality of tooth assemblies and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator bases that are each coupled to at least one tooth assembly. The stator assembly also includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced bridge members. Each bridge member is configured to engage a pair of circumferentially adjacent stator bases to apply an axial pre-load force to the pair of stator bases and to create a flux path between the adjacent stator bases.